Many, many years ago I remember visiting the Toronto Auto Show with my whacked out step father, who freaked that a certain Germanic pocket rocket was over $8000. That same year, my Mom fell in love with a Skoda of all things, which was somewhere around the 4 grand mark if I recall correctly. That was a very long time ago and the automotive landscape has changed dramatically. For some time now, the cheapest car on the market has hovered in the 14 to 15 thousand dollar mark. That all changed earlier this year when Hyundai offered a specially priced Accent that was actual sub ten grand: for a while. Currently, the entry level Accent stickers at $13,595 here in Canada and $11,070 south of the border. Nissan is raising lowering the bar with the introduction of the 2009 Versa sedan.

$12,498 in Canada, $9,990 is the States.

This is not a sale price, this is MSRP! Beyond the price, the list of available items is unbelievable: power windows, air conditioning, keyless entry, 6 airbags and more. For those looking for an entry level vehicle that gets great fuel economy, Nissan has just become the place to begin their search.

Oh yes, fortunately the parental units never brought home one of those Eastern European abominations!

Full details from Nissan after the break

MISSISSAUGA, ON (November 13, 2008) – Nissan Canada, Inc. (NCI) today announced the launch of a totally repositioned Nissan Versa Sedan, which features a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $12,498* (excluding Freight and PDE charges). The new Versa Sedan focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve, 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 5.8 L/100km Highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).

The Versa 1.6 Sedan goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning December 1st, 2008.

“Starting at $12,498, this new Versa 1.6 Sedan has the lowest MSRP in Canada, by more than $700, and is more than $1,000 lower than any 4dr Sedan.” said Jeff Parent, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, NCI. “But a low price is really only half the news. Nissan Canada is bringing in a full range of Versa 1.6 sedans including a base vehicle and a Value Option Package model that is unique to Canada.”

The Value Option Package includes A/C, power windows, heated power mirrors and remote keyless entry among other features. And, there is no compromise on safety. The Versa 1.6 Sedan is equipped with six standard airbags, including front-seat and side-curtain airbags.

Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong demand in the marketplace particularly with buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing quality, comfort or roominess. The Versa offers the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.

The new, high-value Versa 1.6 Sedan features a smaller displacement 1.6-litre engine (versus the 1.8-litre on the Hatchback), standard 5-speed manual transmission, with a 4-speed automatic transmission is also available. Fuel economy with the 5-speed manual is rated at 7.7 L /100 km city - 5.8 L /100 km highway, and 7.8 L /100 km city - 5.9 L /100 km highway with the 4-speed automatic.

In repositioning Versa for 2009MY, the 1.6L Sedan joins the 5dr Hatchback. The Hatchback, starting at $13,598, comes with a standard 1.8L engine and is available in both S and SL trims. The Hatchback has a 6spd Manual transmission standard and an optional 4spd automatic or an Xtronic CVT is available.

”The Versa is Nissan’s best selling product in Canada,” said Parent, “The launch of this Versa 1.6 Sedan shows how Nissan is working to bring value and choice to Canadians consumers in the entry-level market place.”