August 1st sees the launch of the Toyota Avensis Verso, and I was invited by Toyota UK to travel with them to Sweden for a pre-launch test-drive of the new car.

Sweden might seem a strange place for launching a new car, but the route that was laid out for the assembled media was both well organised and challenging, not so much to the driver, but to the vehicle in question.

I must admit that when I first saw the press pictures of the Avensis Verso, I was not impressed, but it certainly is a good looking car in the metal, much nicer than the Verso version of the Yaris.

The first thing that struck me on arrival in Stockholm was how much unlike the Avensis this new model is. Then I remembered how much the Megane Scenic, Xsara Picasso etc. are so much unlike their more conventional family members.

The Avensis Verso is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol or 2.0-litre D-4D common rail diesel. The 2.0 VVT-i model will be available with an automatic gearbox at an optional £1000. It was this model that I was given the chance to sample on the 200km return journey from our overnight halt back to Stockholm airport. I have to say that I was very surprised with the automatic 'box and how seamless the gearchange is.

When buying an MPV, the thing most people are looking for is space, and with the Avensis Verso you get more space for your money than any other model in the compact MPV sector. The Avensis Verso has the lowest overall height in the MPV sector at 1,675mm making it seem more like an estate, and thus improving the handling. But it also has the longest interior load area in its class at 2,104mm giving a maximum luggage area of 2,422 litres (with both rows of rear seats removed).

The overall length (4,650mm) and width (1,760mm) contribute to a stable and comfortable ride, with a low centre of gravity. The interior length (3,205mm) is the longest in class, with ample space for all three rows of seats, a full load of passengers and their luggage.

Seats in the second row slide and like the third row can be folded, tumbled or removed entirely to create additional load carrying capacity while front seats recline and slide. Second and third row seats can act as tables for family leisure. Luggage space is plentiful and the Avensis Verso has an under-floor storage area in the boot, which offers added security and takes luggage capacity to 282 litres with all three rows of seats installed.

When Toyota started the design process on the Avensis Verso, their main aim was to design a car that "combines the interior space and luggage capacity of a much larger vehicle with the driving, handling and dynamics of a family saloon". In my opinion they have more than hit their target.

The Avensis Verso is an MPV for customers who want a spacious interior, set into a vehicle with good looks, a high seating capacity, high performance and low fuel costs.

On its release next month it will be available in two models in the UK: the GS and GLS. The GS model comes with ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, air conditioning, remote alarm with immobiliser, radio with single CD player and 7 seats. The higher spec GLS adds 16" alloy wheels, roof rails, turn-by-turn satellite navigation, front fog lamps, leather steering wheel and gear knob, and by far the best rear (yes REAR) air conditioning. Rear air-con means that there is a separate air vent in the back to keep your passengers nice and cool - a nice touch!

The Avensis Verso has the shortest stopping distance of the current crop of compact MPVs thanks to powerful disks all round with the ABS and EBD as standard.

The 2.0 VVT-i petrol engine delivers 147bhp with a maximum speed of 119mph (112mph for the auto), and gets to 62mph from rest in 11.4secs (12.1secs for the auto). Fuel consumption is an admirable 32.8mpg. Meanwhile the diesel 2.0 D-4D develops 114bhp with a top speed of 112mph and 0-62 acceleration time of 12.5secs, and a remarkable fuel consumption of 43.5mpg.

Toyota aims to achieve a four-star NCAP rating for safety, and aims to build on the success of the Toyota Previa. Driver and passenger SRS airbag systems are standard equipment and three point belts are fitted in all three seat rows with all seven headrests being adjustable. Front seats feature a passive Whiplash Injury Lessening system which aims to reduce the chances of neck injury during low speed, rear-end collisions.

The Avensis Verso also offers outstanding ride comfort and low noise levels to match and beat many executive passenger cars. A new suspension system has been developed featuring independent MacPherson front struts and a compact, torsion beam rear.

When compared to other models in the MPV class, the Avensis Verso works out cheaper than its competitors, including those in the executive estate sectors. Most competitors' list prices may be below that of the standard Avensis Verso, but when the options are added to the standard selling prices, the Avensis competitors work out between 5% and 16% more expensive.

So there you go. I have been converted since seeing the first pictures of the Avensis Verso, and never thought I'd enjoy driving a car in the MPV sector as much as I enjoyed driving the Toyota. Perhaps some of that was down to location, but the roads around Sweden were very similar to the roads back home in Ireland so it was a good place to get an ideal view of this new motor. Besides, it was 37 degrees in Sweden, whereas back home we'd never be able to test out the air-conditioning. Huge amounts of thanks must go to Toyota UK for a most enjoyable trip and their splendid hospitality.