Nissan Versa, Freshly Axed in Canada, Gets Overhauled for Mexico
The Nissan Versa, which was the most affordable new vehicle in Canada before production for our market ended in September 2025, is getting a makeover in Mexico, where its factory is located. A few pictures and details have been released ahead of its official unveiling on March 3.So, while dealerships here are selling off the remaining 2025 units (if any are left), those south of the U.S. border will soon be welcoming a largely redesigned subcompact sedan. We can't help but wonder if it would have been more successful in this form (Canadian sales of the Versa did rise 39% in 2025, mind you).Read alsoThe reason why Nissan keeps the Versa alive down there is quite simple: it was the best-selling car in Mexico last year and has won over more than a million customers since its launch in 2011.Photo: Nissan
The new design includes a front fascia somewhat similar to that of the Murano midsize SUV, although the daytime running lights are more like those of the Rogue. It's difficult to make out the sides and impossible to see the rear of the car in the photos released so far, however.Inside, the transformation isn't major, but one significant change is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen in the top-of-the-line model. There's also an available 8-speaker Bose audio system with a couple of speakers built into the front headrests, as in the Kicks crossover and the new 2026 Sentra.Photo: Nissan
The engine remains the 1.6-litre four-cylinder. Unlike ours, which produced 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, the Mexican version has to make do with 118 horsepower and 110 lb-ft. However, there’s a five-speed manual transmission option in addition to the CVT. With an average fuel consumption of 6.8 L/100 km, the Versa was one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles (excluding hybrids) on our market.Oh, and in case you forgot, the Sentra (starting at an all-inclusive price of $27,887) and the Kicks (starting at $29,992) are both manufactured at the same factory that builds the Versa, in Aguascalientes.
