The as-tested prices of the two vehicles were separated by about $800: The option-laden Nissan rang in at $19,398, with the Honda a bit less expensive at $18,580. You can thank the Versa's $1,000 technology package (Bluetooth hands-free phone, 280-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio, auxiliary input jack, MP3 player, 6 CD changer and a leather-wrapped wheel with integrated audio controls) for the price difference. Ignore that, and we're less than $200 apart and it's the Nissan that's cheaper.

The Nissan's more powerful, too: its 1.8-litre four-banger generates 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, against the Fit's 1.5 litres, which puts out 109 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. But, as expected, there's a price to be paid. The Fit consumes fuel at the rate of 7.8 L/100 km in the city and 5.6 on the highway, where the Versa is a little thirstier (but frugal nonetheless) at 7.9 and 6.1 respectively, according to Transport Canada estimates.

The Versa comprises one of the most responsive four-banger/CVT combinations on the road thanks to a smart transmission and a smooth and quiet engine. And the added comfort and space makes this a little car that things big. The Versa comes with a claimed 504 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, which expands to 1,427 when that seat is folded. The Fit fits more stuff when the rear seat is in use -- 603 litres' worth -- but increases only to a maximum of 1,186 when it's folded down. The Versa has almost 100 mm more rear legroom, too.