Toyota Verso MPV (2009 – ) expert review

The Toyota Verso MPV used to be a variant of the world-beating Toyota Corolla brand. Now, with the Toyota Auris having replaced the Corolla, the Verso stands alone as a model in its own right. This means a new, bigger platform which is longer and wider than the previous model. Toyota says it “expresses both sportiness and stability.” Sporty might be a bit much but it’s tardis-like in the use of space and certainly doesn’t look like a seven-seater.

The new interior features a lofty and comfortable driving position. The height-adjustable front seat has better shoulder support and a more substantial, raised seat base. I particularly liked the easy-to-read, funky dials while the long sunroof makes for a brighter interior.

There are seven seats, albeit the third row of two is of limited use. The 32-permutation Easy Flat-7 seating system means this can easily be extended to 1,009 litres loaded to seat height and 1,696 litres up to the roof. A louble-deck glovebox with a cooled section is large enough to take a 1.5-litre bottle, there are large door pockets, fold-down seatback tables with cupholders, a centre console box, a concealed drawer beneath the front passenger seat, second row underfloor storage bins and driver and passenger pockets for mobile phones or music players.

The Verso’s new platform incorporates a longer wheelbase, wider tracks and revised suspension. It handles well considering its height and will transport driver and passengers in comfort.

There’s a choice of a 145bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine and two diesels: a 130bhp 2-litre model and a 150bhp 2.2-litre version. All feature Toyota Optimal Drive, the benefits of which include a 20 per cent increase in power. We drove the new petrol version which covers 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 118mph, performance which sits squarely between the two diesels. Ours was mated with a six-speed manual gearbox while an automatic is also available.

Toyota Optimal Drive technology also reduces CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by up to 12 per cent. CO2 emissions for the manual petrol model we drove are 165g/km and average fuel consumption 40.4mpg. The 2-litre diesel is the pick of the bunch for economy, returning an average 51.4mpg.

Toyota is the fourth-placed manufacturer in the Reliability Index and it’s easy to believe claims the Verso’s components will last double the warranty’s three years or 60,000 miles. Update – February 2010. There have been reports of accelerator pedals becoming hard to depress, slow to return and in rare cases getting stuck half-way through their working travel. Toyota says this is rare, and can be caused by the pedals becoming worn. A total of 180,865 Toyotas have been recalled in the UK, with a reinforced pedal taking 30 minutes to fit.

The Toyota Verso MPV was yet to undergo Euro NCAP crash testing at the time of testing – but the manufacturer is expecting a five-star rating. Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, steering assist Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control and third row airbags will all help. The addition of a small, fixed front quarter-light window improves driver visibility.

The Verso is available in T2, TR and T Spirit trim. T2 gets air conditioning, four-speaker sound system with CD player and additional steering wheel-mounted controls, the Easy Flat-7 folding system for all five rear seats, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, electric front windows, body-coloured bumpers and door handles. TR, expected to be the big seller, adds Bluetooth connectivity, an aux-in socket, leather steering wheel and gear knob trim, electric rear windows, front foglights and 16-inch alloys. T Spirit adds climate control, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, Smart Entry & Start, cruise control and 17-inch alloys.

The fact the Toyota Verso can swallow seven occupants requires a double-take. It really doesn’t look that big. Not all drivers are trying to make a statement and the Verso is still a great no-fuss family-shifter, just that little bit bigger and better.