Road test: Toyota ushers in a new era of excitement

The boss of Toyota has promised to stop making boring cars and, in the case of the fourth-generation Verso compact MPV, he’s been as good as his word.

Far better looking than before, with sharper lines at the front and side — although the rear is a bit bland — it is also a big improvement in refinement and a more involving drive than earlier Versos.

It needed to improve — in the face of such strong opposition as the Ford C-Max, Vauxhall Zafira, VW Touran and Renault Grand Scenic — and it has. The big seller (Toyota expects some 85 per cent of UK sales) will be the 2.0 D-4D diesel version in mid spec but 1.6 and 1.8 Valvematic petrol versions are also available, all in three states of trim and with five or seven seats.

With all three rows of seats upright, bootspace of 155 litres is, of course, limited. You could take seven people on holiday but they would have to travel very light. With the third row of seats lowered a more reasonable 440 litres is available. The dreaded trio of noise, vibration and harshness are noticeably better than before and at motorway speeds progress is pretty effortless. Filthy weather at the car’s launch banished hopes of fully exploring the handling but it negotiated winding mountain roads with decorum rather than brio.

The cabin is typical Toyota, with decent quality materials and the main dials angled towards the driver. Build quality is good and the doors close with a reassuring thunk.

With prices ranging from £17,495 to £23,445, the new Verso will please Toyota fans. However, enthusiastic drivers would probably still prefer the Ford C-Max.

Toyota Verso 2.0 D-4D Diesel Icon Seven-Seater
Top speed: 115mph; Emissions: 129g/km;
Combined fuel consumption: 57.6mpg;
Price: £21,445