The front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV is equipped with a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine producing 290 horsepower (HP) and 261 foot pounds of torque. The Maxima is only available with a Xitronic CVT automatic transmission.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Nissan Maxima are 19 city / 26 highway miles per gallon.

We traveled roughly 400 miles in our Dark Slate Maxima 3.5 SV review unit and were able to beat the official mileage estimates, with an average of 30.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 25.1 MPG combined, with temperatures ranging from the low-seventies through the mid-nineties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the low-eighties. The test vehicle was delivered with over 15000 miles on the odometer.

The Maxima 3.5 SV is equipped with 18 x 8.0 inch aluminum alloy wheels and P245/45R18 Goodyear Eagle RS V-rated all-season tires. (The Sport Package features 19 x 8 inch alloys with P245/40R19 tires.)

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 30.5 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 31.0 MPG

The Maxima’s 290 HP V6 packs plenty of punch. While purists may take issue with the CVT transmission, the slapstick provides manual control over gear shifts and paddle shifters are optional.

Highway driving range is quite good when driven conservatively. All 2010 Maximas are fitted with a 20.0 gallon fuel tank and are designed to run premium unleaded fuel.

Curb Weight: The 2010 Maxima 3.5 SV weighs 3,565 pounds, while the 3.5 S comes in at 3,540 pounds.

The Maxima is equipped with four wheel anti-lock (ABS) brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. The rotors measure 12.6 x 1.1 inches in the front and 12.13 x 0.63 inches in the rear.

The Maxima’s monochrome orange multi-functional trip computer provides average and real-time fuel economy gauges, along with, fuel range, trip meter, and outside temperature.

We always recommend using a real-time MPG gauge to encourage a fuel-efficient light-footed driving style and the Maxima’s thermometer-style gauge gets the job done. The optional full color 7-inch LCD Vehicle Information System provides a fuel economy history display.

We have no qualms about the Maxima’s handling, although we did not have the opportunity to test the tuned suspension in the Sport package.

The Maxima 3.5 SV’s cabin sets it apart from the crowd of four door sedans. There’s no mistaking this for an Accord or Camry. The leather seats are deeply bolstered and distinctive.

An eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar and thigh support is standard in the 3.5 SV. Two-level heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are included with the Cold, Sport, or Premium option packages. A heated and cooled driver’s seat is included in the Premium package.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel is beefy, with well-executed controls. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system is standard, along with an XM satellite-equipped nine-speaker Bose audio system (with a six-CD in-dash changer).

Our review unit was equipped with the Monitor package, Cold package, and Technology package.

The Monitor package includes USB iPod and auxiliary audio/video inputs, along with a rearview monitor. (Adding the Monitor package replaces the six-CD in-dash changer with a single CD unit.)

The Technology package includes a hard drive-based navigation system, with voice recognition, a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital audio storage, and Bluetooth audio streaming. The system allows phonebooks to be downloaded.

There are two twelve-volt outlets in separate center console compartments.

The Maxima’s standard second row while rated for three passengers, is most comfortable for two and includes a center armrest. There are 36.4 inches of rear seat head room and 34.6 inches of rear seat leg room.

The Premium option package adds a rear seat center console with audio and HVAC controls.

The Maxima’s trunk provides 14.2 cubic feet of cargo area, with a 60/40 fold-down rear seat to accommodate longer cargo. (If you choose the Sport or Premium packages, however, a rear-seat trunk pass-through replaces the 60/40 fold-down seat, due to trunk chassis reinforcement.)

All-in-all, the 2010 Maxima 3.5 SV stands out from the crowd of four-door sedans as it seeks to recapture the glory of its heyday as “the 4-Door Sports Car.” While there’s a lot to love about the Maxima, and the CVT transmission is relatively fuel-efficient, sporting enthusiasts can only wish that it was available with a manual transmission.

The 2010 Nissan Murano is available in both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). All Muranos are equipped with a DOHC 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine, mated to a Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The V6 produces 265 horsepower (HP) and 248 foot pounds of torque.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Nissan Murano are 18 city / 23 highway miles per gallon in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive version.

We traveled more than 300 miles in our Tinted Bronze Murano SL AWD review unit and beat the official mileage estimates on the open road, achieving an average of 26.6 MPG on the Interstate highway and 20.3 MPG combined, with temperatures ranging from the mid-sixties through the high-eighties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the high seventies.

The test vehicle was delivered with approximately 8600 miles on the odometer. S and SL models are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and 235/65 R18 all-season tires, while the top-of-the-line LE model is fitted with 20-inch alloys and 235/55 R20 all-season tires.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 26.0 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 27.2 MPG

Although the Murano’s V6 provides sufficient grunt off the line, purists may take issue with the CVT’s pitch.

Highway driving range is good. All 2010 Nissan Muranos are fitted with a 21.7 gallon fuel tank and run 87 octane regular unleaded fuel.

Curb Weight: The front-wheel-drive version of the 2010 Murano weighs in at 3889 (S) / 3982 (SL), 4096 (LE) pounds, while the all-wheel-drive version tips the scales at 4043 (S) / 4208 (SL), 4250 (LE) pounds

The Murano is equipped with four-wheel ABS disc brakes (12.6-inch ventilated front rotors / 12.1-inch ventilated rear rotors), regardless of trim level or drivetrain. All models use Nissan’s Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) technology, with 2-wheel ABLS in the FWD models and 4-wheel ABLS in the AWD models.

Average fuel economy and real-time fuel economy displays are standard. The optional 7-inch LCD information center provides additional feedback, including historical fuel-efficiency charts. We always recommend using a real-time MPG display to enable the adoption of a fuel-efficient light-footed driving style.

The Murano is one of the best-handling Crossovers on the market, with a smooth and comfortable ride. But you’ll do well to limit your all-wheel-drive adventures. A car-like ride does have its limitations.

The cabin is a well-designed home away from home, with the requisite leather-wrapped steering wheel providing integrated controls. Optional Bluetooth integration can download phonebook information directly from a cell phone.

The Murano’s driver’s seat features eight-way power adjustment. The Leather option package includes two-way power driver lumbar support (manual lumbar support is standard), and two-level heated front bucket seats, along with four-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat.

Hands-free Bluetooth support is included with the Technology option package, along with a power liftgate, automatic on/off bi-functional Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated outside mirrors.

Our review unit was also equipped with the Premium option package, which includes a 7-inch LCD display with rearview monitor to ease backing chores, along with a nine-speaker Bose Audio system (which includes a dual-speaker subwoofer), XM radio, and relocated auxiliary audio input ports. Our tester was not equipped with the optional USB iPod input port.

The Murano has three twelve-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash, one inside the center console, and one in the cargo area.

We found the Murano’s back seat to be comfortable and spacious; there are 38.1 inches of rear seat headroom with the moonroof and 39.4 without.

Opening the optional power liftgate reveals 31.6 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 rear seats up and 64 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded down. Lowering and raising the rear seats is a snap. The cargo area’s underfloor storage compartment is divided into four convenient rows.

All-in-all, the surprisingly luxurious 2010 Nissan Murano delivers plenty of comfort and convenience to haul the family around in style. While we’d like to see better mileage, it might be just around the corner. Nissan has announced a significantly more fuel-efficient clean-diesel option for the European 2011 Murano. We can only hope that the thrifty diesel Murano finds its way here to America in coming model years.

The Nissan LEAF’s price has been set at an eye-opening $32,780. A Federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit of $7,500 knocks the cost down to just $25,280. Individual state tax and local credits should ensure that the LEAF sells out in EV-crazed areas. Given the EV frenzy in California, we expect that dealers in the state will tack on a host of premiums.

With a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,780, Nissan has drawn a line in the sand. When the cost of fuel and tax credits are factored in, the LEAF’s MSRP puts it clearly into the acquisition range of a great many drivers. The acquisition cost includes three years of roadside assistance.

Nissan will open the door for reservations on April 20th via their website, with a $99 (refundable) deposit.

Nissan will undoubtedly take a financial loss on every LEAF sold. It’s unclear how extensive the loss might be.

The Nissan LEAF’s range of 100 miles per charge should hit the sweet spot for a great many commuters. Nissan states that “extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars.” Whether or not it meets your demands remains to be seen, as American commutes tend to be longer than those abroad.

It will cost approximately $2,200 to install the LEAF’s 200V overnight charging station. A federal tax credit will cover 50% of the costs. Quick charging will eventually be available in select commercial locations. Consumers should not expect to install high-voltage quick chargers in their personal garages.

The Nissan LEAF’s battery pack uses laminated compact lithium-ion technology. On-board GPS technology ensures that the driver is constantly aware of the LEAF battery pack’s “reachable area,” as it displays “a selection of nearby charging stations.”

While the Nissan LEAF’s release date has not been set, Nissan maintains that the EV is “slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe.” We expect to see test vehicles arrive at some point this fall and will deliver a proper Nissan LEAF review just as soon as possible.

Leasing a Nissan LEAF may prove to be an excellent alternative for many. Nissan is offering a $349 per month leasing plan for 36 months that factors in the $7,500 federal tax credit. A $1,999 initial payment is required.

The 2009 Nissan Cube is fitted with a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Cube’s DOHC inline four, which is shared with the Nissan Versa, produces 122 horsepower (HP) and 127 foot pounds of torque.

With a daring and asymetrical shape, there’s nothing else that looks quite like the Cube on the road today. Say what you might (and we heard a lot over the course of a week), the design provides excellent visibility, while the short wheelbase allows for a high degree of maneuverability, with a turning radius under 34 feet.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Nissan Cube are 24 city / 29 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with the manual transmission and 28 city / 30 highway with the CVT. That’s right, my friends … the Cube scores better fuel economy with the automatic.

We put well over five hundred miles on the odometer of our top-of-the-line CVT-equipped White Pearl Cube Krom review unit and easily eclipsed the official mileage estimates with an average of 36.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 33.4 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the seventies to the eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the low-eighty degree range.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 34.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 37.3 MPG

The Cube’s aerodynamics play a big hand. We were able to flirt with the 40 MPG mark on the two-lane blacktops, at speeds between 45-60 MPH.

This is a transportation appliance, not a sports car. The Cube Krom’s naturally-aspirated inline four and CVT transmission motivate the 2864 pound (curb weight) four-door efficiently and without fanfare.

The Cube responds well to light-footed driving. The Multi-Function Trip Computer provides two trip meters, average speed, miles until empty, average fuel economy, and instant fuel economy data, along with an outside temperature display. The 13.2 gallon gas tank provides a healthy cruising range. The Cube runs on Regular Unleaded gasoline.

MPGomatic Note: We recommend driving with the Cube’s instant fuel economy display active, in order to develop a light-footed driving technique to ensure the greatest amount of mileage from every gallon of fuel.

On the exterior, the top-of-the-line Krom package includes unique 16″ alloy wheels front bumper fascia and grills, along with bodyside sills, rear bumper fascia, and roof spoiler. A sticker on the roof spoiler warns about automated car washes and high-pressure hoses. (Buy the Krom and you’ll be washing it by hand.)

Inside the moon bus, the headliner ripples around the dome light, like a pebble dropped into a pond, while 20-color interior accent lighting aims to set the right mood.

The Cube Krom’s leather-wrapped sport steering wheel provides Bluetooth, audio, and cruise controls. The Krom’s audio system includes six speakers (four 6-1/2 inch speakers and two 1-1/2 inch tweeters), along with a Rockford-Fosgate amplifier and tailgate mounted subwoofer that rattles the windows and echoes the ripple effect.

The AM/FM/CD audio system provides both a basic audio-in jack and USB iPod input, which allows scrolling through playlists, artists, albums, and songs at the head unit.

There are two power outlets at the base of the dash.

Our review unit only included one option, the Interior Designer Package, with plush wavy floor and cargo mats, a peculiar shag dash topper, and front door bungees. (Don’t ask why … it just does.)

Driving the Cube is a bit like piloting your living room sofa, with a bit of an over-stuffed comfy couch feel. The driver’s seat features six way manual adjustment. The front passenger seat provides four way adjustment. The front seats do not provide heating or adjustable lumbar support.

The Cube goes out of its way to accommodate both passengers and cargo. We found the seating to be quite comfortable for four, with an abundance of headroom.

The rear 60/40 fold down bench seat reclines, in addition to sliding forward and backwards. There’s 11.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats up and a whopping 58.1 cubic feet of capacity with the rear seats down.

It’s worth noting that we saw just two other Cubes on the road over the course of our one week review period and both were commercial vehicles. (There’s a special Cargo Version Package, for those so inclined.)

All-in-all, the 2009 Nissan Cube Krom is a unique ride for folks with an open mind and an eye for the future. Good gas mileage, an abundance of interior space, and a high degree of maneuverability and visibility make the Cube a compelling little space ship for transporting both crew and cargo.

2009 Nissan Cube Krom Specs at a Glance:
Engine: 1.8-liter inline DOHC four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel: Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Drive: Front-wheel
Brakes: Front-Disc / Rear-Drum
Curb Weight: 2864 pounds

The 2009 Altima is available in five models, with three different drive trains. Our test unit was equipped with the base 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine which produces 175 horsepower (HP) and 180 foot pounds of torque. The inline four can be mated to a Xtronic CVT transmission or six-speed manual transmission (in the S version).

Power hounds will likely opt for the 270 HP 3.5-liter V6, while those looking for the highest levels of fuel economy may be enticed by the Altima Hybrid.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the CVT-equipped four-cylinder 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S are 23 city / 31 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We logged over five hundred miles on our Navy Blue review unit and slipped past the official Nissan Altima mileage estimates with ease, scoring an average of 35.5 MPG on the Interstate highway and 28.9 MPG combined.

We saw negligible difference during Interstate testing between driving with the cruise control on or off. We’ll chalk it up to the design of Nissan’s CVT, as our CVT-equipped Nissan Sentra test unit performed in a similar manner.

Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through the low seventies, with highway testing performed on a bright sunny day. Under moderate temperatures, the air conditioning lowered highway mileage by approximately 2 MPG. We’d expect mileage to take a greater hit under warmer conditions.

Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, sunroof open: 36.2 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, sunroof open: 36.4 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, sunroof closed: 34.3 MPG

With a curb weight of 3,191 pounds, the 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine provides adequate performance off the line. While the CVT transmission provides a six-speed manual mode for more sport-minded driving, the Altima is actually faster to 60 MPH when left in drive.

The Altima delivers stable and surefooted handling, with a firm but not harsh ride. 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) are standard equipment.

The Altima 2.5 is well-suited to light-footed driving techniques. The standard multi-function trip computer provides both average and instant fuel economy displays. As always, we recommend driving with the graphic instant fuel economy gauge on, in order to develop a more conscientious driving style.

Our test unit was decked out with a total of five option packages.

The Convenience package includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and 8-way power driver’s seat.

The SL package includes leather seats, with driver and passenger heated buckets and driver lumbar support.

The Connection package includes Bluetooth support, a 9-speaker 6-disc Bose audio system with XM Satellite radio. A basic audio input jack is standard equipment. Unfortunately, USB iPod input is not available.

The Technology package includes Nissan’s touch screen Navigation system, XM NavTraffic, and RearView monitor.

12-volt outlets can be found at the base of the dash and inside the center console.

The Altima’s back seat provides adequate space, with 36.8 inches of rear headroom, 35.8 inches of rear legroom, 55.5 inches of rear shoulder room, and 52.5 inches of rear hip room.

The Altima provides 15.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with a 60/40 fold down rear seat that’s easily folded down from both the trunk and the cabin.

All-in-all, we found the American-assembled Nissan Altima 2.5 S to deliver an excellent balance of fuel economy, handling, and driveability, with distinctive design. It’s easy to see why the Altima has become such a popular choice among mid-size sedans.

Final Assembly Point:
Canton, Ohio

If you’re looking at the Altima sedan, you might also consider: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi Galant, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu among others in the mid-size sedan segment.

With the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla as primary competition, the 2009 Nissan Sentra is marketed as being “powerful enough to keep up with your life.” The Sentra is available in three levels of trim: Base, S, and SL. The sporting Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V models round out the range.

All Sentras other then the more powerful SE-R models are equipped with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed manual or Xtronic continuous variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra’s inline four produces 140 horsepower (HP) and 147 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2009 Nissan Sentra are 24 city / 31 highway miles per gallon (MPG) for the manual transmission and 25/33 for the CVT.

We inched past the official estimates for our CVT-equipped Brick Red 2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL review unit, scoring an average of 34.1 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 28.9 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the teens through twenties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

Note: We’d expect a bit more, under better conditions. But given the cold temperatures and the fact that our test unit had just over 500 miles on it when delivered, we’re not at all disappointed with our initial results. The numbers should creep up a bit, given a proper break-in period and warmer weather. (The heater was cranked up and the heated seats were on constantly throughout our test drives.)

The Sentra provides an average fuel economy display in the central-mounted trip computer, along with distance to empty, average speed and trip time data. The Sentra’s trip computer does not provide a real-time MPG gauge, however. We’d urge Nissan to include a factory-standard real-time MPG gauge in the 2010 models, to help drivers achieve the best possible mileage.

We saw negligible difference in fuel economy between driving with the cruise control on or off at highway speeds, with the Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL’s CVT transmission. (This is often not the case with modern six-speed automatics, which can yield significant benefits when driving carefully with the cruise off.)

We might say it over and over, but it always bears repeating. Getting the best mileage is all about knowing when to let off the gas. The greater the distance you drive with your foot completely off the accelerator pedal, the higher your MPGs.

The Sentra SL includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with integrated audio and Bluetooth controls. Phone syncing is a straightforward affair. We found the leather appointed seats to be handsome and supportive, although legroom in the back is a bit tight.

The 2.0 SL Premium Plus package provides heated driver and front-passenger seats, along with a power sliding sunroof.

Our test unit was equipped with the optional 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate Audio Package. iPod integration comes via audio input jack. XM satellite radio is included, along with two 12-volt power outlets.

All-in-all, we found the Nissan Sentra to be a comfortable performer with a willing engine, good handling, and respectable fuel economy. It’s safe to say that the Sentra’s bound to continue find a home in many a commuter’s parking spot for many years to come.

Fuel requirements: Regular-grade gasoline.

Government Safety Ratings: The Nissan Sentra is rated five stars for frontal crash (driver & passenger) and side crash/front. It’s rated at four starts for side crash/rear and rollover.

Assembly/Parts Content: The Nissan Sentra is assembled in Aguas, Mexico.

Update: Hyundai has lowered the MSRP on the entry-level Accent GS to $9,970 … making it the cheapest new car in America … for now …

A new version of Nissan Versa is the second cheapest new car in America today. With a starting price tag just under $10,000 ($9,990 to be exact), the Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 Base sits atop the chart of 2009’s Cheapest Cars, delivering the goods with a roomy interior and very good gas mileage.

Folks looking for the cheapest car on the market need look no further than this value-priced four-door. While we haven’t had the chance to spend time with the 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 yet, we did spend a week with its five-door hatchback sibling earlier this fall. It’s a pleasant little car. Our Versa review clearly shows the car’s strengths.

The entry-level Sedan 1.6 is equipped with a smaller engine then the original Versa (1.6-liter vs 1.8-liter), and can be fitted with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6-liter engine gives up fifteen horsepower (HP) – producing 107 HP vs 122 HP for the 1.8-liter. With the five-speed manual transmission, the Versa Sedan 1.6 is EPA-rated at 26 city / 34 highway. With the automatic, it’s rated at 26 city / 33 highway.

While the 1.6 Base is the cheapest version of the Versa, the prices ratchet up quickly in the 1.8 S and SL models, running all the way up to a starting price of $16,210 for the well-equipped 1.8 SL Hatchback.

The 1.6 uses a number of less expensive components to achieve its lower price, including smaller (14″) wheels, black manual outside mirrors (rather than power body-color), and more thinly padded seats. It lacks cruise control, air conditioning, glove compartment and cargo area lights, vanity mirrors, digital clock, and any audio system whatsoever (although it is pre-wired for audio) … proving that if you want the cheapest car possible, you’ll have to give up more than a few things …

The Nissan Versa competes with the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Chevy Aveo, among others in the subcompact market. Available as both a four door sedan and a five-door liftback, the Versa slots in under the Sentra as the entry-level model in Nissan’s lineup.

Under the hood, the Versa is fitted with 1.8 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower (HP) and 127 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2008 Versa are 27 city/33 highway MPG with the Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) and 26/31 with the 6-speed manual transmission.

In over seven hundred miles of driving, we trumped the official estimates with our Magnetic Gray Charcoal five-door hatchback test unit, scoring an average of 38.9 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 34.3 MPG combined. Temperatures ranged from the sixties through seventies, with freeway speeds between 65 and 70 miles per hour (MPH).

The Versa takes well to a light foot. We easily achieved a good number of 40 MPG loops while driving at speeds of 55 and under. Put your foot in it, and the Versa will oblige, with an obligatory drop in mileage.

Unfortunately, the 2008 Versa lacks both an average fuel economy and a real-time MPG display. While the omission is puzzling in an economy car, Nissan is not alone in this respect. These mileage displays are a fantastic means to optimal fuel efficiency with a minimum of investment, yet too many vehicles lack the gauges.

As we often do when presented with a shortcoming in information display, we plugged a ScanGauge II into the Versa’s OBDII port before rolling up the miles. Note that we always verify the digital results with tank fills, to take any inconsistencies into account.

ScanGauge Hint: Driving with an eye on the real-time MPG and throttle position sensor (TPS) displays allow you to fine-tune your technique while applying the lightest pressure on the accelerator pedal.

The Versa provides iPod integration via an in-dash input jack, with a power plug on the center console, next to the handbrake. While you might be tempted to simply leave your iPod on the console, it’s a good idea to stow your music player in the the flip down center armrest’s cubby to prevent it from flying about the cabin.

Given the time and ingenuity, you’ll want to snake a cable through the console for a cleaner installation.

All-in-all, we found the Nissan Versa SL to be quite capable, with a slew of standard features, including tilt wheel, cruise control, 6-speaker audio with 6-disc in-dash, micro-filtered A/C, rear wiper, and power locks and windows.

Our Versa SL’s $650 convenience package rounded things out nicely, with keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering providing Bluetooth phone and audio controls.

Although our road tests showed the Versa’s gas mileage results to fall short of the segment topping Toyota Yaris, the Versa’s remarkably roomy and comfortable interior and supportive seating are bound to put it at the top of many a short list.

The Versa earns a well-deserved thumbs up.

Viewing the statistics, it’s easy to understand how the Insight hybrid achieved those remarkable gas mileage results. Weighing in at under a ton, Honda’s little spaceship had a big head start, with a diminutive 1.0 liter three cylinder engine providing just enough oomph and efficiency to land the micro hybrid’s gas mileage in the stratosphere.

With the Insight put out to pasture after the 2006 model year, the Toyota Prius snatched the hybrid gas mileage crown, edging out the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The mid-decade loss of the Civic Hybrid’s manual transmission option is worth noting. With the ever-increasing focus on fuel-efficiency and a Honda sports hybrid on the way, it might not be the last we see of the stick-shift Honda hybrids.

The promise of the 100 mile per gallon (MPG) hybrid isn’t a dream … it’s achievable today, with an aftermarket plug-in hybrid conversion kit.

2000-2008 Hybrid Gas Mileage

While Nissan refers to their formidable GT-R as a supercar, I took the reference with a grain of salt after walking through a lobby full of Lamborghinis at the Javits Center on Thursday afternoon … even so, seeing the Skyline in the flesh for the first time, I felt that pang … and couldn’t resist shooting this video. My kid dug the footage so much that he volunteered to do the post production work in Final Cut …