A co-worker of mine has the Focus, and it has the same DSG issue you describe. It would drive me nuts. Seats, interior, ride, and stereo are all great though.
I can also however, attest with confidence to the value of the Versa. I've spent a few hundred miles behind the wheel of one recently, and really like it. It's nimble, comfortable to drive, and fits anywhere.
If the price is right as opposed to the Focus, you really wouldn't go wrong with the Versa. Particularly from a "kid's first car" perspective.