The styling shows forward thinking, and offers emotional appeal to offer a different image of the people who buy an MPV for space, but don't want to give up on style. This 5 + 2 seat compact MPV was designed by Elvio D'Aprile, who started his career at Pininfarina. The unique and dynamic design encompasses a vehicle packed with active and passive safety features, enormous interior space and flexibility to suit any family.

The Verso represents an entirely new philosophy - an "out of the box" way of thinking that was adopted by Toyota's designers and engineers to bring to its customers a new and innovative car to set new standards in family motoring. High-tech, Quality and Modernity are three words that best describe the Corolla Verso's interior design.

Redesigned instruments and controls, more comfortable seating arrangements and a greater use of cloth and fabric in the trim make a huge difference. The new lighting contrasts with the larger use of metallic inserts in the centre console to create a subtle and modern aqua-green lighting. All these features enhance the interior of the new Corolla Verso, creating a welcoming place to be for long or short journeys. The Corolla Verso offers tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustments to further enhance comfort and safety for even more driver shapes and sizes.

The Verso's air-conditioning system, incorporating a variable displacement compressor varies the capacity of the compressor according to the cooling load or driving conditions of the vehicle (such as acceleration or deceleration). By taking less power from the engine, it actually improves fuel economy and lessens the impact on performance, saving fuel by up to 3% when compared to a normal compressor.

The Corolla Verso is currently available in three models, with a new entry-level model due to be launched soon. All Verso models are driven by a 1.8 VVT-i petrol engine, with the SX offering the MMT gearbox as an option, and the range topping TX fitted standard with MMT.

The long-term test vehicle was fitted with the MMT (a 5-speed Multi-mode Manual Transmission) system, and I must admit that this system proved to be the thorn in the Verso's side. MMT offers the driver the choice of either automatic transmission or manual sequential gearshift modes. In the automatic mode, the gear selection was erratic and showed constant signs of confusion, forcing me to keep the Verso constantly in the manual selection mode. On one occasion the Verso selected neutral in peak hour traffic for several minutes, forcing us to have the transmission checked up by the Toyota workshop. The problem was rectified, however I still believe that the MMT system, together with its original plans should be placed in a capsule and blasted into orbit.

The 1.8-litre petrol engine produces 95 kW at 6 000rpm and peak torque of 170Nm is delivered at 4 200rpm. The Verso pulls good speed and is not unnerved when loaded, but the main power is evident at higher revs. Petrol consumption was good, with the test car averaging between 7.5 and 8.5 litres per 100km, depending on the cycle.

The Verso is an extremely competent MPV, with refreshing looks and space for a large family. Should one need to transport large objects, the Easy Flat-7TM seating system allows all the rear seats to neatly fold away to offer a cavernous utilisation space. The three centre seats can be individually adjusted and folded.

Although the Verso is the widest MPV available, the height to width ratio of the body can create problems due to body roll in cornering, especially when loaded. I found myself gathering large handfuls of steering wheel one evening when entering a corner that tightened up on exiting. The excessive body roll did give me food for thought, and on future trips I approached most tightening corners a wiser person.

The Verso handles well in most situations though, and at least once the response and handling did save me from sudden impact. The brakes are excellent and the Toyota Verso offers a host of active and passive safety features. As a first line of defence, the Toyota Corolla Verso has the Minimal Intrusion Cabin System (MICS). This innovative protection cage evenly distributes force from collisions and minimises cabin deformation in the event of an accident. Two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, as well as side and curtain-shield airbags are standard.

As a first for a C-segment car, the new Toyota Corolla Verso is also equipped with a knee airbag for the driver. This feature not only protects the driver's lower legs, but stops the driver from moving forward and "submarining" in an accident. The Verso is also equipped with a dual-stage seatbelt warning system. Impact force is effectively absorbed by anti-intrusion brake and clutch pedals and replaceable front and rear end parts in the crush zone.

The same attention is given to active safety. The Corolla Verso features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA), to ensure the brake pedal is depressed sufficiently at the time of emergency braking. These features are available in all three current Verso models. The Verso is definitely a must have for those people looking for a MPV with style, space and versatility.

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