Of all the models in Nissan’s stable, it could be argued that the Versa hatchback is the most European of the bunch. Look carefully and you can see traces of the quirky Renault Megane in its styling; Renault, of course, having a 40 per cent stake in Nissan, as of 1999.

And although it’s being marketed against the likes of the Toyota Yaris, Chev Aveo, and Honda Fit, the Versa has them all beat when it comes to power and interior spaciousness. For example, it has a wheelbase some 470 mm longer than that of the Yaris hatchback. In the sub-compact hatch market this makes a significant difference, and the Versa five-door hatchback boasts some 1427 litres of interior storage space with the back seats folded. By way of comparison, the Honda Fit has 1186 litres. You could even argue that models like, oh, the Kia Rondo and Mazda3 might be considered rivals.

And where most of the sub-compacts in the corner of the market are propelled by relatively anemic powerplants (the Fit develops a modest 109 horsepower) the Versa has a robust 122 horsepower 1.8 litre engine that can be matched to either a six-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or one-speed "X-tronic" CVT. My tester had the latter transmission, and it adds some $1300 to the car’s price. I have mixed feelings about this transmission. Although Nissan has programmed in various ratios to improve its driveability and responsiveness, I still find it kind of snatchy and/or unresponsive at certain rpms and it’s questionable whether or not it’s worth the extra money. Now and again, you can catch it unawares when you tromp the gas pedal, and it takes a beat or two to collect itself, where a conventional geared transmission would kick down and snap ahead instantly. Not a big deal, but worth noting.

On the other hand, it does give the Versa the best fuel economy of the three powertrain combinations, if not by much. The manual six speed is just a smidgeon thirstier: 7.9 L/100 km in town versus 7.5 L/100 km, according to Natural Resources Canada.

But one thing that is not in doubt is the Versa’s practical nature. There is also a sedan version available, but I would argue that the hatch is the handier of the two. This is a useable, workaday people/cargo carrier that goes about its business without any fuss or complaint. It seats five and with all the seats folded down, you can carry an amazing amount of cargo in back. The Honda Fit, which seems to be the current flavour of the month for many buyers, is cramped and Lilliputian by comparison. And it’s more expensive. The Versa hatchback starts at $14,598 for the bare-bones S, topping out at $21,248 for a loaded SL. You can spend that and more on a Fit, and, frankly, you’re not getting as much car for the money. My tester, a nicely equipped SL with the aforementioned CVT and "Technology Package" came in at $20,948 in total, after taxes, and various other extras. Among other things, it comes with air conditioning, tilt steering, power windows and door locks, remote central locking, and front, side, and side curtain airbags. All the minimum daily requirements, in other words.

The Technology Package, for those who are interested, consists of a hands-free phone set-up, satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and upgraded stereo. It costs $950. All things considered, I say save your money.

The Versa hatch isn’t particularly sexy. Its body style is actually kind of frumpy and it blends in with just about every other sub-compact hatchback on the market. There’s nothing about it that makes you stop and say ‘wow’ and I can’t see it making the rounds with tuners or hot-rodders. That said, it’s got more than enough power for in-town, point and squirt traffic, and on the highway, my tester was barely turning over at some 1800 rpm at 100 km/h. Of all the sub-compacts I’ve driven, the Versa may be the quietest and smoothest of the bunch. Again, the Fit is a loud, rough-riding little shopping cart in comparison.

If I was going to find fault with the Versa, I suppose I could kvetch about the interior layout; bland, uninspiring, and kind of cheap are words that come to mind; but this is an econobox, after all, and for its relatively modest price tag, you’re not going to get polished aluminum or maple-wood trim, are you? I also noted that the rear seats, although they fold flat, do not tumble forward, which would make this car even roomier than it already is. Still, like every other aspect of this car, the interior layout does what it’s supposed to. No more, no less.

AT A GLANCE

Type: Compact hatchback

Base Price: $14,598; as tested: $20,948

Engine: 1.8 litre four cylinder

Transmission: CVT

Drive: FWD

Horsepower/Torque: 122 hp @ 5200 rpm/ 127 foot-pounds @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Economy (L/100 km): 7.5 city; 6.0 hwy, regular grade.

Alternatives:, Mazda3, VW Golf, Subaru Impreza, Honda Fit, Chev Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Saturn Astra.

Like: Lot of car for the money, roomy interior, lively drivetrain.

Don’t like: Interior a little chintzy, bland body style.