The New Toyota Verso 2014 Review [Video]

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Compact MPV’s need certain qualities that make them attractive to buyers, and we’re pleased to be able to say that the Toyota Verso 2014 delivers them in spades. The engineers built it with quality and packaged it smartly. It’s reliable, versatile, spacious and economical to run – all things you want from a compact MPV.

Toyota Verso 2014

The great thing about all this is that the Toyota Verso 2014 demonstrates that the brand is actually putting some effort in at last when it comes to their compact MPV’s. It’s true that this particular sector has been problematic for Toyota down the years. The Toyota Verso 2013 was, for one reason or another, passed upon by many consumers. Buyers just weren’t interested in its competency, most likely because of a real lack of cutting edge and urgency. They chose other options, perhaps recognising that the Japanese manufacturers simply weren’t putting in the sort of time, resources and energy into their Verso as they were with their more sportier models. But, at last, the 2014 Toyota Verso has the kind of practicality and purpose its rivals have always had. Let’s take a closer look.

Less Sport, More Purpose

Toyota never quite got it right, the previous generation Toyota Verso, offering low, sporty-esque seats that just didn’t sit right with consumers. When it comes to compact MPV’s aimed at families, buyers want more authority when sat in the drivers seat – they want to be higher up, which is what you’ve got here with the Toyota Verso 2014. The car also offers firmer body control, more grip and more fluidity which, essentially, does make it dynamic – but it also makes it purposeful. This renewed sense of purpose is enhanced by the electric power steering system, a function that offers a smoother ride when things are getting a little too vigorous for the drivers liking.

Toyota Verso 2014

Most Toyota Verso 2014 engines range between the 1.6 and the 1.8-litre petrol and diesel variants, with the 1.6-litre D-4D diesel, created by BMW, most likely to the more popular one. This particular variant offers more pulling power, but it is slightly slower than its petrol alternatives, offering up a recording of rest to 60 in 11.3 seconds – almost 3 seconds slower than the 1.8-litre petrol variant. But these numbers are probably irrelevant to most compact MPV buyers. What matters is how it runs daily, and with more torque, the 1.6-litre D-4D is certainly able to give you more satisfaction overall, particularly for long distance drives.

Family Matters

As previously mentioned, Toyota have really struggled in recent years to get their family-based compact MPV offerings right. For this reason, the designers have really focused on getting the looks of the 2014 Toyota Verso absolutely spot on. It looks more like a family car, with a redesigned bumper, a tidier, smaller upper grille and sleeker headlamps. It looks nicer, it looks more engaging and more wholesome.

All the effort on the design has meant little to no effort has been spent on the space. It’s the same size as the Toyota Verso 2013, so, although it’s advertised as a Toyota Verso 7 seater, the third row is pretty much for children only. This, of course, won’t be a problem for consumers with families. Boot space is limited at 155-litres when the car is filled with people, but when it isn’t, there are copious amounts of space to easily deal with all your luggage, including 11-litres of under-floor storage space.

Toyota Verso Deals

The Toyota Verso price range starts at £18,000 and rise to £24,000, which puts the pricing on par with its rivals. There is the option of a 5-seat Toyota Verso automatic version, which comes with the 1.6-litre petrol engine, but it actually only costs £500 more than the seven-seat variable, making it a rather unattractive option for most buyers. There will be a premium of £1,500 to make the big jump to the popular 1.6 D-4D diesel version, with this model coming with greater torque, better handling and more pulling power. Petrol engines manage 40mpg, whilst the 1.6-litre diesel is a great option for greener-minded buyers, emitting just 119g/km of CO2. Checking out a Toyota Verso S review is recommended if you want to go for the sportier, slightly pricier variant.

All in all, the Toyota Verso 2014 might not be the greatest compact MPV in the world right now, but it’s certainly the highly respected brand’s best offering yet and that may well be enough to tempt consumers to give it a go.

If you want to get hold of the Toyota Verso 2014, don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our Toyota Verso lease deals.