by Nissan discontinues production of the Versa with a manual transmission
This marks the end of the last five-speed manual in the U.S. It was standard for the base Versa S trim, which started at $17,190 and was marketed as an affordable option for those who enjoy shifting gears themselves.
While the 122-horsepower economy sedan cannot be called a sports car, the Versa S had its advantage – it was the cheapest new car in America. However, demand for manual transmissions remained minimal, and additional tariffs only accelerated its disappearance.
We are focusing on the most popular Versa trims, which deliver the best business results and meet customer expectations
Statistics show that Nissan’s decision is entirely logical. In 2024, only one in twenty Versas sold had a manual transmission. Some dealers sold only 4-5 such cars per year. The model, produced in Mexico, may disappear from the market entirely by April of next year.
If the Versa is indeed discontinued, it will limit options for budget-conscious buyers. The next most affordable models in Nissan’s lineup are the Kicks Play at $21,520 and the Sentra at $21,590, which are significantly more expensive than the base Versa. Losing the most affordable sedan could be a serious blow to the budget car market.
