Today, WardsAuto World named the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder to its annual “Ward’s 10 Best Interiors” list for 2013. The recently-redesigned Pathfinder is recognized for its comfortable, yet functional interior.
Vehicles are selected to the “Ward’s 10 Best Interiors” list after an intensive evaluation of dozens of nominated vehicles, each judged in areas such as materials, ergonomics, safety, the human-machine interface, comfort, fit and finish, aesthetics and overall value.
“Nissan really did its homework in developing the all-new interior for the Pathfinder,” said WardsAuto World magazine executive editor Tom Murphy. “It’s warm, inviting, spacious and ready for anything. From the thick, Berber carpet floor mats to the Dual Panorama Moonroof, the new Pathfinder is a fine example of graceful utility.”
The full “Ward’s 10 Best Interiors” feature will be available in the May issue of WardsAuto World and online at www.WardsAuto.com. The award will be presented during a ceremony in Dearborn, Mich., on May 22.
Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America said: “The completely-redesigned Pathfinder is Nissan’s most innovative Pathfinder ever. Combining the capability of an SUV with the comfort of a sedan for the entire family, the 2013 Pathfinder offers a tremendous amount of interior room and amenities to keep passengers of any age comfortable. Nissan is honored to receive this prestigious award and thanks WardsAuto World for the recognition.”
The all-new fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder seats up to seven passengers and boasts best-in-class passenger volume, best-in-class front headroom and legroom and class-exclusive reclining third row seats.* The Nissan EZ FlexTM Seating System allows the second row to move forward or backward up to 5 1/2 inches for easy access to the back row, even with a child seat installed. When carrying seven passengers, the Pathfinder still accommodates up to 16 cubic feet of cargo.

This most recent honor adds to an already impressive list of awards for Pathfinder this year. In February, MotorWeek announced the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder as their winner in the “Best Large Utility” category at the Chicago Auto Show. Additionally, Popular Mechanics named the Nissan Pathfinder “Most Versatile” in its 2013 Automotive Excellence Awards.

The Nissan Leaf is the cure for high gas prices. With a range of 80-120 miles most commuters could drive the totally electric Leaf every day and never have the need to fill up with gas again. With the starting price on the 2013 Leaf dropping by $6,400 from the 2012 model and the great lease deal Nissan is offering right now you could possibly make a profit by adding a Leaf to your family’s fleet. If you calculate your current monthly gasoline expense plus the cost of engine oil changes both of which you will never have with your new Leaf and look at the low lease payment you will probably have money left over its like making a profit to go electric.
This year Nissan is ramping up production of U.S. made Leaf electric cars and battery packs. Nissan since last October has had a highly automated factory at its sprawling manufacturing complex in Smyrna, Tenn. churning out 600-pound lithium-ion battery packs that fit into the bodies of Leafs assembled at the nearby vehicle assembly plant. The Smyrna battery plant is the largest lithium-ion auto battery factory in North America. Battery cell assembly lines and workers are clad in head-to-toe white jumpsuits handling battery components in low-humidity clean rooms. Lithium-ion batteries are tricky to build, and must age for several weeks before they can be charged and installed in a car.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note, which goes on sale at Nissan dealers in the United States in
Summer 2013, is the fourth of five all-new vehicles being introduced in 2012 and 2013. And
while some might think that the totally redesigned Altima, Pathfinder and Sentra are tough
acts for an entry-level hatchback to follow, they need only look at the breakthrough Versa
Note styling – and its list of available technology such as the segment’s first* Around View®
Monitor – to understand that “the year of innovation” pertains to all product segments, even
entry-level.
The all-new Versa Note, while sharing many attributes with the second-generation Versa
Sedan (introduced in 2012), has its own distinct look, feel and added hatchback utility. It
adds the Note designation for the new generation design, along with an extensive list of key
features such as:
• Energetic new exterior styling with steeply sloped windshield and sculpted body
panels
• Available Active Grille Shutter for enhanced fuel economy
• 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy (CVT-equipped models)
• Smart packaging and class-leading cargo space*, with available adjustable rear load
floor height
• Available NissanConnectSM with Navigation System with Hands-Free Text Messaging
Assistant, RearView Monitor and Around View® Monitor
• Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)** of $13,990 USD
The all-new Versa Note is offered in a range of grade levels: S, S Plus and SV, along with
top-of-the-line SL Packages. Each is equipped with an advanced 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder
engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control). The
Versa Note S features a 5-speed manual transmission, while the S Plus and SV models are
equipped with a standard next-generation Nissan Xtronic CVT® transmission. Fuel economy
for the front-wheel drive Versa Note is forecast to deliver a best-in-class-level of 40 mpg
Highway, 31 mpg City and 35 mpg Combined for CVT-equipped models.
Versa Note’s long list of standard and available equipment includes available Nissan
Intelligent Key®, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM
subscription required, sold separately), heated front seats and 16-inch aluminum-alloy
wheels.
Highlights of the 2014 Nissan Versa Note include:
Body
• Stylish 5-passenger hatchback with sporty, energetic exterior design
• Steeply sloped front windshield, sculpted front doors and aerodynamic character lines
• Long wheelbase (102.4 inches), short front and rear overhangs, wide opening rear doors
2/3
• Available Active Grille Shutter for improved aerodynamics and enhanced fuel economy
(CVT-equipped models)
• Body-color front and rear bumpers, door handles
• Large multi-reflector halogen headlights, rear combination lights with aero flares for
improved aerodynamics
• Available fog lights
• Body color dual remote-controlled outside mirrors
• Available heated side view mirrors
• 0.298 coefficient of drag (CVT-equipped models)
• Nissan PURE DRIVE™ badge
• Eight exterior colors: Metallic Peacock, MorningSky Blue, Metallic Blue, Red Brick,
Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Super Black and Aspen White
Engine and Driveline
• Front engine/front-wheel drive
• Nissan global “V” platform
• 109-horsepower 16-valve 1.6-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 107 lb-ft of
torque
• Advanced engine design with emphasis on enhanced fuel economy and emissions;
includes dual injector system that burns cleaner and uses less fuel than a conventional
single injector design; plus Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) on intake
and exhaust cycles
• Standard 5-speed manual transmission (S model)
• Available next-generation compact Nissan Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable
Transmission) with sub-planetary gear (S Plus, SV models)
• Fuel economy forecast at 31 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway, 35 mpg Combined (CVT)
Suspension, Steering and Braking
• Independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar
• Electric power steering
• Standard 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, 185/65HR15 all-season tires
• Available 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, 195/55HR16 all-season tires
• Low rolling resistance tires on CVT-equipped models
• Standard power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Interior Features
• Smart, user-friendly interior with innovative utility features and available advanced
technology
• Roomy, high quality interior with five passenger seating
• Large total interior volume – 115.5 cubic feet
• Best-in-class cargo space of 21.4 cubic feet
• Available innovative Divide-N-Hide® Adjustable Floor (rear cargo adjustable floor board)
• Cloth seat trim; available upgraded seat cloth and stitching
• Fine Vision instrumentation
• 4-way adjustable front bucket seats (S, S Plus); 6-way adjustable front bucket seats
with armrest (SV model)
• Available heated front seats
• Standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat
• Available rear seat armrest with cupholders
• Front door map pockets with bottle holder
3/3
• Dual front and rear cupholders
• 12-volt power outlet
• Available key-linked illuminated entry system
• Available front and rear power windows with driver’s one-touch down
• Available speed-sensing auto door locks, map light
• Standard AM/FM/CD/Aux-in audio system with 4 speakers
• Available AM/FM/CD/Aux-in audio system with 4 speakers, 4.3-inch display and USB
input with iPod® control
• Available leather-wrapped steering wheel with wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth®
controls
• Available cruise control
• Available NissanConnectSM with Navigation System with NavTraffic and NavWeather
(SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), POIs powered by Google™, Google™
Send-to-Car, Pandora® radio capability (iPhone® only), Streaming audio via Bluetooth®,
Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, and 5.8-inch color touch-screen display
• Available SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)
• Available integrated interface system for USB/iPod®
• Available Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition
• Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Available RearView Monitor
• First-in-segment available Around View® Monitor
• Two available interior colors: Charcoal and Wheat Stone
Safety and Security
• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air
bags)
• Standard seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags
• Standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
• Child safety rear door locks
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with available Easy-Fill Tire Alert
Models and Manufacturing
• Offered in a range of well-equipped grade levels: Versa Note Hatchback 1.6 S MT, 1.6 S Plus
CVT and 1.6 SV CVT
• Three available option packages: Convenience Package, SL Package and SL Tech Package
• Assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV, Aguascalientes, Mexico
# # #
* 2013 Ward’s Lower Small Segment. MY14 Versa Note vs. 2013 competitors.
Competitor cargo space volumes
from AutoPlanner.
** MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and destination charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, has ordered output of the Murano crossover shifted to Canton, Miss during the second half of 2014. The Murano will become the eighth model on Canton’s plate About 90 percent of Muranos are made at Nissan’s Kyushu plant in southwestern Japan and about 70 percent of that plant’s output was exported to the United States. The Murano is also assembled in China and Russia.
Nissan’s factory in Smyrna, Tenn., has just started commercial production of the electric Leaf and this year the Smyrna plant also will begin production of the Rogue crossover, which currently is imported from Japan.
51,675 Muranos were sold in the United States last year.

Nissan Motor Co. is off to the stock car races and will field four cars in Australia in the county’s V8 Supercar Championship starting in 2013 which is the Down Under’s version of NASCAR. The competition there has been dominated by only two vehicles the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore before Nissan’s entry. Nissan has historically done very well in every type racing they have competed in and certainly will become a factor in stock cars now. Hopefully we get a Nissan entry into NASCAR here in the states soon too since most of their products are built here now and the U.S. is such a huge market for Nissan.
“We are targeting No.1 importer status in Australia and already making progress towards that as one of the country’s fastest growing brands. V8 Supercars will boost that momentum,” Nissan Australia CEO Dan Thompson said in a statement of Nissan’s intentions.
Nissan hasn’t disclosed what body the Nissan race car will get but currently only offers one sedan the Maxima Down Under. Nissan Australia spokesman Jeffrey Fisher will only say it will be a four-door sedan that will feature in Nissan’s local lineup within the next two years.

– Latest Addition to the Nissan Commercial Vehicle Lineup Combines Innovative Ease-of-Use and Smart Design While Minimizing Cost of Ownership –
CHICAGO –
The all-new Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van, which makes its North American debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, is set to join the growing lineup of Nissan Commercial Vehicles in early 2013 at 300 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealerships nationwide. The NV200 follows the full-size Nissan NV Cargo, introduced in spring 2011, and the recently announced full-size Nissan NV Passenger that goes on sale this spring. The Nissan NV200 provides a new entry point for current cargo van and small pickup buyers looking for a compact, efficient alternative to their larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles.

“There is an increasing need for a ‘right-sized’ van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price – the exact sweet spots of the innovative new Nissan NV200,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet. “Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light – smart, innovative, and professional. NV200 does that and much more.”

While new to North America, the Nissan NV200 compact van is already in use in more than 40 countries around the world, receiving acclaim from both users and media alike for its optimal functionality and smart design. It won the 2010 International Van of the Year award in Europe, the 2010 Commercial Delivery Van (CDV) of the Year in China, and the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, a German organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. NV200 has also established a presence as the strong segment leader in Japan with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

“Our global success provides a great foundation for the North American version, which we know will become an essential tool for business,” added Castelli.

High Volume in a Small Footprint, Exceptional Ease of Use
As the next “innovation for business,” NV200 offers a large cargo capacity of 123 cubic feet (estimated using SAE J1100 rev 2009) with a small exterior footprint. Unique for North America, the NV200 body has been extended 7.9 inches (200 mm) versus the models sold in other global markets. This longer body length offers additional cargo carrying capability for North American customers.

Measuring just 186.2 inches in overall length, on a 115.2-inch wheelbase, NV200 is highly maneuverable in traffic and negotiating city parking spaces. Yet it allows for a 1,500-pound (estimated) maximum payload. The cargo area dimension between the efficiently designed wheelhouses allows for loading standard U.S. 40×48-inch pallets. Added utility is provided by the standard integrated mounting points, which allow installation of racks and shelves without drilling into the sidewalls, and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area.

NV200’s exterior design features a Nissan signature front grille, aerodynamic front end design, and functional cabin design. The large body side includes low-effort dual sliding side doors and large areas for business signage and graphics. In the rear, NV200 features tall 40/60 split opening doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees). The low floor height and tall interior cargo height aid easy loading and unloading. Other exterior features include halogen headlights, durable black front and rear bumpers, and outside mirrors with wide-angle spotter mirrors and available heated function.

“In many ways, choosing a new work van is like finding a new business partner. Beyond the basic necessities, it must instill trust that it can always get the job done – and that you are comfortable with for many years,” said Castelli. “In that regard, along with the innovative cargo area features, NV200’s interior is designed to offer comfort and convenience day in and day out.”

The driver-focused cockpit includes both comfort and functional features. The driver’s seat is 6-way adjustable with manual lumbar and armrest and is designed for durability with outboard vinyl wear patches. NV200 offers “Mobile Office” functionality with a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cupholders. Recessed storage areas are provided on the upper instrument panel for folders and documents. In addition the passenger seat folds down to serve as a worktop or extends the cargo space for hauling longer items.

Power windows with auto up/down are standard. A 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel is standard, along with an available 12-volt power point in rear of center console. There is also a passenger-side underseat storage tray, drive computer, battery saver feature, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers.

Available technology includes a Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth® wireless communications, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor, and telematics pre-wiring (Nissan Fleet Tracker).

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection, front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Efficiency and Affordability
The 2013 Nissan NV200 is built on Nissan’s proven compact commercial platform and features an efficient 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The engine is matched with a responsive and efficient Xtronic CVT® transmission.

The suspension utilizes independent struts and stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear. Front disc/rear drum brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard, along with electric power-assisted steering and 15-inch steel wheels mounted with 185/60R15 high-load all-season tires.

“The Nissan NV200 is designed as a durable work tool, with features such as the seating wear patches, low-effort sliding side doors and wide-opening rear doors,” adds Castelli. “And since we fully understand how vans like this are used in business, it’s also a very pleasant vehicle to drive and use as a mobile office.”

One other key element of NV200, built in from the earliest planning, is low total cost of ownership. The 2013 Nissan NV200 will have a competitive price, excellent fuel efficiency, and reduced upfitting costs (due to the standard integrated mounting points), all of which will provide business owners with a low total cost of ownership.

Two Well-Equipped Models
Two well-equipped models are available, Nissan NV200 S and Nissan NV200 SV in a choice of five exterior colors, matched with a gray cloth interior.

In addition to the long list of standard features on the NV200 S, the SV model adds power heated outside mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking feature, remote keyless entry with two key fobs, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, rear cargo floor mat, additional 12V power point in the rear of the center console, six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area, and full wheel covers.

Several option packages will be available, including rear door glass; an Exterior Appearance Package with body-color bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors and chrome grille; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; and a Technology Package with Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

The new Nissan NV200 will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico and available through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.

If you’ve been considering replacing your current cargo van or pickup truck, here’s something for you to consider as we approach the end of the year. Before you read any further, I want to make it clear that LeBlanc Nissan does not or is not offering tax advice.

A tax change was implemented in the fall of 2010 called the Small Business Jobs Act that offers a significant tax savings incentive for small businesses to invest in new equipment as outlined by the IRS in Section 179. LeBlanc Nissan is not in the business of offering tax advice, however, we would like to suggest that you consult your accountant and tax advisor concerning IRS Section 179 and accounting procedures that may have some significant tax advantages for your business to consider.

What is a Section 179 Deduction?

Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code allows certain businesses to deduct, for the current tax year 2011, the full purchase price of financed or leased equipment like Nissan Vans (NVs). The equipment can be purchased or leased and be within the specified dollar limits of Section 179. The equipment must be placed into service in the same tax year that the deduction is taken. For example: For 2011, this means the equipment or NV purchase must be put into service between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Here’s an easy example using the purchase of a vehicle with a capitalized cost of $30,000. (Note: An NV costs between $25,000 and $32,000…depending on model and equipment options.)

Possible Section 179 Depreciation Deduction:

Cost of Equipment: $ 30,000
Section 179 Depreciation Deduction: $ 30,000
50% Bonus Deprecation Deduction (on any remaining First Amount over $500,000): $ 0
Regular First Year Deduction: $ 0
Total First Year Deductions: $ 30,000
Cash Savings on your Equipment Purchase (assuming a 35% tax bracket): $ 10,500
Effective Cost of Equipment after Tax Savings: $ 19,500

This does not mean the vehicle must be paid in full or in cash during 2011! The vehicle can be financed or leased and you may qualify for additional tax savings according to Financial Accounting Standards 12 along with the Section 179 deduction with the IRS.

Also, I want to let you know that Nissan is offering special financing and a $700 rebate on all NVs through the end of the year.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported September U.S. sales of 92,964 units versus 74,205 units a year earlier, an increase of 25.3 percent. Nissan Division sales increased 28.2 percent for the month with 84,485 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles increased 2.1 percent from the prior year, to 8,479 units.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
•Nissan vehicles posted September sales of 84,485 units, an increase of 28.2 percent over the 65,900 units sold in September 2010.
•Strong combined sales of Nissan cars – including the Altima, Sentra, Maxima, and Versa – were up 32.3 percent versus the prior year at 55,751 units, setting a September record for total car sales.
•Versa saw a record September, with sales of 11,800 units increasing 68.1 percent over the prior year – helped by a strong start for the all-new Versa sedan, which had its first full month of sales in September.
•Strong sales of the Nissan Altima continue, with 24,356 units marking a September increase of 21.7 percent over the prior year, while Maxima sales jumped 26.3 percent to 6,133 units.
•The Rogue crossover vehicle continues to gain momentum, with sales of 10,740 units marking a 29.1 percent increase over last year – also a record September.
•Sales of the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF totaled 1,031 units in September, with total sales of 7,217 units of the innovative, zero-emissions vehicle since its December 2010 U.S. debut.

Will be meeting with the Nissan Corporate folks in New Orleans today and would like to hear from everybody on what you may want me to address on products, pricing, warranty, sales, service or anything Nissan could improve on. Any suggestions or ideas will be appreciated.

– Well-Equipped Second-Generation Design Features Lowest M.S.R.P. in America at $10,990 –

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced pricing for the all-new, totally redesigned Nissan Versa Sedan – with the lowest starting M.S.R.P.* in America** at just $10,990. Rather than a stripped-down entry-level vehicle at that price, the Versa Sedan 1.6 S 5MT includes standard air conditioning, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, AM/FM/CD/Aux-in audio system and an advanced 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with dual injector system and twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC). Versa Sedan fuel economy is estimated at 33 mpg Combined with the CVT transmission.

The new 2012 Versa Sedan is available in three models – 1.6 S, 1.6 SV and 1.6 SL – and is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early August. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan models include:
Model/Engine/Transmission
Versa Sedan 1.6 S 5MT $10,990 USD
Versa Sedan 1.6 S CVT $12,760 USD
Versa Sedan 1.6 SV CVT $14,560 USD
Versa Sedan 1.6 SL CVT $15,560 USD

About the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan
The 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan is designed to redefine compact car value – giving buyers everything they want and need in one stylish package, including the utilization of smart technology to create a next generation eco-drivetrain delivering responsive performance, high MPG and lower CO2 emissions***.

The all-new front-wheel drive global “V” platform, designated “V” for Versatile, utilizes nearly 20 percent fewer platform components and weighs around 150 pounds less than the previous “B” platform. The second-generation 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine includes a range of cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the most advanced powerplants in its class. For example, the new Versa Sedan engine is equipped with two streamlined injectors mounted near the inlet valve for each cylinder. This dual injector system allows a wider injection of fuel, with the smaller nozzles delivering a finer spray (approximately 57 percent finer than the previous generation single injector design’s particle size) to help achieve more complete combustion.

The new compact, lighter weight engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system mounted on both intake and exhaust ports (conventionally mounted only on the intake port), similar to the system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. The engine is rated at 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque.

The 2012 Versa Sedan is available with a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S model only) and with a next-generation Xtronic CVT™ transmission. The CVT allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their diameter by using hydraulic pressure. This new CVT design adds an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping enhance efficiency. It also features a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, which is broader than those of conventional CVTs and even typical 7-speed automatic transmissions. The result is fuel economy for the 2012 Versa Sedan estimated at 30 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway and 33 mpg Combined with the CVT transmission (27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual transmission).

The Versa Sedan’s new exterior design is also a departure from most current compact sedans, offering a refreshing design character that is both sophisticated and highly aerodynamic. Inside, the sophisticated styling theme continues with an open, airy, high-quality look and feel – including available upgraded cloth, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and Fine Vision instrumentation. The new Versa Sedan’s long list of standard and available equipment includes available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and an in-dash 5-inch touch-screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic® (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and USB input for iPod® and other compatible devices.

Along with the long list of standard equipment for each trim level, packaging has been simplified to make the shopping experience easier for customers. Among the available 2012 Versa Sedan optional equipment packages are a Convenience Package (1.6 S CVT), Convenience Package (1.6 SV) and Tech Package (1.6 SL).

The 2012 Nissan Versa is also available in a 5-door Versa Hatchback version, which receives only minor refinements for the new model year. It is scheduled to go on sale July 17, 2011. Full information and pricing will be available at that time on NissanNews.com.