Rep Power: 497

There really is no worse powertrain combo than a small I4 mated to a continuously variable transmission. Don't come to me with the fuel-economy benefits or the smoothness or any of that garbage. If a car sounds like a moped with a slipping clutch, I don't particularly care what else it does well. The aural experience makes it nasty to drive.

That's an unfortunate fact in the case of the 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6 SL sedan, which is not a bad little B-segment economy car. The interior space was excellent with surprising room for driver and passenger. Seating position was good despite the fact that Nissan gave me nowhere to rest my elbow, and the overall drivability was fine.

At one point in my commute, while puttering at low to moderate speeds, the Versa reminded me of a 1980s vintage Honda Civic. Then I had to hit the gas, and the horrendous whine of the engine straining against the CVT belt made me want to pull off the side of the road and shoot the thing.

Then there's the sticker price. The $16,490 that Nissan wants for this thing is a king's ransom compared with what it offers. For $12,000, the Versa would be worth a look. But at this price point the car needs to hit 40 mpg on the highway, be at least moderately entertaining to drive, and there'd better be an armrest.

Buy used or save up for something better.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...#ixzz1c1OQJP8O