Latest Verso even more versatile
‘Vehicular tupperware’ it may be but families will love practical MPV
CCORDING to Toyota SA, the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is often misconstrued as just a mom’s taxi, or “vehicular tupperware” as the company puts it.
And the Japanese carmaker should know. It makes the Avanza, the Innova and the Verso – all MPV contenders. The facelifted Verso, launched in South Africa last week, is aimed at boosting versatility and adding some spice to this perception.
The front of the third-generation Verso gets Toyota’s new face, which includes a new grille, front bumper and headlights (with daytime running lights, and High Intensity Discharge bulbs on the higher spec models). There’s also a more prominent badge, chrome trim bar, and integrated foglamps also finished in chrome. Dependent on spec, the carmaker has included a piano black paint finish, twin chrome strips, and a colour-coded lip-spoiler.
From the side, view indicators are now integrated into the side
Amirrors and wheel designs have changed, while at the back is a new bumper with diffuser, different tail lights, and new trim around the numberplate. There’s also a new body colour called Dark Steel Mica.
The revised Verso gets various underfloor covers, wheel spats and roof spoiler, which the carmaker reckons equates to ten percent better aerodynamics – aiding noise and vibration levels, as well as stability.
Inside there’s new trim, satin black paint finishes, and softer touches. Back lighting across various dials and switchgear has been improved (brightness can now be managed through a rheostat), there are splashes of shiny chrome everywhere, and seat bolsters are better. As before spec levels include S, SX, and the rangetopping TX (which now gets Smart Entry and Push Start).
Toyota’s “Easy Flat-7” seating system is still featured, with 32 different seating permutations. Other highlights include the boot getting a new load area under the floor, which also stores the luggage tonneau cover; there’s a revised twin glovebox with a cooled upper section; and the second row gets underfloor storage too.
Mums will like the conversation mirror which lets them keep an eye on the kids; and there are more nooks and crannies for storage. Noise and vi- bration levels are better thanks to noise-insulation additions, and all the spec grades get more standard equipment – including Vehicle Stability Control across the range.
The three engines remain unchanged (1.6 and 1.8 petrol and 2litre turbodiesel), and we got to sample the diesel at the launch in Gauteng last week. The route comprised mainly of long-distance cruising, which the oil-burner seemed to love. In stop/start driving there’s no dreaded turbolag, while on the open road the 91kW and 310Nm of torque made for effortless overtaking and minimal stirring of the six-speed manual box.
I also enjoyed the stability of the Verso. It felt well-planted for the “tupperware category” thanks to the suspension and steering being tweaked as part of the Verso’s midlife makeover.
Pricing across the range has increased nominally.