The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, with a new lithium-ion battery, is now available in two models for ordering in 14 launch states, with deliveries beginning in spring, 2012.

The base model has a starting price of $32,760 and the Prius Plug-in Advanced starts at $40,285, including the $760 freight charge from Japan. Both models are expected to qualify for a federal tax credit of approximately $2,500.

The plug-in model is based on the third-generation Prius Liftback and has extended electric vehicle range. It can be driven on battery power up to 15 miles at a maximum speed of 62 mph. Toyota expects an estimated 87 MPGe – miles per gallon equivalent – and a combined 49 mpg city/highway fuel economy in hybrid mode.

Special design features for the plug-in model include chrome grille and bumper trim, chrome door handles, unique 15-inch alloy wheels and blue-accented headlights.

Charging a depleted battery will take 2½ to 3 hours using a standard 120-volt outlet or 1½ hours using 240-volt.

Special design features for the plug-in model include chrome grille and bumper trim, chrome door handles, unique 15-inch alloy wheels, blue-accented headlamps, a distinct tail lamp design and a new Hybrid Synergy Drive Plug-in badge.

Standard equipment includes heated front seats, remote air conditioning system (which can run off the grid while the vehicle is plugged in or off the battery), a charger timer, EV-ECO-Power driving modes, three-door Smart Key, audio display screen with navigation, rearview camera and Entune multimedia system.

The Advanced model adds such extras as HDD Navigation with Entune and JBL GreenEdge amplifier and “acoustic lens” speakers, head-up gauge display, dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system, Softer (leatherette-like) upholstery and eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat. There also are smartphone applications for charge management, remote air conditioning activation, charging station map, vehicle finder and Eco dashboard.

Orders can be placed at http://www.toyota.com. The launch states include California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.

Charging a depleted battery will take 2½ to 3 hours using a standard 120-volt outlet or 1½ hours using 240-volt.

The redesigned Nissan Versa has many virtues and a couple of vices for the price of a song

The designed 2012 Nissan Versa small sedan is a little longer with a slightly lower roofline. (Photos courtesy of Nissan)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The once subcompact Nissan Versa sedan has been re-engineered on a larger platform and restyled with enough interior capacity to push it into the compact class – but with subcompact pricing.

With starting prices ranging from $11,750 to around $18,000, Versa now has more appeal, ranging from misers to young families. It has incredible back seat room and a trunk for elephants.

Versa is still sold in hatchback body style, too, but it is unchanged for 2012.

The sedan has the same width as before but is a half-inch longer and not as tall on the same wheelbase of 102.4 inches. The exterior styling may not be head-turning, but it is much more proportionately sound than the old model.

The interior is neat and tidy with some creative swirls, sweeps and arcs to break up the black plastic.

Starting prices for the Versa sedan range from $11,750 to around $18,000.

Versa sedan pricing

Pricing ranges from $11,750 to around $18,000, including the $760 freight charge.

The base model comes with a five-speed manual and air conditioning, a two-speaker audio system, stability and traction controls, and six air bags. For a baseline comparison, the base Honda Civic does not have standard AC or a radio.

The S model can be optioned with a continuously variable automatic transmission, $1,770, and such niceties as cruise control, two rear speakers, a trunk light, and some silver trim accents, which aren’t allowed on the penny-pinching base car.

Moving up to the SV with CVT, $15,320, will add more conveniences, such as cruise control, power windows and locks, remote locking, upgraded seat cloth, some chrome and silver trim accents.

The top-line SL, today’s tester, starts at $16,320 and was $17,190 as tested.

Check current Nissan Versa pricing here.

Versa sedan performance

All models are powered by a 109-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual or second-generation CVT. Nissan says the continuously variable transmission has gearing typical of a seven-speed transmission.

Fuel economy is 27 mpg city, 36 highway on regular unleaded, or 30/38 mpg with the CVT. That compares to the Civic at 28/39 and the Hyundai Accent at 30/40.

Performance is decent but with some engine noise on uphill grades as the transmission adapts to the load. I made a three-hour round-trip run to LAX and could have driven longer. Ride quality is good for this class, but there is some wind push from big trucks on the highway and road noise on concrete surfaces. The high seat point helps visibility and easy entry.

Interior Features

Interior spaciousness is deceiving from the outside. There is front seat room for a 6-foot-5 male with a 6-foot male sitting comfortably in the back seat. There is no rear center headrest, but the SL model does have a split-folding back seat to boost the 14.8-cubic-foot trunk.

One of the Versa virtues of soft armrests is gone (not hard now, but not as cushy as they once were). And for long-distance commuters, an option for a front center armrest/storage box would be welcome (Hyundai does this for Accent). And don’t expect a vanity mirror on the driver’s side, only the passenger side.

There is much attention paid to a 40 mpg highway rating in the latest crop of small cars. But Versa is credible for its 30 mpg city and multi-function capacity.

The front-seat headroom will accommodate a 6-foot-5 male with a 6-foot male sitting comfortably in the back seat.