The Cheapest New Car is Also One of the Safest
Logically, when looking at the cheapest new cars for sale in 2023, it’s easy to expect some compromises. However, the 2023 Nissan Versa offers some surprises. It is the cheapest compact car for sale right now, but it is also one of the safest. Here, we’ll explore the advanced safety tech that come standard on the new Nissan compact.
A full suite of driver assistance tech is standard on the cheapest new car of 2023
With each new Nissan Versa comes Nissan’s suite of advanced driver assistance features. Dubbed Nissan Intelligent Mobility, it packs the kind of premium tech that is usually only found on more expensive models.
Standard kit includes a forward collision warning system with both automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The system is mostly designed for city driving to help warn of low-speed crashes. However, it does provide collision detection even at highway speeds.
At highway speeds, automatic emergency braking gives way to Brake Assist. This feature will apply full braking pressure when drivers apply the brakes when a possible collision is detected.
Other highway driving assist features include a lane departure warning. This reads road markings and will warn drivers should they wander into an adjacent lane. The Versa adds to its safest cheap car credentials with standard blind spot monitoring.
High beam assist is also standard on the cheapest new car, helping avoid blinding other drivers while ensuring high beams are on when no other traffic is around.
Finally, rear cross traffic alert is a standard safety feature on the cheapest new car in 2023. This detects oncoming traffic when backing out of a driveway or parking space, so drivers can wait for a safer moment to enter traffic.
Available features that make the cheapest new car one of the safest
While the standard suite of advanced safety features is impressive, the Versa also has a few things that can be added for even greater safety.
Intelligent cruise control is an available feature on higher-trim Versa models, allowing for an easier highway drive. The cheapest new car can also enhance safety with a driver alertness monitor. This will detect driving habits and warn drivers when they become distracted while driving.
Other safety features of the new Nissan Versa
The Versa’s impressive list of safety features still isn’t done. It has 10 airbags, including side-curtain and front knee airbags. In addition, the cheapest new car you can buy includes electronic brake force distribution. This will detect weight distribution inside the vehicle and adjust braking at the front and rear accordingly.
Finally, Vehicle Dynamic Control can sense sliding at both the front and rear. This system can then cut power or apply brakes to individual wheels to get things back under control.
The Nissan Versa isn’t perfect
While the Versa is both one of the safest and cheapest cars you can buy, it isn’t the perfect vehicle for everyone. In addition to being small, it offers just 122 horsepower, according to Car and Driver. That said, the 40 mpg highway fuel economy and 15 cubic-foot trunk make the smallest Nissan more functional than other cars in its class.
