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Nissan Versa Note SR brings some much-needed sporty style to boring subcompacts

 The subcompact market has not been the vehicle class known for stylish, cool cars. But Nissan is looking to change that with the newly-unveiled Versa Note SR.

The special edition version of the popular eco-friendly subcompact features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 109 horsepower and 107 pound per foot of torque. Granted, this doesn’t sound like much, but ask anyone whose ever driven in my 2005 Scion Xb and they’ll tell you it more than get’s the job done.
Those unimpressed with the SR’s limited powers will appreciate the fact the Versa Note SR achieves 31 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway. The gas station will be begging for you to come back.

Outside of the engine bay, the car only gets cooler, with sporty enhancements including tinted headlights, an aggressive front fascia and grille, as well as revised side skirts and a rear spoiler. The vehicle sits on a set of 16-inch aluminum wheels with black accents, which say both “boyracer” and “gentleman motorist” at the same time.

The interior of the car follows the trend of super cool with sued-like seats with orange contrast stitching. Let’s be honest, though, if your friends think it’s suede, what they don’t know won’t hurt them. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped – continuing the sporty trend of the car – and piano black accents can be found throughout. To finish the whole thing off, the interior includes chrome control knobs and a Euro-chic three-gauge cluster with floating trip computer.

With the addition of the special edition Versa Note SR, Nissan has done something thought to be impossible: make subcompacts cool and desirable. Nissan has taken charge and given the public a vehicle that can turn heads without breaking the bank at the dealership or at the pump.

Trevor Dermody
Former Digital Trends Contributor
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