While it's true the Versa Note brings the nameplate forward in terms of looks, the question of whether it's class-leading remains. The Versa has led the subcompact sales race for years, but inMotor Trendcomparison tests, the car has never finished better than mid-pack. In our 12 months with the Versa Note SR, we hope to find out whether this new model can change that -- and whether it's more than just a pretty face.

2015 Nissan Versa Note SR front three quarter side

Test numbers from a 2014-model-yearNissan Versa Noteare shown below -- stay tuned for a future update with 2015 Versa Note SR test numbers.

2014 Nissan Versa Note SV with SL Tech Package
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback
ENGINE	1.6L/109-hp/107-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	Cont. variable auto
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	2516 lb (60/40%)
WHEELBASE	102.4 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	163.7 x 66.7 x 60.5 in
0-60 MPH	10.4 sec
QUARTER MILE	17.8 sec @ 78.2 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	127 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.77 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	29.0 sec @ 0.55 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	31/40 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	109/84 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	0.56 lb/mile