The Nissan Versa sedan finally gets good looks to match its good value.

Standard driver-assistance technology is accompanied by a slew of desirable new features.

While the Versa Note hatchback is gone, you can still get the sedan with a manual transmission.

The Nissan Versa has been the epitome of affordable transportation, and it currently carries the title of cheapest new car in America. However, the best-selling subcompact has lacked the style and substance to provide anything other than an inexpensive way to get from point A to point B—until now. The all-new 2020 Nissan Versa reintroduces attractive styling and compelling features to the brand's smallest model. While Nissan has confirmed that the Versa Note hatchback will not return for the 2020 model year, the sedan version looks to shake up the subcompact segment and continue its nearly unbeatable value proposition.

Slicker Styling and Added Safety

Nissan remains committed to building sedans; witness the lightly refreshed 2019 Maxima and the Altima, which was all new for 2018. The 2020 Versa's handsome exterior and increased proportions display design influence from both of those larger siblings. Its face is graced by a V-shaped grille flanked by a set of angular headlights—a dramatic departure from the previous generation's dowdy front end. The makeover continues with a more steeply angled windshield, more defined character lines, and the currently trendy floating roof element along the rear roof pillar. Although Nissan has yet to officially confirm the sedan's new exterior and interior dimensions, it has said it is now longer, lower, and wider. The wheelbase has been stretched beyond the 102.4 inches that the 2019 model measures to provide more passenger space up front and maintain the Versa's already roomy back seat.

View Photos Michael Simari Car and Driver

The interior inherits a much improved design and better materials that help wash away the bad taste left by the previous model's drab cabin. The dashboard is essentially the same setup found on the tiny Nissan Kicks crossover, which includes a partially digital gauge cluster and a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The 2020 Versa will align better with its top competitors now, thanks to several technology upgrades. Every model now has push-button start with passive entry, so the days of fumbling with your keys to lock or unlock the doors and turn the car on or off are over. There are now three standard USB ports, compared with the single port that was previously included. Things can get even fancier with optional automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and heated front seats. While some of this equipment could be had on the last-generation Versa, most of it was reserved for the most expensive model.

The most significant improvement on the all-new Versa is the addition of driver-assistance technology that was unavailable on any Versa until now. This includes standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-departure warning. More high-tech assists are available with what Nissan calls Safety Shield 360, a package that adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Although other subcompact rivals such as the Hyundai Accent and the Kia Rio offer automated emergency braking, it's not standard, and the rest of the aforementioned active-safety features aren't available on them at all.

View Photos Michael Simari Car and Driver

More Power and Still a Standard Stick Shift

The 2020 Versa adds a more powerful engine and continues to offer a standard five-speed manual transmission. Under the hood is a revised 1.6-liter inline-four that makes 122 horsepower (up from 109) and 115 lb-ft of torque (up from 107). Along with the manual gearbox, the Versa is available with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that has been enhanced from the previous generation. We'll have to wait until we can slide behind the new Versa's flat-bottomed steering wheel to see if the mechanical upgrades improve on the current Versa's leisurely acceleration.

Nissan hasn't confirmed final pricing yet, but we expect the company will try its best to keep the 2020 Versa the most affordable new car sold in America, currently starting at $13,245. More details will be announced at the New York auto show and before the car goes on sale this summer.

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