Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D Range
Toyotas Verso is ruthlessly effective in fulfilling the compact-MPV role but it isnt the most flamboyant of vehicles and in no way would you credit it with any degree of sportiness. There was certainly room for a headline grabbing derivative to enliven the Corolla-based Versos public image but in typical Toyota style, rather than introduce a blistering performance version with big wheels, body kit and tooth chattering suspension, they dropped in a pair of powerful but practical 2.2-litre D4-D diesel engines. In the interests of keeping the Versos wining formula intact, it might have been just as well.
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2-litre D-4D 135 and the 177bhp 2.2-litre D-4D 180 D-CAT. That D-CAT tag attached to the range-topping unit stands for Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology and Toyota are keen to trumpet the fact that this is the most powerful as well as the cleanest diesel engine in the Versos class. The D-4D 135 version is reassuringly hi-tec too.
It features an all aluminium cylinder block that cuts back on weight and, along with the offset piston design, helps to reduce noise. Theres a large intercooler as well, for improved heat exchange and greater efficiency. The engine is a real all-rounder, producing a hefty 310Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and capable of averaging nearly 45mpg while emitting 167g/km of C02 and a lower level of Nitrogen oxides than the 114bhp 2.0-litre engine it replaced.
The range-topping D-4D 180 D-CAT powerplant takes things further. Theres the obvious power increase over the D-4D 135 model but with this car, average fuel economy of 41.5mpg and C02 emissions of 178g/km are achieved through some groundbreaking technological wizardry. The D-4D 180 utilises the piezoelectric common-rail injection system for extremely fast, high pressure fuel injections and, therefore, extremely efficient combustion.
The system can actually make up to five fuel injections per cycle, rendering it highly responsive to demands being placed on the engine by the driver. The D-4D 180 also employs ceramic glow plugs which are highly durable and reach their ideal operating temperature quicker for rapid cold starts in low temperatures.
"The T 180 is a sporty as the Corolla Verso should be allowed to get..."
The D-CAT technology is all about cutting emissions but its not just the output of C02 thats reduced. The D-CAT system also dramatically diminishes levels of particulates in the exhaust gasses. A gas recirculation system and Toyotas Diesel Particulate Reduction System in the four-way catalyst help to filter and burn off higher levels of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide than in more conventional engines. Theres a big sense of satisfaction that Verso D-4D drivers will be able to glean from the knowledge that their vehicle is pumping significantly less nastiness out into the atmosphere than other diesels of similar size but the real appeal with the 2.
2 D-4D engines is a rather more selfish one. The performance on the road of both powerplants is very good for a number of reasons but anyone purchasing a Verso D-4D with visions of tyre shredding acceleration and scalpel-sharp handing is going to be disappointed. The real strength of both engines is refinement. Its testament to just how quiet the D-4D technology is that wind noise around the A-pillars becomes a little intrusive in the Verso at motorway speeds.
Drivers of less advanced oil-burning cars would give their eye teeth to hear the wind buffeting their bodywork as its invariably drowned out by the droning rumble of their engine. You genuinely could mistake these diesels for petrol-powered cars were it not for the huge swell of torque that dominates the mid-range. Toyota have made the D-4D 135 available right across the Verso range, so buyers can specify it in T2, T3 and T Spirit trim with prices starting at £16,595, but the D-4D 180s arrival prompted the inauguration of a special T 180 trim level which is exclusively offered with that engine priced at £21,845. The intention is for the T 180 to act as a halo performance model over the rest of the Verso line-up and why not? 177bhp is a sizable amount for a compact MPV to be packing.
The problem it that theres no initial urgency to the D-4D 180s performance: 0-62mph takes a modest 8.8s and theres a reasonable 128mph top speed but its nothing too dramatic. The engines trump card lies in its huge 400Nm torque output between 2,000 and 2,600rpm, this gives exceptional pulling power in the mid-range that makes mincemeat of overtaking manoeuvres and steep inclines. The driving experience is languid and muscular but doesnt deliver the feistiness and thrills youd expect from a truly hot compact MPV.
The handling is assured enough but never excites and you dont really feel inclined to press on. All the latest Verso models have taken on a revised grille and bumper to mirror that of the Auris and Yaris hatchbacks while the T180 and T-Spirit models now have satellite navigation as standard. The T 180 gets a sensible range of styling extras, enough to differentiate it without going too far. 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, a perforated leather steering wheel cover and various interior trim detail features are included, so its hardly a Max Power wannabe.
Toyota have sensibly kept things subtle in a way that doesnt tarnish the Versos general sheen of competence by forcing it into pretending to be something its not. Both of the 2.2-litre D-4D engines are a good match for the Verso. The car is thoroughly user-friendly, from the easy-to-operate seating system to that trademark Toyota reliability and the marked absence of the kind of niggling annoyances that drive you up the wall during day to day use.
Its well built, neatly designed and just a little bit dull - which is exactly how an MPV should be. If you want a compact MPV to fulfil the compact MPV role, Toyotas Verso D-4D models are a great choice. Their blend of refinement, economy, cleanliness and torquey performance is ideal for this kind of vehicle. If you want a hot hatchback, do yourself a favour and buy one.
The T 180 is as sporty as the Verso should be allowed to get.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D range
PRICES: £16,595-£21,845 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 167-178g/km
PERFORMANCE: [180] 0-60mph 8.8s / Max Speed 128mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [135] (combined) 44.8mpg / (extra urban) 53.3mpg / (urban) 35.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Nine airbags / ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/heightmm) 4360/1770/1622
