FIRST DRIVE
All New Toyota Verso
Toyota can take much of the credit in giving us the compact MPV, in fact it was 25 years ago that they launched the Space Cruiser, a vehicle that was to set the mark in the sector and now the latest offering is the all new Verso.
In bringing the new vehicle to market, IKEA, Euro Disney played a role. Both the European super store and the entertainment complex were visited to discover just what owners of compact MPVs expected from their vehicles.
Amongst the key requirements were, flexibility, comfort and driving dynamics and after having driven the new Verso on the Pan European press launch in Portugal, we can report that the scoring is high in all areas.
STYLING
The new Verso is a vehicle which should not only appeal to families, but to those with an active lifestyle. It is a no compromise compact MPV which features strong styling cues, best in class aerodynamics and with seating for seven.
Fair enough with a full load of passengers, luggage space is restricted, but then that is a failing with the majority of MPVs.
INTERIOR
In designing the new Toyota, much attention was on the cabin, not only to offer comfort for all, but with an emphasis for the driver and front seat passenger. The frontal area is two zone; with the instrumentation clearly in view of the driver, while for the passenger it is very much a relaxed environment.
The cabin is well lit and all round visibility is pleasing and seating comfort has been vastly improved; this is one vehicle you could take on a longish journey.
Easy Flat-7 is Toyota’s system for folding of the seats and it has been further improved; a simple action and the new Verso can be quite a load lugger.
On the subject of storage, there are lots of possibilities throughout the vehicle. Amongst the numerous features available, smart entry and a very clever rear view camera in which an image appears in the cabin rear view mirror.
PERFORMANCE
Dismiss the thought that the new Verso is simply a people carrier, it delivers a rewarding drive and most who climb on board are in for a real surprise.
The new MC platform is a key element of the new Verso, it helps in providing this vehicle with sports-like handling and I was surprised at the low noise levels; here great attention has been paid to soundproofing.
In town the new Verso is easy to manoeuvre, with a turning circle of just 5.4 metres, while on the open road, performance can put many others to shame.
Powering this handsome new Toyota, a choice of petrol or diesel power plants and a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
At launch, the choice is the new 1.8 valvematic petrol engine or a two litre D-4D, which has been revised for new Verso. Later this year a 2.2 litre diesel engine will add further to the appeal.
Using Toyota Optimal Drive technology, performance can be improved by as much as 20 per cent, with fuel economy up by 12 percent.
OWNERSHIP
Lower CO2 emissions deliver a tax advantage, plus insurance groupings are competitive and the new Verso benefits from 10,000 mile service intervals which are best in class and residual values are high, not just for the private buyer, but also for the business user.
AT A GLANCE
| Name/Price: | Toyota Verso/£17,745 |
| Engine/power: | 1.8 valvematic 126bhp |
| Co2 emissions: | 165g/km |
| Official Combined fuel economy: | 40.4mpg |
IMN VERDICT
Summing up the new Verso should satisfy, not only in performance and economy terms, but also on safety and in the not too distant future a hybrid version will be launched. Three trim levels are available, T2, TR and T-Spirit with prices starting at £16,745. A number of options are available, making the new Verso even more appealing.
Ian Lynas