Behold: The Refreshed 2015 Nissan Versa

Nissan is mildly refreshing its hot-selling Versa sedan here in the States. While it isn't earth shattering, there are some aesthetic differences. Of note, new headlamps and a new grille, fog light finishing trim, and a more dynamic rear fascia. There are different wheels, too.

I will say the changes do make the vehicle looks a bit nicer, although I still think the Versa isn't prettiest girl at the dance.

There are some modest changes inside the Versa, too. Enhancements for the 2015 model year include a new center stack shape, which is similar to that found on the Versa Note, a revised meter display with white LED display (previously orange illumination color) and a new, more substantial, steering wheel with standard audio and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System controls. Versa Sedan S and S Plus grades feature a wide AM/FM/CD audio system with standard auxiliary-in and Radio Data System (RDS), standard assist grips, a passenger-side vanity mirror and new seat fabric.

Versa Sedan SV adds an outside temperature display, USB/iPod® controls, upgraded fabric headliner, map light with key-linked illuminated entry and silver finishers on the center instrument panel cluster. SL models include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an AM/FM/CD/USB-iPod audio system with 5.0-inch display and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps.

No changes in the power department, however, as the car still comes with the 1.6-liter HR16DE four cylinder making 106 horsepower and 107 ft./lbs. of torque. Transmission options will be a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or CVT. Fuel economy is 31 city, 40 highway, and 35 combined with the CVT.

Nissan sells a boatload of these smallish sedans here in the U.S., and I'm sure these changes will likely help continue to keep sales strong.

SOURCE: Nissan

Behold: A Slammed Geo Sedan

Honestly, I don't know squat about this car. I can tell it's a slammed Geo Metro sedan on what looks to be 17" (possibly 16') Konig Feather wheels, it was spied in Tacoma, WA, and it's got a #83 on the window. Regardless, I love it.

I get giddy every time I see something like this that's out of the ordinary; something that wouldn't usually get slammed. And for what it is, it looks pretty darn good!

Thanks to Greg for sending the photo via our Facebook page. Got a cool pic to share? Have a story idea? Want to write for Subcompact Culture? Either contact us here or via our Facebook or Twitter pages!

Behold: Possibly the Most Badass Suzuki SX4 Ever

There aren't a whole lot of vehicles that'd make me stop what I'm doing, park the car, and jump out and take photos, but this badass Suzuk SX4 was one of them. I was literally in my car leaving the Costco parking lot in Clackamas when I saw this car. I have seen an image of it before, but did not know it was local to the Portland area.

Behold: The Hyundai ... er ... Dodge Atos

Last year, my Uncle Tom, who lives down in Mexico for part of the year, asked me if I was familiar with the Dodge Atos. I said that I'd never heard of it. He said next time he sees one in Mexico, he'll snap some photos. Well, low-and-behold, here's the Atos.

It turns out the Dodge Atos was actually made by Hyundai. It was even sold through Dodge dealers wearing Hyundai badging, but still called a Dodge. The Atos was replaced by the Dodge i10 in 2013, which is, as you guessed, a Hyundai i10 sold through Mexican Dodge dealers. Yes, it also still wears Hyundai emblems.

Back to the Atos. It was powered by a 1.0-liter four cylinder making about 54 horsepower. Keep in mind, the curb weight is just 1,867 lbs. While I'm sure it isn't fast, it doesn't have much weight to haul around. Overall length? A scant 137.6 inches. That's a full 7.1 inches shorter than a Chevrolet Spark. Oh, and if you were wondering, the Atos rides on 155/70/13 tires.

My Uncle says you can find the Atos all over Mexico, and they're also used in taxis in many places. He even has a friend who owns one and drives it from central Mexico up to visit family in the Northeastern part of the U.S. That's a long way to go in an Atos ...

The Atos was inexpensively priced, as you could probably imagine. The last year of the Atos was 2012, and a brand spakin' new one went for $7,863 USD (approximately $97,957 pesos). For that you could get ABS, airbags, air conditioning, and about 37 MPG (U.S. driving standard).

The new Dodge i10, pictured below, looks to be a significant improvement upon the Atos in terms of exterior styling; interior photos I've seen also look to be an upgrade from the Atos. The i10 comes with a new 1.1-liter mill cranking out 66 horsepower, too. i10 Prices, according to Dodge of Mexico start under $10,000 USD ($118,400 pesos).

Will we see the i10 come north of the border? I'd say it's unlikely, unless Hyundai decides it wants to play in the A-segment here and compete against the Chevy Spark, Smart ForTwo, and Scion iQ. However, don't bank on it. But if you're ever in Mexico, or happen to see a Atos north of the border, just remember: that little Hyundai is a Dodge. Well, kinda.

Behold: The Mountain Metro

While visiting Mt. Hood Meadows this weekend, I ran across this: The Mountain Metro (or perhaps the Snowbound Swift?). This isn't any ordinary Metro/Swift, though. Custom hood scoop? Check. Custom fender flares? Yep. Rear spoiler? Uh huh. Do-it-yourself rattle-can paint job? You bet. I see it even has three alloy wheels and one steel one. Why not?

In all honesty, it'd be a great little mountain vehicle. It's something that's somewhat safe, front-wheel drive, has studded snow tires, and you don't have to worry about the gravel and rocks ruining the paint job. I'm totally for it.What can I say? I've got a soft spot for winter cars and mountain-going Metros.