What does the 2022 Nissan Versa have to do with the fundamentals of economics? Our consumer-based economy operates on supply and demand. Nissan supplies the Versa to meet the demands of drivers, right? Yes, but there’s a little more to it than that.
Our consumer-based economy operates on supply and demand where manufacturers provide goods (supply) essential to sustaining our quality of life (demand). All too often, however, we assume that the quality of life we want is unattainable or unaffordable. The proverbial glass ceiling misleads us into believing that we can’t have what we want, which is, essentially, to have our cake and eat it too.
The 2022 Nissan Versa is the exception. It’s the perfect example of a product that not only allows you to enjoy the life you’ve always wanted but to do so without spending a fortune. Here’s how the 2022 Versa breaks the glass ceiling and flips the script to prove that having it all is entirely possible in our consumer-driven economy.
A Better Product for a Lower Cost
It’s human nature to assume that having anything nice means paying a hefty price. For years, big brands have pushed this belief with luxury items that are an outward symbol of wealth with sky-high price tags. Think designer handbags and imported sports cars. Another assumption is that paying too little for anything means sacrificing quality and reliability. So let’s re-educate ourselves on the matter and rewrite the rulebook while we’re at it.
The starting MSRP for the 2022 Nissan Versa is easily affordable at $15,180. Last year, financial experts estimated that the average price of a small sedan was over $23,000. The cost of the Versa is almost one-third of the national average, meaning that Nissan provides vital consumer goods at a price that undercuts some of its biggest competitors. And that’s something that you don’t see every day.
When compared to some of the other compact cars in its class, the cost-effectiveness and quality of the Nissan Versa are easy to see. It’s less expensive than models like the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent but slightly more than the Chevrolet Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage. Buying the Versa, then, means investing in a vehicle that’s effective and affordable. And as you’ll soon see, cost-effectiveness doesn’t imply lower quality, nor should it.
Performance for Pennies
The common belief is that a lower sticker price means lower quality or poor performance. We assure you this is not the case, and the Versa proves as much. Nissan equips the 2022 Versa with a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine. On the entry-level Versa S, the four-cylinder is paired to a five-speed manual transmission, an economical option that delivers better fuel efficiency and gives the driver more control over the vehicle. The rest of the Versa lineup comes with Nissan’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) that balances performance and efficiency and is ideal for drivers who favor an automatic transmission.
For those unfamiliar with the advantages of a CVT, here’s a brief lesson in engineering. A CVT always runs at peak performance and continuously shifts gears while maintaining the same engine speed. This makes for faster acceleration and more efficient fuel consumption, especially when driving within city limits. CVTs are also lighter than a typical automatic transmission, reducing the vehicle’s overall weight. Despite these differences, CVTs tend to last just as long as their traditional counterparts with an average lifespan of 100,000 miles.
When it comes to the Versa’s fuel economy, a combined average of 35 MPG is excellent and well above the previous year’s average of 24.9 MPG. Because of this, the Versa ranks among the most fuel-efficient vehicles outside the electric vehicle segment. Moreover, with its highly effective fuel economy and CVT, the Versa is an outstanding sedan for city and suburban dwellers. As traffic in these areas is often stop-and-go, an effective four-cylinder engine equipped with a CVT can be advantageous when it comes to performance and when it’s time to fill up the tank.
Safety
As we’ve already seen, the 2022 Nissan Versa is highly capable in terms of providing exceptional performance, being cost-effective, and saving you money at the pump. Of course, these factors are important to consider when purchasing any vehicle. But, we can’t overstate the importance of safety—having the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re safe and sound while traveling on the road of life is something you can’t put a price tag on.
First and foremost, potential buyers will be pleased to know that the Nissan Versa received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA’s safety rating is government-mandated testing that’s been in place for all vehicles since 1979. As a whole, the NHTSA tests and ranks vehicles in terms of industry-wide safety standards, giving buyers vital information regarding their safety behind the wheel.
Nissan prioritizes your safety and outfits the Versa with many standard and available safety features across its three-trim lineup. For example, every model comes with cruise control, forward collision warning, emergency braking, and lane departure warning. In addition, top-tier trims like the Versa SR feature Nissan’s advanced Intelligent Driver Alertness. This tool monitors the driver’s steering patterns for alertness or lack of attention. In no way does it replace a conscientious and responsible driver or their experience; instead, it ensures a driver’s focus and minimizes the potential of hazardous driving conditions.
Also standard on all trim levels is Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). Mandatory on all Nissan and Infiniti models since 2012, these driver-assist tools help you maintain control of the Versa in adverse weather conditions by maximizing traction and minimizing the potential for wheel slippage. Nissan only recommends disabling the features if the Versa gets stuck in deep snow or mud.
The Affordable Economics of Availability
Nissan abides by the basic economic principles of supply and demand. The Versa, however, proves even more than that. It’s proof that Nissan is acutely aware of what drivers want and need in a vehicle. As a result, Nissan not only delivers but does so in a way that shatters the glass ceiling and proves that drivers can have it all–a versatile and affordable vehicle that enhances their quality of life without costing a fortune.
The Versa maintains a competitive edge in the industry. Its affordable price tag guarantees as much as does its expansive suite of features that range from connectivity, safety, and driver-assist tools to modern luxuries and conveniences. Because of this, the 2022 Nissan Versa is successfully flipping the script in the industry by proving that a lower price doesn’t negate quality, performance, or innovation.
In a world of supply and demand, Nissan supplies exactly what drivers want and need at an affordable price. In turn, the Versa is not only a practical and more economical purchase, but it’s an investment in a more sustainable future on the road. You don’t need a Ph.D. in economics to see that; a test drive can tell you everything you need to know and show you why Nissan has your best interests in mind when you get behind the wheel of the 2022 Versa.
