Facelifted Verso MPV gains appeal with a new look and successful Europe-specific revisions
A mid-life facelift of the Verso – the mid-sized, seven-seat MPV Toyota launched in 2009. A styling brush-up brings the model in line with the latest family face – a tweaked nose, sleeker door mirrors, new wheels and integral rear diffuser are the standout alterations – while the interior receives the customary trim material and fabric bump for better perceived quality.The subtle – though highly successful – redesign means the Verso is 20mm longer than its predecessor, but the 2780mm wheelbase (and platform) are unchanged. Adjustments underneath are intended to make the car quieter and more comfortable, with improved sound damping between the engine bay and cabin, and a reduction in wind noise (hence the smaller mirrors, too).Dynamically, the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension setup has been treated to revised damper settings, and the steering control software rejigged for a more linear response. More definitively, there are now more weld points at the back and extra reinforcement in the front suspension mountings to enhance rigidity.The engine lineup is kept simple: two Valvematic petrols (a 130bhp 1.6 and 145bhp 1.8) are carried over from previous car, as is the 122bhp 2.0-litre D-4D, although the latter has undergone tweaks. They include the introduction of a new variable nozzle turbocharger which helps to deliver an improved 228lb ft of torque 200rpm earlier, as well as various detailed improvements intended to boost fuel economy and refinement.Range-wise, the Verso is carved up into three trim levels: Active, Icon and Excel. A five-seat configuration makes a return, but only in the poorly-equipped base trim. As usual, the middle specification (driven here) offers the best compromise of kit for cash, with 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, retractable door mirrors, cruise control and a DAB tuner all appearing as standard.
Facelifted Verso MPV gains appeal with a new look and successful Europe-specific revisions
A mid-life facelift of the Verso – the mid-sized, seven-seat MPV Toyota launched in 2009. A styling brush-up brings the model in line with the latest family face – a tweaked nose, sleeker door mirrors, new wheels and integral rear diffuser are the standout alterations – while the interior receives the customary trim material and fabric bump for better perceived quality.The subtle – though highly successful – redesign means the Verso is 20mm longer than its predecessor, but the 2780mm wheelbase (and platform) are unchanged. Adjustments underneath are intended to make the car quieter and more comfortable, with improved sound damping between the engine bay and cabin, and a reduction in wind noise (hence the smaller mirrors, too).Dynamically, the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension setup has been treated to revised damper settings, and the steering control software rejigged for a more linear response. More definitively, there are now more weld points at the back and extra reinforcement in the front suspension mountings to enhance rigidity.The engine lineup is kept simple: two Valvematic petrols (a 130bhp 1.6 and 145bhp 1.8) are carried over from previous car, as is the 122bhp 2.0-litre D-4D, although the latter has undergone tweaks. They include the introduction of a new variable nozzle turbocharger which helps to deliver an improved 228lb ft of torque 200rpm earlier, as well as various detailed improvements intended to boost fuel economy and refinement.Range-wise, the Verso is carved up into three trim levels: Active, Icon and Excel. A five-seat configuration makes a return, but only in the poorly-equipped base trim. As usual, the middle specification (driven here) offers the best compromise of kit for cash, with 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, retractable door mirrors, cruise control and a DAB tuner all appearing as standard.