Roy Lewis road tests the Toyota Verso-S 1.3-litre T Spirit manual (From Hereford Times)

Roy Lewis road tests the Toyota Verso-S 1.3-litre T Spirit manual

7:00am Saturday 17th September 2011 in Road Tests

SUCH is the competition in the small car sector nowadays that previous awardwinning vehicles are being pushed further down the pecking order as new models arrive.

One of the latest and most impressive of the newcomers is Toyota’s Verso-S which marks the company’s return to the supermini MPV class.

At just four metres long, the Verso-S is the shortest and lightest supermini MPV around. But it is extremely roomy, thanks to some clever design features..

The five-seat, five-door Verso-S is powered by just one engine, the 98bhp 1.3- litre petrol with variable valve timing and from Toyota’s iQ city car.

Unfortunately, there is no diesel motor for Britain which is rather a pity as it would undoubtedly broaden the Verso’s appeal. But it would cost more to produce and, as it is, the little petrol motor is cheap enough to run with more than 50mpg during everyday driving.

Prices of the Verso-S go from £14,645 to £15,745 on the road with two trims – the TR and T Spirit – and a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox and a multidrive CVT automatic gearbox.

Actually, the CVT version is slightly better on fuel than the manual but the economy and low CO2 emissions of both models are very good and this is partly due to the lightness of the Verso-S which is built of lightweight high-tensile steel.

The quality of construction both inside and out looks very good and there is no doubt that Toyota has given much thought in the construction of this car.

All in all, it is one of the best compact MPVs on the market and probably its fiercest rival is the Honda Jazz with its clever sliding rear seat ar rangement which creates extra load space.

But the tall and boxy Verso-S also offers a surprising amount of space and besides the cabin being airy and roomy, there is generous rear-seat space and a good-sized load area, especially with the rear split seats folded.

You’ll like driving the car around town. The motor is lively and with its small turning circle and light steering, provided by an electric rack and pinion system, it is so easy to nip in and out of the traffic. And being so short, it is easy to park, especially with the help of the reversing camera, fitted as standard.

While the car is best in town, it is no slouch on the open road with the sixspeed manual gearbox allowing fairly tall gearing which can help with economy on the open road. A further economy aid is the gearshift indicator which tells the driver when to change up or down.

But obviously with such a small engine there are limitations with regard to performance.

However, the motor is a decent all-rounder and for those with an eye on economy and practicality from a small vehicle the Verso-S could well be the perfect partner during these belt-tightening times.

Underway, the car offers splendid composure, excellent grip and a comfortable and quiet ride.

Its shar p-looking body creases help give it an individual look while inside the layout is also stylish but straightforward.

A bonus is undoubtedly Toyota’s touch-screen multi-media system for the car’s entertainment and other systems. It’s a firstrate feature and reduces the number of dashboard controls.

Unfortunately, a satnav pack is available at extra cost.

Both specifications are well equipped with the TR having seven airbags, an emergency brake system, reversing camera, manual air-conditioning, auxiliary socket with USB port and Bluetooth.

The T Spirit adds electric windows front and rear, 16in alloy wheels and a panoramic roof with electric sunblind.

To help give the buyer peace of mind the car comes with an excellent five-year/100,000-mile warranty.

AT-A-GLANCE

Toyota Verso-S 1.3-litre T Spirit manual.

Price: £15,745 (on the road).

Top speed: 106mph.

0-62mph: 13.3 seconds.

Fuel: 51.4mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 127 (VED band C).

Verdict: Small yet spacious, practical, enjoyable, economical, refined, with fiveyear/ 100,000-mile warranty.