Nissan had previously released preview sketches of its next-generation subcompact model, but had shied away from announcing an exact venue for its introduction. Officials now tell us, however, that the new model will make its first public introduction in NYC.
2012 Nissan VersaFurther details are still under strong lock and key, but we wouldn't be surprised if the new model -- which may or may not retain the Versa name -- bears a strong resemblance to a new subcompact sedan Nissan recently launched in another corner of the world. The Sunny, which was introduced at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China last month, not only appears to be the splitting image of the Versa teaser, but also rides upon Nissan's new global V-platform. First used on the latest Micra, excutives have long hinted that same architecture will be used in the next Versa.
That doesn't, however, mean the American-spec models will mirror the Chinese car spec-for-spec. Using the V-platform will, however, potentially allow Nissan to further reduce manufacturing costs tied to the new vehicle program, and subsequently allow Nissan to further drop the base price. That last point may prove important -- after all, the automaker has previously been proud of offering Versas in both fully loaded and value-priced forms.
