The Nissan Versa III, produced from 2019 to 2022, represents the third generation of Nissan’s subcompact sedan. Primarily marketed in North America, the Versa III aimed to provide an affordable and fuel-efficient transportation option for budget-conscious buyers. This generation marked a significant step forward in design and technology compared to its predecessors, offering a more refined interior and a suite of standard safety features. The 1.6i model, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine and Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), was a popular configuration within the Versa III lineup.
Nissan Versa III 1.6i: An Overview
The Versa III was designed to appeal to first-time car buyers, small families, and those seeking a practical and economical daily driver. It competed with other subcompact sedans like the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent. The North American market received a distinct version of the Versa compared to other global markets, featuring a more spacious interior and a focus on value. The introduction of the Xtronic CVT aimed to improve fuel efficiency and provide a smoother driving experience.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nissan Versa III 1.6i is the HR16DE 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 122 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 155 Nm (114.32 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. While not designed for outright performance, the HR16DE provides adequate power for everyday driving situations. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) to optimize efficiency and responsiveness.
Paired with the HR16DE is Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, an automatic transmission that utilizes a belt and pulley system to provide a seamless and continuously variable gear ratio. This contributes to improved fuel economy compared to traditional automatic transmissions. The Versa III 1.6i achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l). The weight-to-power ratio of 9.9 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7.8 kg/Nm indicate a reasonable balance between engine output and vehicle weight.
Design & Features
The Nissan Versa III adopted a more contemporary and stylish design language compared to previous generations. The sedan body style offers seating for five passengers and features four doors for convenient access. The exterior design incorporates Nissan’s “Energetic Flow” design philosophy, characterized by flowing lines and a dynamic front fascia.
Inside, the Versa III offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its class. The interior design prioritizes practicality and functionality, with a focus on user-friendly controls and comfortable seating. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system. Later models often included a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Safety features were also a key focus, with standard equipment including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and multiple airbags. The Versa III aimed to provide a well-rounded package of features for its price point.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Versa |
| Generation | Versa III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i (122 Hp) Xtronic CVT |
| Start of production | August, 2019 |
| End of production | October, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 122 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4400 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | HR16DE |
| Engine displacement | 1597 cm3 (97.45 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, CVTCS |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1202-1238 kg (2649.96 – 2729.32 lbs.) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4496 mm (177.01 in.) |
| Width | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Height | 1455-1466 mm (57.28 – 57.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2619 mm (103.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1506-1519 mm (59.29 – 59.8 in.) |
| Rear track | 1514-1529 mm (59.61 – 60.2 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29-0.32 |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission Xtronic CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16; 205/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15; 6.0J x 16; 6.5J x 17 |
The Nissan Versa III 1.6i (2019-2022) offered a compelling value proposition in the subcompact sedan segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and available features made it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the Versa III provided reliable and economical transportation for a wide range of drivers.
