Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa: generations: what actually changed when you pick a year

Treat restyling as a later slice of the same generation, not a new generation. Production in this catalogue runs from 2006-06-01. 3 generation restyling (from 2022-10-01) has stop not measured.

Treat restyling as a later slice of the same generation, not a new generation. Production in this catalogue runs from 2006-06-01. 3 generation restyling (from 2022-10-01) has stop not measured.

1 generation (2006-06-01 to 2012-11-30), Sedan, 3 versions. This is the only generation with a 1.8-litre engine. 1.8 CVT is 124 hp (91 kW) at 5200 rpm, 172 Nm (rpm not measured), 1797 cm³, compression 9.9, bore × stroke 84 × 81.1, Variable gearbox, gears not measured, engine location not measured, fuel grade not measured. 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT share 122 hp (90 kW) at 5200 rpm, 161 Nm at 4400 rpm, 1769 cm³, bore × stroke 88 × 80, compression not measured, Front, transverse, fuel 95. 1.8 MT is Manual, 5 gears; 1.8 AT is Automatic, 4 gears. Power per litre: 124 / 1.797 ≈ 69.0 hp/l on 1.8 CVT; 122 / 1.769 ≈ 69.0 hp/l on 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT. Specific output is almost identical; the CVT row is the one that adds 2 hp and 11 Nm, on a 28 cm³ larger displacement. Kerb weight: 1.8 CVT 1260 kg (10.16 kg/hp), 1.8 MT 1235 kg (10.12 kg/hp), 1.8 AT kerb not measured. Gross: 1.8 CVT 1710 kg; 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT gross not measured. Tank: 1.8 CVT 50 l; 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT tank not measured. Ground clearance on all three: 160 mm. 0–100, top speed, city/highway/mixed mpg: not measured on all three. Eco class: not measured. Wheels: not measured.

2 generation (2011-10-01 to 2014-02-28) and 2 generation restyling (2014-03-01 to 2019-03-31), Sedan, 3 + 3 versions, all named 1.6. Engine shrinks to about 1.6 litres. Pre-restyling: 110 hp (81 kW) at 6000 rpm, 147 Nm at 4000 rpm, 1596 cm³, compression 9.5, 76 × 88, Front, transverse, fuel 95, Distributed injection (multi-point). Restyling: 109 hp (80 kW) at 6000 rpm, 146 Nm at 4400 rpm, 1598 cm³, compression 9.8, 78 × 83.6, same layout and fuel, Euro 5. That is −1 hp, −1 Nm, +2 cm³, torque peak 400 rpm later, compression +0.3. Power per litre: 110 / 1.596 ≈ 68.9 hp/l before restyling; 109 / 1.598 ≈ 68.2 hp/l after — slightly less specific output, not more.

The restyling is not a power upgrade. It is a weight and tank change. Pre-restyling 1.6 MT is 1203 kg; restyling 1.6 MT is 1073 kg (−130 kg). Pre-restyling 1.6 AT 1214 kg versus restyling 1.6 AT 1099 kg (−115 kg). Pre-restyling 1.6 CVT 1260 kg versus restyling 1.6 CVT 1106 kg (−154 kg). kg/hp on restyling 1.6 MT: 1073 / 109 ≈ 9.84, better than pre-restyling 1.6 MT 1203 / 110 ≈ 10.94 even though power dropped by 1 hp. Tank falls from 50 l to 40 l (−10 l). Ground clearance falls from 160 mm to 150 mm (−10 mm). Gross weight: 1710 kg before restyling versus 1539 kg (1.6 MT, 1.6 CVT) or 1515 kg (1.6 AT) after. Front brakes go from Disc to Ventilated disc. Rear stays Drum. Wheels appear only after restyling: 185/65 R15 and 195/55 R16. Rear suspension on restyling: Semi-independent, spring (pre-restyling rear suspension not measured).

3 generation (2019-04-01 to 2022-09-30) and 3 generation restyling (from 2022-10-01, stop not measured), Sedan, 2 + 2 versions. Automatic disappears. You choose only 1.6 MT (Manual, 5) or 1.6 CVT (Variable, gears not measured). Both are 122 hp (89 kW) at 6300 rpm, 155 Nm at 4000 rpm, 1598 cm³, compression 10.4, 78 × 83.6, Front, transverse, fuel 95, Distributed injection (multi-point), boost No. Versus 2 generation restyling’s 109 hp / 146 Nm / compression 9.8 on the same 1598 cm³ and the same 78 × 83.6 bore × stroke: +13 hp, +9 Nm, compression +0.6, peak power 300 rpm later, peak torque 400 rpm earlier than the restyled 2 generation’s 4400 rpm. Power per litre: 122 / 1.598 ≈ 76.3 hp/l — the densest specific output in the catalogue, about 8 hp/l above the 1.6 rows of 2 generation.

Kerb weight on all four 3 generation rows is 1180 kg; kg/hp = 1180 / 122 ≈ 9.67, the best ratio in the set. Versus restyling 2 generation 1.6 MT (1073 kg, 109 hp): you pay 107 kg more kerb for 13 hp more, and kg/hp still improves (9.67 versus 9.84). Ground clearance rises to 172 mm (+22 mm versus restyling 2 generation’s 150 mm, +12 mm versus 1 generation and early 2 generation’s 160 mm). Tank stays 40 l. Gross 1571 kg. Wheels: 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 205/50 R17. Front: Ventilated disc. Rear brakes are the split inside 3 generation: Disc on 3 generation 1.6 MT and 1.6 CVT; Drum on 3 generation restyling 1.6 MT and 1.6 CVT. Eco class: not measured. CO2: not measured.

Engine and specs table (every version, exact names)

Same name, different horsepower: 1.6 MT is 110 hp (2 generation), 109 hp (2 generation restyling), or 122 hp (both 3 generation slices). 1.6 CVT is 110, 109, or 122 hp on the same pattern. 1.6 AT exists only at 110 hp then 109 hp; it is not in 3 generation.

Performance, mpg, gas mileage: the gearbox arithmetic

0–100 km/h and top speed are measured on exactly two rows. 2 generation 1.6 MT: 11.1 s and 186 km/h. 2 generation 1.6 AT: 12.6 s and 170 km/h. The Automatic costs 1.5 s to 100 km/h and 16 km/h of top speed against the Manual of the same generation and the same 110 hp / 147 Nm engine. Every other version: 0–100 not measured, top speed not measured. Do not treat silence as “no such figure exists”; it was not measured here.

Fuel (l/100 km, city / highway / mixed) where measured:

• 2 generation 1.6 MT: 8.9 / 5.7 / 6.7. 1.6 AT: 10 / 5.9 / 7.4. 1.6 CVT: city, highway, mixed all not measured.
• 2 generation restyling 1.6 MT: 8.7 / 6.5 / 7.8. 1.6 AT: 9 / 6.7 / 7.8. 1.6 CVT: 7.6 / 5.9 / 6.7.
• 3 generation 1.6 MT: 8.7 / 6.7 / 7.8. 1.6 CVT: 7.4 / 5.9 / 6.7.
• 3 generation restyling 1.6 MT: 8.7 / 6.7 / 7.8. 1.6 CVT: 8.7 / 6.7 / 7.8.
• All 1 generation versions: city, highway, mixed not measured.

On 2 generation restyling, 1.6 AT versus 1.6 MT: +0.3 city, +0.2 highway, mixed equal at 7.8; kerb +26 kg (1099 versus 1073). 1.6 CVT versus 1.6 MT: −1.1 city, −0.6 highway, −1.1 mixed, kerb +33 kg (1106 versus 1073). The Variable gearbox is the economy pick in that restyling; the Automatic is not — mixed mpg does not improve, city and highway get slightly worse, and you carry 26 kg extra.

On 3 generation before restyling, 1.6 CVT versus 1.6 MT is cleaner still: same 1180 kg, −1.3 city (7.4 versus 8.7), −0.8 highway (5.9 versus 6.7), −1.1 mixed (6.7 versus 7.8). After the 2022-10-01 restyling, 1.6 CVT mixed consumption rises from 6.7 to 7.8 (+1.1), city from 7.4 to 8.7 (+1.3), highway from 5.9 to 6.7 (+0.8), matching 1.6 MT exactly. If mpg is the reason to buy Variable, 3 generation 1.6 CVT (2019-04-01 to 2022-09-30) is the measured case; 3 generation restyling 1.6 CVT does not keep that gap.

Range from tank × mixed where both exist (arithmetic only): restyling 2 generation 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT 40 / 7.8 × 100 ≈ 513 km; restyling 2 generation 1.6 CVT 40 / 6.7 × 100 ≈ 597 km; 3 generation 1.6 CVT the same 597 km; 3 generation 1.6 MT and both restyling 3 generation versions 40 / 7.8 × 100 ≈ 513 km. 2 generation 1.6 MT 50 / 6.7 × 100 ≈ 746 km; 2 generation 1.6 AT 50 / 7.4 × 100 ≈ 676 km. The 10-litre tank cut at restyling 2 generation is the range story, not the engine.

Horsepower by year people search: 2012 sits on 1 generation (122–124 hp) overlapping early 2 generation (110 hp). 2014–2019 restyling 2 generation is 109 hp. 3 generation from 2019-04-01 is 122 hp again, matching 1 generation 1.8 MT / 1.8 AT horsepower on 171 cm³ less displacement (1598 versus 1769).

Dimensions, weight, ground clearance, tank, wheels

Lightest kerb: 2 generation restyling 1.6 MT at 1073 kg. Heaviest among measured: 1260 kg on 1 generation 1.8 CVT and 2 generation 1.6 CVT. 3 generation is a middle weight at 1180 kg with more power. Payload (gross − kerb) where both exist: restyling 2 generation 1.6 MT 1539 − 1073 = 466 kg; 1.6 AT 1515 − 1099 = 416 kg; 1.6 CVT 1539 − 1106 = 433 kg; 2 generation 1.6 MT 1710 − 1203 = 507 kg; 1.6 AT 1710 − 1214 = 496 kg; 1.6 CVT 1710 − 1260 = 450 kg; 1 generation 1.8 CVT 1710 − 1260 = 450 kg; 3 generation all four 1571 − 1180 = 391 kg. If weight capacity is the buying filter, early 2 generation 1.6 MT at 507 kg payload is the high mark; 3 generation is the low mark at 391 kg.

Ground clearance: 160 mm (1 generation and 2 generation), 150 mm (2 generation restyling), 172 mm (3 generation and its restyling). Tank: 50 l (1 generation 1.8 CVT and all 2 generation pre-restyling); 40 l from restyling 2 generation onward; 1 generation 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT tank not measured. Wheels not measured on 1 generation and 2 generation pre-restyling; 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16 on restyling 2 generation; 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16 or 205/50 R17 on 3 generation. Front suspension everywhere Independent, spring. Rear Semi-independent, spring where measured (not measured on 1 generation 1.8 MT / 1.8 AT and all 2 generation pre-restyling).

Which version to choose

Buy 3 generation 1.6 CVT (2019-04-01 to 2022-09-30) if economy at equal weight is the point. Same 122 hp, 155 Nm, 1180 kg as 1.6 MT, mixed 6.7 versus 7.8, city 7.4 versus 8.7. That is the only pair in the catalogue where Variable and Manual share kerb weight and Variable still posts lower consumption. 0–100 not measured; top speed not measured.

Buy 3 generation 1.6 MT or 3 generation restyling 1.6 MT if you want the 76.3 hp/l engine and a Manual 5 without the restyling CVT’s mpg reset. Horsepower 122, torque 155 Nm, clearance 172 mm, kg/hp 9.67. Mixed 7.8, tank 40 l. Restyling 1.6 MT is the same on those numbers; the measured change versus pre-restyling 3 generation is rear brakes Drum instead of Disc.

Do not buy 3 generation restyling 1.6 CVT for mpg. It is 122 hp and 1180 kg like the earlier CVT, but mixed 7.8, city 8.7, highway 6.7 — identical to 1.6 MT. You lose the Variable economy gap that 3 generation 1.6 CVT actually measured.

Buy 2 generation restyling 1.6 MT if lowest kerb weight is the point. 1073 kg, 109 hp, 9.84 kg/hp, Euro 5, Ventilated disc front, 150 mm clearance, 40 l tank. 0–100 not measured. Versus 2 generation 1.6 MT: −130 kg, −1 hp, tank −10 l, clearance −10 mm, mixed 7.8 versus 6.7 (worse mixed than the heavier pre-restyling Manual).

Buy 2 generation restyling 1.6 CVT if you stay in 2014–2019 and want the lowest measured consumption in that restyling. 7.6 / 5.9 / 6.7 versus 1.6 MT 8.7 / 6.5 / 7.8, at +33 kg. 1.6 AT in the same restyling does not buy economy: mixed stays 7.8, city 9 versus 8.7.

Buy 2 generation 1.6 MT (2011-10-01 to 2014-02-28) if you need the only measured sprint and the larger tank. 11.1 s, 186 km/h, 50 l, mixed 6.7, payload 507 kg. 1.6 AT of the same generation is the measured slower twin: 12.6 s, 170 km/h, mixed 7.4, +11 kg (1214 versus 1203). 1.6 CVT of that generation has mpg not measured, 0–100 not measured, and is the heaviest 1.6 at 1260 kg.

Buy 1 generation 1.8 CVT if peak torque and peak horsepower in this catalogue matter more than a 1.6’s later specific output. 124 hp, 172 Nm, 1797 cm³, 1260 kg, 50 l, 160 mm. mpg not measured, 0–100 not measured, fuel grade not measured, engine location not measured. 1.8 MT is 2 hp and 11 Nm down, 25 kg lighter (1235 kg), Manual 5; 1.8 AT matches 1.8 MT on power and torque but kerb, tank, gross, mpg, 0–100 are not measured — the Automatic 1.8 is the least documented row in the set.

Reliability, problems, engine oil, mounts, swaps, hatchback, Versa Note, 2025/2026 horsepower: not measured in this data. Every Nissan Versa here is FWD Sedan, Gasoline, Inline 4, boost No. The buying difference is 109 versus 110 versus 122 versus 124 hp, 40 versus 50 l, 150 versus 160 versus 172 mm, Manual versus Automatic versus Variable, and whether the Variable you are looking at still shows a mixed figure below the Manual’s 7.8.