Nissan Motors (NASDAQ: NSANY) will unveil a stripped-down version of its Versa subcompact vehicle this month at the lowest price ever for a brand-new car in the U.S. market. The new Versa won't come with power windows or air conditioning, but will retail at $9,990 -- just a few bills below ten grand. The cheapest new vehicle currently being sold in the U.S. is the Hyundai Accent.

Nissan's valiant attempt here is geared towards converting used-car buyers into new-car buyers. It's true that a car shopper can buy a decent used vehicle for $10k that will most likely have air conditioning and more interior space (and more engine power). The Mexican-made Versa will go on sale November 18 and will be priced $3,000 less than any currently sold Versa in the U.S.

Alexander Edwards with Strategic Vision asks the question I'm thinking: "Automakers seem to be trying to do two things: bring in vehicles in the lowest price range while also trying to deliver cars with some level of nobility and class and extras ... the question is, how many people are going to choose a vehicle that doesn't have air conditioning?"

That one single feature could be killer to Nissan's attempt here. Folks will buy cars with a complete lack of features -- except air conditioning. But will shoppers look at used cars with more size and convenience, or a brand new car without any features which will depreciate considerably the moment it's driven off the dealer lot? In the good news segment, the $10,000 Versa will see a fuel efficiency figure of 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

A couple of weeks ago, during my commute from Manhattan, I spotted a car that intrigued me. This car was unlike anything I'd seen before. It turns out that it was Nissan Versa from Nissan Motor Co.'s (NASDAQ:NSANY).

The Nissan Versa has been in the news in the past couple of days because of a study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. According to the results, of the subcompact cars tested, the Versa got the highest marks for safety in three separate crash categories; simulated front, side and rear crashes. All of which is great since safety is one of the key factors that drives one to buy a car. The Versa also got high marks for its smaller dimensions and fuel efficiency.

However, looks and appeal are also important. When I saw that car my reaction was awe and curiosity. So, if my gut instinct is correct, then I can safely assume that this car will soon be hot on the hipster agenda.