Toyota Verso T-Spirit 2.0 D-4D

Nov 20 2009 Maxine Ashford

PANTO season is almost here again but there's no chance of being caught out by the 'it's behind you' line in the Toyota Verso.

That's because those techies at Toyota have designed a rear view camera that projects an image through a tiny screen mounted in the interior mirror.

That means every time you put the vehicle into reverse you can see exactly what's behind you which is a real asset when reversing into a tight parking space.

In fairness, the versatile seven-seat Verso is packed with great technology and delivers plenty on the performance front too.

The 2.0-litre engine was very responsive in and around town and then out on the open road it offered plenty of acceleration as it moved smoothly through the six-speed gearbox. Road-holding was also impressive.

All round visibility is excellent for front and rear seat passengers alike and there is ample leg room to add to the high comfort levels.

Throughout the cabin, there are plenty of top notch features including rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, a panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control air con, cruise control with speed limiter and push button stop/start ignition to name just a few. And when you add in a first class sat nav system and impressive stereo, the Verso really is a whole lot of car for not too bad an outlay.

Although the Verso has clearly targeted the get-up-and-go family market, there is plenty to attract other buyers too. The cabin space is excellent and there is bags of luggage room too, along with numerous smaller storage compartments scattered throughout.

The safety specifications on the Verso are also top notch with anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control and airbags galore including protection for third row passengers too.

And when you add in the excellent economy figures, it's clear to see why the Verso is proving such an attraction to buyers.

To be fair, it has the lot - it boasts good looks, is economical to run and is crammed with technology.

FAST FACTS

Toyota Verso T-Spirit 2.0 D-4D

Price: £20,690

Mechanical: 145bhp, 1,998cc, 4-cylinder, diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 118mph

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

Combined mpg: 40.4

Insurance group: 7

CO2 emissions: 165g/km

BIK rating: 18%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles