Seven up

One look at the types of car on sale today will reveal some woefully inappropriate expressions. For instance, SUV or sports utility vehicles--how likely are these to be utilised for anything sportier than carrying the kids to school?

And what about the term 'people carrier'? By definition all cars are people carriers! However, it seems some models do not carry enough people to satisfy market needs, like the first incarnation of Toyota's Corolla Verso--a compact MPV with only five seats. Toyota says that European MPV buyers are increasingly looking for seven seaters which is why the Corolla Verso now incorporates two extra seats as standard.

The new model will have to compete in a tough market alongside the Vauxhall Zafira, Volkswagen Touran and the Renault Grand Scenic. But Toyota plans to sell 6000 units this year, rising to 10,000 by 2006. And although the product is not anticipated to be a large volume fleet vehicle, it is expected to appeal to around 1000-2000 user choosers a year.

When it came to the actual design of the new model, Toyota decided to start from scratch. So the latest Corolla Verso is built on a new platform and adopts the McPherson Strut front suspension from the Avensis for improved cornering while the rear suspension and hydraulic power steering have also been revised to maximise "driving enjoyment".

Exterior styling has been changed to give a European flavour, more in keeping with the rest of the Toyota range. But its the interior where you'll see the most obvious changes, not just in the form of two extra seats but also in Toyota's Easy Flat-7 fold-flat seat system. At the touch of a button, the second and third row seats fold down individually to create a totally flat floor. The mechanism works smoothly and leaves a large loading area, making the car look like an estate

Access to the third row of seats is also a doddle thanks to a one-touch button that tilts the outer middle seats and moves them forward The middle seats can also be slid forward to increase rear legroom, making the third row suitable for adults as well as kids.

Three trim levels are available: T2, T3--expected to be the volume seller--and T spirit The highlight of the top-grade T spirit is the headrest-mounted DVD system Depending on trim, there's also two optional DVD-based sat nav systems: a turn-by-turn device for 1350 [pounds sterling] or a full map system available for 2300 [pounds sterling]. The latter includes Cornering Assist and Rear Park Assist Monitor cameras to help manoeuvres.

Engine choices comprise two petrols--a 109bhp 1.6 VVT-i and a 1.8 VVT-i. There is also the 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D engine used in the Avensis which, while not yet meeting Euro IV standards, offers lower particulate emissions. All three engines come with a five-speed manual gearbox but the 1.8 can be specified with a new five-speed automatic Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT) with sequential shift.

I tested the 1.8 MMT and found the engine to be a strong performer but was not a big fan of the transmission; gearchanges seemed tardy and rather jerky, and I far preferred the more responsive manual version Ride quality though was very comfortable with rather nimble handling.

But with a punchy response from its 114bhp and 280Nm of torque, the 2.0 D-4D was the most solid performer by far.

I felt very relaxed and comfortable while driving the Corolla. The cabin felt roomy, particularly in the front, and offered good headroom The reversing camera worked well but the cornering camera seemed distracting as it took my attention away from the actual road.

The new Corolla Verso is a big step up over the old model. It may have reached true 'people carrier' status but that's only the start of what it has to offer.

DRIVER'S LOG

OTR PRICES: 14,495 [pounds sterling] to 19,795 [pounds sterling]

ENGINES: Petrol: 1.6 and 1.8 VVT-i Diesel: *2.0 D-4D

TRANSMISSIONS: Five-speed a manual. 1.8: optional five-speed MMT auto

POWER: *114bhp@3600rpm

TORQUE: *280Nm@2000-2200rpm

C[O.sub.2] RATING: *165g/km

OFFICIAL COMBINED: *45.6mpg

INSURANCE GROUPS: 5E-8E

ON SALE: Now

* tested

COPYRIGHT 2004 DMG World Media Ltd.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group