Description
Toyota tried to build an entire MPV lineup, starting with a small-segment vehicle based on the Yaris platform and offered in specific countries.
Judging by the way it looked, the Yaris Verso was just a small MPV that tried to find understanding customers who wished nothing more than a reliable, roomy, small vehicle that could be fuel-efficient and easy to park. At a glance, it was a successful recipe.
While the Japanese carmaker managed to tick all the boxes and provided a roomy, fuel-efficient, easy-to-park vehicle, the designers didn't seem to tick any box apart from the "to have headlight" line. The car's nose was very short, and the windshield steep enough to not need a wiper under pouring rain. Its tall greenhouse featured more window area than a compact-sized hatchback, while the side-opening tailgate made the loading and unloading difficult, especially in tight parking spaces.
Inside, the carmaker used the center-mounted instrument cluster on the dashboard that secretly showed the speed only to the driver. Toyota insisted on safety features, and, in that department, it offered more than anyone else on the market. Also, the interior was roomier than on the regular Yaris since it sported a longer wheelbase. That left more room even for the trunk, which was large enough for a family of four that needed to carry a bicycle and a baby stroller.
Under the hood, Toyota offered a choice of three engines, including a highly fuel-efficient turbo-diesel.
Press Release
Toyota Yaris Verso
At just 3.86m long, 1.69m wide and 1.6m tall, Toyota Yaris Verso offers lots of interior space. With all seats in position, it is a full five-seater with 390 litres of boot space.
However, Toyota Yaris Verso also has a versatility that is unequalled by other small cars on the market today thanks to its unique design of second row 'flat-in-floor' retractable rear seats. Within seconds, any member of the family can fold away the left and right rear seats to create a low, flat floor and an incredible 2,160 litres of load space. That's more than the Renault Scenic which is a bigger car.
Toyota made the Toyota Yaris Verso's seat flexibility easy to use. Key to this is the fact that the folding seats remain in the car, eliminating the problem of storage for those without a private garage. It is this simple and practical every day benefit that makes Toyota Yaris Verso so unique. Yaris Verso offers various clever seating configurations with the removable rear centre seat acting as a tray space, play area or folding picnic table as necessary.
Clever Interior
The central instrument cluster is another intelligent application of technology, with the three-dimensional digital display that is clear and easy to read, reducing driver fatigue by minimising eye movement and refocusing. An audio system comes as standard and a turn-by-turn satellite navigation is an option.
Intelligent Technology
Toyota Yaris Verso is powered by a new 1.3-litre version of the award winning Toyota Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) engine first seen in Yaris. The engine develops a maximum 63kW (85bhp) of power at 6,000 rpm and 124Nm (91 lb.ft) of torque at 4,400rpm. This high technology engine, which makes use of systems first developed for luxury cars, has fully variable valve timing and direct ignition to offer outstanding performance and fuel economy. Thanks to the VVT-i, high torque is available across a wide range of engine speeds to offer excellent mid-range acceleration and easy, comfortable driveability. Toyota Yaris Verso is available with a five speed manual gearbox or a four speed automatic transmission.
Safe and Easy to Drive
Toyota Yaris Verso has a lightweight but rigid body construction, minimising the deformation of the cabin during an impact. A low centre of gravity ensures maximum stability and the car is particularly stable during high-speed changes of direction. It is light and nimble to drive in city conditions and the high seating position is excellent in terms of comfort and road visibility.
Cost of Ownership
All Yaris come with a free three-year/60,000 mile warranty plus RAC breakdown recovery included as part of the Club Toyota membership package. This includes a three-year Eurocare mobility package that provides roadside rescue as well as accident management services throughout mainland Europe. Verso is backed with a three-year paint and 12 year anti-perforation warranty. A full service is required only once every 20,000 miles or two years.
