2004 Toyota Corolla Verso 180
2004-06-15 08:09
Author: Wilmer Muller
When Renault launched its Scenic MPV in the 90s it was an immediate hit and other car manufacturers had to cash in on this lucrative new segment.
Now Toyota has joined the race in South Africa with the introduction of its Corolla Verso. And its name suggests that it must be quite a versatile vehicle, which it indeed is.
Although the local Verso line-up consists of four models, all of them feature the same 1.8-litre VVTi engine. We tested the entry-level 180 model with manual transmission.
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Pessimists would have said that Toyota is not able to build funky-looking vehicles. Well the Verso is proof that Toyota has good designs up its sleeve.
When Toyota developed the Verso it had the European market in mind - and even designed the car there. The result is a striking and futuristic looking MPV.
The Verso's attractive front design will also filter through to the Corolla/RunX range later this year.
Furthermore the Verso shares its genes with the Corolla range, which has a very loyal following in South Africa.
Its relation with the tried and trusted Corolla could perhaps also give the car an edge above its rivals, which include a tough bunch of vehicles. Not only is it competing against the Scenic but recently VW also entered the segment with its Touran. Other rivals include the Opel Zafira and Citroen Picasso.
Interior
The Verso's most distinctive feature is its innovative seven-seat configuration, called the Easy Flat-7 system. Toyota claims the seat arrangement offers 32 different possibilities.
The Easy Flat-7 system means that you don't have to remove the car's seats to expand the loading area. The second and third row of seats fold very easily into the load floor in a process which doesn't require much muscle power or any sweat.
The middle seats can also slide forward and backwards, while the rear seats are more suitable for children rather than adults.
Toyota also did a good job with the dash layout and the instruments are clear and easy to read. All controls are also simple to operate and overall ergonomics are good.
Although the interior design i attractive, we found it a bit sombre and I was a bit disappointed in the quality of plastics used. Most of the plastics were of the hard kind and looked a bit cheap - it didn't have the same quality look and feel as the Scenic.
Equipment
All four Verso models are well equipped and come with a range of standard features. Our entry-level test car had electric windows at the front, but at the rear they were manual operated.
The car also has with air conditioning, a radio with front-loading CD player, satellite controls for the radio on the steering wheel, power steering and remote central locking.
As with the Scenic the Verso has a key-card entry system, although the key isn't as slim as that of the Scenic.
On the safety side you will find that the Verso 180 has ABS and EBD. It also features dual stage driver and passenger airbags as well as a driver side knee airbag. Both front passengers also get side airbags.
The more expensive Versos feature more airbags and gizmos such as brake assist. They also have more luxury items and the range-topper even comes with park assist and an electronic moonroof.
Under the skin
Despite several engine options in Europe, including a diesel, the Verso is only available with one engine choice in South Africa, a 1.8-litre VVTi (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) unit.
This four-cylinder, 16-valve unit has a maximum power output of 95 kW at 6 000 r/min, while peak torque is 170 Nm at 4 200 r/min.
With the 180 model a five-speed manual gearbox drives power to the front wheels. Toyota also offers a five-speed semi-automatic gearbox, Multi-mode Manual Transmission (M-MT).
This new transmission provides both automatic and manual sequential gearshift modes. There is no power-sapping torque converter, which results in no loss in acceleration, top speed or fuel economy, when compared to the manual model.
Driving it
The first thing you notice about the Verso is that although it is a compact MPV it drives like a car.
But of course, you sit slightly higher on the road than in your average Corolla, which is quite nice. This gives the benefit of being, in part, able to see over the tops of ordinary sedans and station wagons.
But beware of scratching your front bumper because the Verso's nose falls away sharply and you have absolutely no idea where it is when you're parking.
The manual is totally Corolla - a trifle rubbery between the gears, but a short and positive click into place, which is acceptable.
The Verso is quite a good handler and the car responds very well to inputs from the driver. Furthermore body roll is kept to the minimum and it adapts well to most kind of road surfaces.
In traffic the throttle response proves excellent for quick overtaking and it is quite nimble. On the open road we were surprised with the car's good grip and road manners.
Wind and road noise was also at acceptable levels, but the engine seems to get a little bit vocal as you accelerate and work through the gearbox.
Conclusion
Not only is the Verso a welcome addition to the Toyota family but it is also nice to have a fresh face on the MPV scene.
The entry-level Verso 180 is very competitive and well equipped. Although its archrival is probably the Scenic it is more a direct competitor to the Opel Zafira, which is also a seven-seater.
As with the Verso the Zafira also has a 1.8-litre engine and pricing is about the same as that of the Verso 180. Yes, the VW Touran is also available as a seven-seater but it has a much higher price tag.
Renault will also launch a seven-seat Scenic later this year in South Africa but there is no price indication yet.
Toyota has a trusted name in South Africa and with its excellent service levels and a wide dealer network the Verso is definitely an attractive choice for local MPV buyers.
Pluses
Easy Flat-7 system
Design
Equipment levels
Wide dealer network
Minuses
Interior plastics Sharp nose