What Is The Cheapest New Car In 2024? The Nissan Versa S

Forbes Lifestyle Cars & Bikes What Is The Cheapest New Car In 2024? The Nissan Versa S Michael Harley Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Michael Harley is an author and a noted automotive industry expert. Following Sep 30, 2023, 02:15pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The 2024 Nissan Versa compact sedan ©2023 Nissan The Kelley Blue Book (KBB) experts, who have been tracking new and used vehicle prices for more than a century, say the cheapest new car in America for the 2024 model year is the compact Nissan Versa, arriving with a base price of just $16,130 —the specific trim is the Versa S, equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.

(For those challenged to row their own gears, the Versa S is available with the automaker’s Xtronic CVT, but that will cost $17,800 — a 10 percent premium. ) Considering that KBB reported that the average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in August was $48,451, buying a vehicle at just one-third that price — precisely where the Nissan Versa S ends up — would lead many to believe that it’s a featureless bare-bones vehicle. Thankfully, that’s not the case.

Nissan includes a long list of standard features on this entry-level model, including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch color touchscreen for the infotainment interface (Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard, too). Regarding safety, the automaker includes Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Rear Automatic Braking, and High Beam Assist — all standard on the base vehicle. (The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety / Highway Loss Data Institute has tested the Nissan Versa, scoring it ‘GOOD’ in moderate overlap and side tests.

) What you don’t get on the least expensive new car in America is performance or luxurious appointments. The interior of the 2024 Nissan Versa is well appointed ©2024 Nissan The standard engine is a 1. 6-liter four-cylinder that is rated at just 122 horsepower, so driving enthusiasts will want to look elsewhere (thankfully, a feathery curb weight of just 2,599 pounds means the vehicle can run from 0 to 60 mph in just over 10 seconds and it will deliver better than 40 mpg on the highway).

The standard wheels are steel (with hubcaps), just 15 inches in diameter, wearing skinny all-season tires. While there are disc brakes on the front axle, the rears are drums. MORE FOR YOU 2024 Mazda CX 90 Unparalleled Driving Dynamics With Premium Cabin Craftsmanship Hyundai And Kia Recall Over 3 3 Million Cars Here s What Drivers Should Know Aston Martin Valhalla Supercar To Arrive In 2024 With F1 Technology As expected, the seats of the Nissan Versa S are covered in cloth upholstery, and they are manually operated.

The dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel are all plastic (or soft vinyl). There isn’t a drop of leather within the cabin, and the seats don’t offer a lot of adjustment. Lastly, the standard audio system has only four speakers.

The overall appearance is nice and pleasant, but it’s not elaborate — it lacks passion. But plenty of Americans don’t need lots of horsepower, yards of leather and glossy trim, a 1,000-watt audio system with a dozen speakers, or flashy alloy wheels. Those people will find the Nissan Versa S perfectly suitable for their needs.

While it is basic transportation, buying new (versus used) means the owner won’t replace tires, brakes, or any other major mechanical component for years. And, if something goes wrong, Nissan backs the compact sedan with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty — that is reassuring for those on a budget. The truth is, buying the least expensive car in America is a relatively sound idea.

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