The new Verso is not dissimilar to the old Verso. Now, there are many who think new models must be totally new. This perception sometimes exists because of the belief that newer technology always means lower emissions, more comfort or more performance. But often, it simply means a new skin mated to existing mechanicals. This can be an issue but there is something more important to me. And that is a combination of reliability, longevity and consistency. Looks reside in the lower half of my list of priorities. I would also rather buy a vehicle near the end of its life cycle than near the beginning. This is due to the number of “issues”, mainly design flaws, that tend to get sorted out over the years, usually without anyone knowing about them. This results in fewer problems and cash savings.
But I digress! The new Verso does have a new shape and it is now more aerodynamic. The interior has also been revamped, including a soft-touch facia and the steering wheel is now covered in super-supple leather which adds significantly to an upmarket driving feel.
The 1,8-litre engine we sampled remains as before, producing 108 kW, and is both very smooth and very quiet. The gearbox is a six-speeder with a well-positioned lever and a nice mechanical shift action. It is a pity that first gear is too tall and, to prevent stalling, you have to feather the clutch. The shift gate is also small, so you must be sure of which gate of first/second, third/fourth or fifth/six you are playing with. A small shift-indicator light is tucked away to the right of the instrument binnacle and the fuel consumption display could have been more prominent.
Seating is the familiar seven-occupant in 2:3:2 layout as before. On the TX, leather bolsters with double stitching are added. The seats are on the heavy side to manoeuvre, including the driver’s seat. The rear two (that fold neatly flat) are only suitable for young children although the middle row slides for legroom fine-tuning. Overall comfort and driving appeal remain high. A very neat feature is the dedicated space under the rear boot board for stowage of the parcel shelf when the rear seats are in use. With most cars, you have to leave this at home. Around this space is enough extra room to stash some parcels.
Smart entry with push start, dual-zone climate control, rear window screens, auto headlamp levelling, rain-sensing wipers, daytime-running lights, a fold-down mirror for viewing the rear of the interior and a rear-view camera are all part of the TX package.
Ride quality is refined with low noise levels, and acceleration is on a par with 1,8 to 2,0-litre MPVs. One strange sensation is the transmission of road corrugations through the floor to the seat mounts and then on to your body. This is not a serious issue, merely unusual. The electrically assisted power steering is one of the better designs with no unusual springiness in the feel.
The new Verso might not be a quantum leap forward but it will remain a top seller for its blend of comfort, packaging and Toyota’s legendary resale value. Although I still prefer the superb diesel D-4D powertrain (also not new but a great package), this petrol version is nevertheless nearly as enjoyable.
Specification
Model: Toyota Verso 1,8 TX
Engine: 1,8-litre, four cylinder petrol
Power: 108 kW at 6 400 r/min
Torque: 180 N.m at 4 000 r/min
0 to 100 km/h: 10,8 seconds (tested)
Fuel consumption: 8,4 L/100 km
CO2: 162 g/km
Top speed: 190 km/h
Price: R314 200
Service plan: 5 years/90 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
