| Range Update | Toyota Verso |
Toyota has released its newly facelifted Verso, with hopes of maintaining the popularity of the model, which sold in excess of 95,000 last year. The new model has a revised front end and a generally more family-like appearance, as seen on the face of the new Auris model. There are now five new colours to choose from and cabin fabrics have been improved in quality and endurance.
The Toyota MPV maintains its useful 'Easy-Flat' seating system that allows up to five of its seats to be laid flat to the floor in over 30 configurations - giving space for luggage, shopping, children and dogs alike. To further emphasise the family-orientated nature of the Verso, Toyota was awarded five stars for adult occupant protection and four for child safety by the Euro NCAP. The car features nine airbags and "Whiplash Injury Lessening" concept seats.
Toyota has loaded the Verso with driving safety systems too. Braking aids help to keep the car stable when the driver brakes heavily. Traction control is standard and there is the option of fitting Vehicle Stability Control. Toyota's Corner Assist Monitor has been revised and improved to further enhance the degree of angle the side-mounted cameras can see, which is then beamed onto the satnav screen, helping to lessen obstructed views on sharp bends or at junctions. Following the revision of in-car monitors, Toyota have also dabbled with the Parking Assist, which now features an improved visual display design and help function.
The Verso buyer has four engines to choose from: two diesels and two petrol units. The diesels have increased in power yet only slightly risen in emissions. To help compensate for this, Toyota has integrated 'cleaning' technology into its 175bhp, 2.2-litre D-4D 180. Torque is up on the old model to 295lb.ft at a lowly 2,000rpm, taking you, your shopping and your offspring to 60mph in just under 9.0 seconds. The other diesel option is the 134bhp 2.2-litre D-4D 140, which develops 229lb.ft of torque also at 2,000rpm, but takes 9.4 seconds to 60mph. Toyota has seen fit to add a particle filter to the 140 to help reduce emissions.
The petrol variations remain unchanged, employing the same VVT-i fuel-saving technology seen in the old models. The 1.8-litre version develops 129bhp taking 10.8 seconds to 60mph. The 1.6-litre engine develops 110bhp and takes a rather elongated 12.7 seconds to hit 60mph. For people wanting something extra to play with, those who choose the 1.8-litre will have the option of a five-speed Multi-Mode manual transmission that negates a clutch and can act as an auto or sequential 'box.
Prices for the Verso start at £12,095 and rise to £18,895 for the range-topping SR version, which features tinted rear windows, satnav and new alloy wheels specifically designed for the 2008 model.
Kyle Molyneux - 8 Jul 2007
