Entry-level cars just aren’t the same anymore. Gone are the days when a vehicle maker’s lowest priced car was a bare-bones shadow of its other offerings. The entry-level Versa offers various appointments that are commonly found on higher priced vehicles. Sold in 5-door hatch and 4-door sedan, the Versa is roomy (cabin length stretches more than 6-feet) and practical. Versa sports an independent strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension as well as front and rear stabilizer bars. An intelligent key fob (no key insertion needed to start engine) is available in the $700 convenience package that also features a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, steering wheel mounted audio controls, leather wrapped steering wheel, and pre-wiring for satellite radio. A 1.8-liter 4-cylinder (producing 122 horsepower and 127 pounds-feet of peak torque) is mated to one of three transmissions: a 4-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual, or an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is really a step-less transmission. So rather than having gears, a belt and two pulleys act as the lone gear in this continuously variable set-up that keeps the engine at its optimum power range in differing loads and conditions. The 102.4-inch wheelbase, front wheel drive Versa has standard 15-inch wheels. Electric power steering enhances the operation of this nimble minded car, which has superb seating space for all occupants. Front seats are almost as large as the Nissan Maxima sedan’s seats, and the rear seat is un-cramped – even with front seats not in the full-forward positions. Estimated mpg with CVT transmission is 30 city and 36 highway. MSRP of the Versa SL hatchback with CVT is $15,450.