2015 Nissan Versa Sedan to debut at New York - we have specs

Nissan will be unveiling the new 2015 Versa Sedan at the New York show next week. The sedan's sibling, the Versa Note, was introduced for 2014, so an update of the Sedan was required. This update not only brings the Versa Sedan up to date in styling, but adds several enhancements that will make it a segment leader, including sporting the lowest MSRP in the United States.

The sub-compact segment is very competitive. "Versa Sedan is the entry point for the dynamic Nissan sedan lineup, attracting many first-time new car buyers to the brand," said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "It's critical that we keep Versa's look and feel fresh and its value equation high, with a rewarding driving and ownership experience."

For four years now, the Nissan Versa has been the best-selling vehicle in its segment, so keeping it fresh is important to the car's success as Nissan's entry-level vehicle. To do that, the 2015 model year sees several updates for both the interior and exterior, including a new model grade and package content options.

The most obvious changes, looking at the photo above, are to the front fascia. The headlights are larger, chrome plating can be seen on the grille, and an overall more substantial look are given to the car. This brings it into line with Nissan's sedan series (Sentra, Altima, Maxima).

Closer inspection sees that the fog light surrounds have changed, the side mirrors are slightly elongated (with turn signals integrated, we're told, in the SL trim), and new V-spoke wheels were added. The latter are on the SV model trim. The rear fascia has also changed to match the other sedans in the lineup.

Inside, the steering wheel is larger to improve ergonomics and the center stack has been redone to become similar to what's found in the Versa Note (white LEDs instead of orange, better instrumentation). Overall updates are aimed towards a higher quality look and feel.

Interior space and cargo room have not changed from the current model to the 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan. They are still more than ample at 90.2 cubic feet and 14.9 cubic feet respectively. The Versa has always sported one of the largest back seats in the segment, which is now 60/40 fold as standard in most trim levels.

The engine and powertrain have not changed, still sporting the tried-and-true 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (109 horsepower, 107 lb-ft of torque). That can be mated to a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or next-generation Xtronic transmission. The Xtronic offers the best fuel economy at 35 mpg combined while the manual and automatic have 30 mpg combined.

The new starting MSRP for the 2015 Versa Sedan is only $11,990, plus destination - the lowest price in the segment.