Nissan has announced the addition of a new Versa model to their 2009 lineup with pricing starting at $10,685. The Versa 1.6 Sedan, with its $3000 price advantage over the previous entry-level Versa 1.8 S, will effectively become the lowest-priced car in the United States, nearly $2000 less expensive than the current title-holding Chevrolet Aveo.

Equipped with a 107-hp, 1.6-liter inline-four engine and standard five-speed manual transmission, the new model will likely be a bit anemic. However, due to its thrifty powertrain and what Nissan calls “simplified content”—or as we call it, “el strippo trim”—and subsequent lower weight, fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 highway for the stick shift, with a 1-mpg drop in highway performance if you opt for a four-speed automatic. Considering the Versa’s existing four-cylinder is capable of 27/33 mpg when equipped with the continuously variable transmission, it begs the question: Why the new engine? Even so, the 1.6’s numbers are very respectable, especially for the cost.

Although the new model may come ill-equipped, we certainly can’t argue with value. There’s no word yet on a hatchback model, and while we suspect the sedan will remain the sole offering in the new 1.6 trim, we don’t entirely discount the possibility of a five-door. Nissan says the new model will be hitting showroom floors beginning November 18, 2008.

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