The N17 (or L02B using Nissan's new code scheme) was unveiled at the 2010 Guangzhou International Motor Show. It is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol that delivers around 80 kW (107 bhp) and 145 newton metres (107 lb·ft) of torque. The new model weighs less and has gained more legroom compared to its predecessor. The fuel economy is estimated to be 30 mpg-US (8 L/100 km; 36 mpg-imp) city and 38 mpg-US (6 L/100 km; 46 mpg-imp) highway with the CVT-equipped Sunny.
The US-spec model was unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show as the second-generation Nissan Versa Sedan. The new Versa sedan continues to compete with the likes of other entry-level sedans such as the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris. In the US prices start at US$10,990, higher spec models include Bluetooth, navigation system with 5-inch touch-screen display, Satellite Radio and an iPod®/USB interface.
It is considered to be the cheapest new car in the US.
The Thai-spec model was released as the third-generation Nissan Almera on October 7, 2011, as a vehicle in the Eco-Car project of the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI). It uses the same 1.2-lire engine as the Nissan March (Micra), with a fuel consumption of 5 L/100 km (56 mpg-imp; 47 mpg-US), and has either a five-speed manual or a CVT transmission.
It is also marketed as the Nissan Almera in Malaysia and the Philippines, where it is offered with the HR15DE engine with CVTC, mated with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
The Japanese-spec model was released as the Nissan Latio, imported from Thailand, on October 5, 2012. That car's release was delayed due to power shortages in Japan caused by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
In India, Renault sells a slightly modified version as the Renault Scala. It was launched in August 2012 and is built at the same factory as the Nissan Micra.
The Australian model was released as the Almera at the end of 2012. The model range starts at $16,990 and is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol.