Nissan has constantly been know for making practical and reliable cars that , though they might not constantly look it, are immensely fun to drive as well. Over the past few years, Nissan has launched some exciting cars such as the GT-R, 370Z and even the Leaf, but their focus hasn’t just been on extreme ends. Somewhere in the design works and factories at Nissan, some people were busy creating a sensible loved ones saloon that would cater to those seeking virtually everything, and put it altogether in a scarcely believable price tag as well. Enter the 2011 Versa Sedan SV Convenience.

Exterior
The design of the 2011 Versa sedan is nothing unusual, it looks compact yet large, with it’s bulbous proportions all round. A pleasing front grille greets you, with the headlamps and the air dam working up a smile that you will constantly feel fresh. There are several, not very pronounced, lines and curves along the bonnet and the sides of the car that make a lot of difference to the overall appearance. A sloping roof line and rather substantial rear tell you virtually instantly that space is not something this car is short on – for people as well as luggage. The sweeping tail lamps add a nice touch too.

Interior
Step into the Versa, and chances are you will step out again to make sure you’re indeed stepping into the same car. The usage of available space is impressive to say the least. You’re treated to a simple, yet elegant dashboard layout with Fine imaginative and prescient electroluminescent gauges giving you all the information you need with various lights all around. The trip computer displays everything from length to empty, average and current MPG to service intervals. Cruise handle is regular and features steering wheel mounted handles. Add the $350 Convenience package, and you get a lot of usable add-ons like a premium audio system with 4 audio system and audio handles on the steering wheel, as well as speed-sensitive volume handle. You also get support for CDs with MP3 or WMA format tracks, an iPod interface, an RDS enabled radio and Bluetooth connectivity, apart from some convenient add-ons like a vainness mirror in the front passenger visor and front map lights. The seat designs, although simple looking and upholstered in fabric, feel comfortable and upmarket and offer good support. Rear passengers get great leg room and a pair of cup holders too. The 2011 Versa Sedan SV Convenience takes care of all the right bits on the inside.

Safety
It all comes together in the Versa Sedan SV with Nissan’s regular Advanced Air Bag System featuring dual-stage front airbags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors, front seat mounted side airbags and roof mounted curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. There are 3-point seat belts for all positions as well as a latch system for child seat designs. All four disc brakes with ABS and EBD along with hydraulic brake support are regular, as are the automobile Dynamic handle, Traction handle and speed-sensitive energy steering system to ensure maximum stability in all conditions. You also get a tire pressure monitor and rear defroster. The doors feature energy door locks with an auto lock system. distant keyless your path is also regular. All the important boxes are checked then.

Performance
The 2011 Versa Sedan has an efficient 1.6L inline 4-cylinder engine energying it that makes a decent 109 horseenergy and with 107 lb/ft of torque, has more than adequate pulling energy for those highway drives with the loved ones as well. The Versa SV also comes with Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission driving the front wheels that provides seamless energy delivery and good traction. It also delivers on the fuel economy front with a certified 38 mpg on the highway.

Overall, Nissan’s 2011 Versa Sedan SV Convenience offers a lot of car for the money and throws in some essential features that perfectly complement everyday practicality. It makes a great buy for a intelligent loved ones saloon offering convenience, flexibility, safety and reliability all in one package.

Vehicle: 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan SV Convenience

Price: From $14,560, plus $350 for the Convenience package
Body style: 4 door saloon

Engine: 1.6L inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve gasoline engine

Transmission: Xtronik Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System

Power: 109 hp / 6000 rpm
Torque: 107 lb/ft / 4400 rpm
Curb weight: 2,424 lbs.
Wheels & Tires: 15 x 5.5″ steel wheels with 185/65 HR15 all-season tires
Vehicle Warranty: 3 year / 36,000 mile limited vehicle warranty
Powertrain Warranty: 5 year / 60,000 mile limited powertrain warranty
Fuel economy EPA: 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway

2012 Porsche Cayman R

Porsche unveiled the raw and racy Cayman R at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s a lighter (by over 120lb) and more powerful (by 10hp, at 330hp) than the already-potent Cayman S. That gives the Cayman R a lip-smacking curb weight of 2855lb (6-speed MT), and nearly 100hp/liter from its 3.4L flat-6.

It’s raw inside and out, with unique colors and graphics for the exterior, and lots of visible weight reductions inside to give it a race-ready feeling. For example, the standard door handles have been replaced by cloth straps, both for a retro-racer feel and the all-important whittling down of any excess mass.

This is a hotly-anticipated car at Roadfly! We like Porsches, especially Porsches that hearken back to the golden age of club racing. The Cayman R will go on sale in the U.S. early next year with a MSRP of $66,300, excluding $950 for destination.

For more about the Cayman please visit the owners forum: Porsche Cayman Forum

Porsche Cayman R

2012 Porsche Cayman R

The intriguing 2010 Jaguar XF, with its sleek, distinguished lines, robust engine, and highly customizable options, sets it apart from other luxury competitors.

Our host Jessi Lang road-tested the XF-Premium, which comes with a 5-Liter V8 engine with 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with JaguarDrive selector, which uses a rotary knob for gear changes. Gas mileage is what you would expect in such a high-performance vehicle, you’ll be looking at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Handling is firm and confident, acceleration is quick and speedier than you would hope for in any comparable sports sedan, and the suspension is even-tempered. You’ll have no trouble swiftly and firmly navigating the corners, or coming to a quick stop with solidly responsive brakes.

The interior features a rich wood trim and plush leather seating, a very elegant complement to its sensuous exterior stylings and thankfully can be found in all XF trims as standard. In addition, the navigation system and center console options are top-of-the-line and retain a fully cutting-edge aesthetic that Jaguar is known for.

The base XF starts off at $51,000 and our test car, the XF Premium with the Porfolio package, which includes 20″ wheels, power-seating, heated steering wheels, ebony wood trim interior, and a power rear windowshade, came in at $62,900.

Overall, the Jaguar XF is a force to be reckoned with. With such a sporty look and driving dynamic, all while retaining the necessary luxuriousness, the Jaguar XF may just have the edge on comparable vehicles in the sports sedan class, such as the Mercedes E-Class or the BMW 5-Series.