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People still make subcompact sedans? They sure do. We've got the third-generation Nissan Versa right here and we're going to check it out. Dowdy and frumpy no more, the exterior now shares design language with the larger Sentra, Altima, and Maxima. The V-motion grille, headlights and taillights and even the C-pillar design are all visual improvements on this small sedan.

Inside also gets some much-needed upgrades in the design department. First off, the seats. We dig a Nissan seat, but these are unfortunately not the zero gravity-inspired seats in the bigger sedans. They are supportive.

Aesthetically, though, there is more stitching and interesting fabric choices than we'd expected. Overall, the Versa interior looks pleasing and well put together. Nice.

For all its sub-compactness, I still feel as though there are decent headroom and legroom here. Rear legroom isn’t amazing either and the headroom is reduced because of the new sloping roofline.

So maybe make sure you’ve only got one tall passenger with you.

There’s plastic in most places on the doors, dash, and center console. But for the base Versa S with a starting price of about $15,700 including destination that’s not unexpected.

VO: But a 7-inch infotainment screen comes standard across all trims as well as, power windows, a digital screen in the gauge cluster, and a push-button starter.

When you push that starter, you’ll hear a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine start-up. It’s not winning any speed contests with its 122 hp but it’s got 12-percent more horsepower than the previous gen, so that’s something. The base model is the only one to get either a manual transmission or an innocuous continuously variable transmission that will cost you about $1,700. The CVT is the only option on both the SV and highest SR trim levels.

Surprisingly quiet, the ride in the Versa feels much improved. You have the lower chassis, wider track, and updated suspension to thank for that.

The electric-assist steering isn’t overdone, which is good, it feels decent and does its job efficiently. And there is no auto stop/start to shut off in the Versa.

It does get rear drum brakes, but again, Nissan’s trying to hit a price point here, so understandable. The Versa now gets some pretty good safety features in its base model, including automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warnings.

To get blind-spot warnings and rear cross-traffic alerts you have to move up to the Versa SV trim. Incidentally, that SV, with a starting price of $18,535 also includes extras like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is satellite radio-ready.

On the highest SR trim, you can add a $300 Convenience package that includes active cruise control and heated seats. This SR hear has that and pretty much every other goody you can get and costs about $21,500. That’s a lot of car for a low price.

The Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Mitsubishi Mirage are other cars in the category to check out. Up against that crew, the Versa’s EPA rating is plenty impressive (32 city/40 hwy/35 combined).

Yes, people do still buy subcompact cars, and if you’re one of those people, now with its upgrades, the Nissan Versa is one you should check out, too.