Good For: Versa with a Korean accent. When I first drove this 5-door hatchback I felt many familiar things about this driver-centric setup, such as the single seat-mounted driver's armrest over a spacious middle console with no compartment. Yes, this is how the Nissan Versa Note is set up, an economy car I liked a lot.
Compromises: Unfortnately, a new generation of the Accent was launched this year with no 5-door version, only the sedan.
Overall reaction - Two thumbs Up: Maybe they will bring the 5-door back in a subsequent year, because this is the budget 5-door to get. A 6-speed manual is standard too. This model leaves behind the Accent's reputation from previous generations of being a cheap cramped car. The space upgrade is significant, and has been done tastefully, still keeping the weight around 2500 pounds. Based on the fact that I can't hear the turn signal click at speed on 290, I think they went light on the sound deadening. But that is worth it for an agile, practical, and inexpensive 5-door.