Sentra's growth upmarket made room for the new Versa as Nissan's new entry-level car. It first touched down in North America as a hatchback last summer, and now has been joined by a four-door sedan sibling. Both are based on Nissan-Renault's global "B" platform, which also supports the Renault Clio in Europe. Like the 5-door, the 4-door is bigger in both engine size (1.8 litres) and body length (4.4 m) than the subcompacts more typical of the entry-level segment. In both passenger and (especially) trunk space the sedan is roomier than many cars in the next-size-up compact segment. The interior is well finished, too, with soft-touch trim materials, and big, comfy seats. The all-new MR18DE engine is tuned for low- and mid-range torque, but thanks to its large displacement its 122 hp is still the highest in the segment. Transmission choices include the segment's only 6-speed manual or, depending on the trim level, 4-speed or continuously-variable (CVT) automatics; the latter provides the best fuel-economy of the three, at least according to official government tests. To drive, Versa is quiet, comfortable and smooth, but not very sporty. Both the 1.8S and 1.8SL have six airbags, and ABS is available as a stand-alone option on the S (it's standard on the SL). Other options not usually offered in this segment include a Bluetooth hands-free phone system and a Rockford-Fosgate 6-CD audio system with wheel-mounted controls.

A small car that thinks it's a big one

Not the most fun you can have in a small car