Toyota AVENSIS VERSO RANGE   

Toyotas Mini-MPV Has Subtly Evolved. Andy Enright Plays Spot The Difference

Sometimes you have to wonder if manufacturers are playing an elaborate joke on motoring writers. When Toyota displayed their revised Avensis Verso, it left most observers scratching their head. Granted, the original Avensis Verso was a good, if not memorable, addition to Toyotas range but it was genuinely hard to put a finger on the changes. "The door handles are different," claimed one hack. "The side repeaters have been moved," mused another. Wrong and wrong. Although the changes are subtle, Toyota have created a significantly better car.

Those chief targets of any mid-life facelift, the front bumper and headlamps have been changed although it takes a keen eye and, preferably, the two cars back to back to pinpoint the differences. The bonnet has been reshaped and swoops into a sharper grille with more pronounced headlights and a redesigned underbumper intake. At the back there are revised light clusters and the radio antenna is now incorporated into the rear glass. The versions that run on 15-inch wheels get redesigned trims while some 16-inch alloys have been purloined from the Avensis range to furnish plusher Verso models.

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The interior benefits from a plusher dark interior fabric trim with titanium coloured inserts. The fascia features Optitron instrumentation thats not only easier to read but also looks a good deal more high-tech. Audio controls on the steering wheel prevent the driver from having to hang off the seat belt in order to change the volume while electrically retractable rear view mirrors make manoeuvring the Verso along narrow country lanes or through city gaps that little bit easier. Automatic air conditioning is also included, boosting the trim levels of a car that was already notable for its value/quality balance.

A DVD-based touch screen satellite navigation system is also offered albeit as an option and includes Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA) updates that can warn drivers of a traffic snarl up. ETA is received via an FM signal and decoded, the satellite system deciding which ones are relevant to your location and route. Owners that plump for the DVD full-map navigation system also get Toyotas Parking Assist System that provides a colour view of the area around the back of the car when reverse gear is selected. The cosmetics and the toys are all well and good but the Verso backs these up with some genuine substance.

The 147bhp 2.0-litre VVT-I petrol engine now meets the stringent Euro IV emissions regulations due to come into force in 2005. Safety has also been boosted across the range. Front side airbags are now standard as are front SRS curtain shield bags that prevent passengers knocking themselves out on the side windows and frames.

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) are also available to assist the driver (ATATD).

"The gearchange is smoother than a soft focus 10x6 glossy of Des Lynam "

Weve become used to the Verso moniker with Yaris and Corolla Verso variants. The Avensis version continues this theme of offering MPV versions of each model line and gives motoring writers enormous headaches as to what to call each model. If the Avensis Verso is a mini-MPV, whats the smaller Corolla, or the tiny Yaris? Submini? Supermini? Answers on a postcard to the usual address please. Whatever we choose to call it, the Avensis Verso is longer, wider and taller than the family hatch that spawned it, being based on an entirely new platform that the latest Avensis saloons share.

The Verso boasts seven seats, now de rigeur for this particular class, and two engine options, a 147bhp 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol unit and the excellent D-4D 2.0-litre diesel thats good for 114bhp. The 2.

0-litre VVT-i versions also offers the option of a Super Electronically Controlled Transmission, known to most of us as an automatic. This is controlled by a pistol grip lever on the dashboard that shoots between four gears, unfortunately denying you the pleasure of loosing off a whole clip of six. Thats not too much of a hardship, however, as the gearchange is smoother than a soft focus 10x6 glossy of Des Lynam. At prices starting around £18,600, the Avensis Verso looks class competitive, and the raw figures certainly bear that out.

As well as the impressive space, youll also get an engine good for 43.5mpg in the diesel D-4D, or able to sprint to 60mph in 11.2 seconds in the case of the 2.0-litre VVT-i.

The diesel is only a second slower to 60mph, and is only 7mph shy of the 2.0-litre models 119mph top speed. Toyota also claim the shortest stopping distances in class due to the Versos powerful brakes, boosted by electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Toyota make great play of the cars light weight of just 1,445kg although this is more than a Zafira, a Multipla or even the outgoing Picnic model.

With well-judged styling, a pair of cracking engines and some genuine attention to detail, the Toyota Avensis Verso is right on the pace. Perhaps its a car that needs to be promoted a little harder as you dont see too many of them plying the UKs roads which, given its talents, is something of a shame. One suspects the low-key changes made to this latest model wont be enough to sell it on their own. Its time for Toyota to ring up the creatives in black polo necks to come up with a catchy advertising hook, else the joke may well be on them.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Toyota Avensis Verso range
PRICES: £18,600-£22,100 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8E-9E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 173-202 g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 VVT-i] 0-60mph 11.2s / Max Speed 119mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 VVT-i] 32.8mpg combined
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height mm) 4650/1760/1675

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