Used Toyota Verso MPV 2006 - 2009 review
Clever and practical seven-seater MPV
MPV
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What's the used Toyota Verso like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Verso like?
With a name like Verso you'd expect Toyota's MPV to be pretty versatile - and it is.
The company's Easy Flat-7 seating system allows the middle row and two rear seats to be folded completely flat in the floor when they're not needed. The middle seats can also slide backwards and forwards to vary the ratio between legroom and luggage space. But, don't expect to carry seven adults in comfort, as the two rear seats are really for children only.
Overview
Clever and practical seven-seater MPV
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Flexible and practical interior
Cons
- Firm ride
- auto gearbox
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On the other hand, the driver gets a good deal with rake- and reach-adjustable steering and a high-quality dashboard. Like most of its modern rivals, the Verso has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but few competitors can match its build quality.
Not many can come close to how well it drives, either. For an MPV, its handling is very good; with plenty of traction and little body roll, you certainly won't feel like you are driving around in a bus. And, the only complaint is that some may find the ride a little on the firm side.
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Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Verso?
While the Verso requires servicing every 10,000 miles, running costs are reasonable and it should prove no more expensive to maintain than a Ford Focus C-Max or Vauxhall Zafira.
Similarly, fuel economy is good, if not spectacular, and our favourite 2.2-litre D-4D engine gives an official fuel return of 44.8mpg. That makes it the most economical engine in the Verso range, but the equivalent Ford Focus manages 50.4mpg.
Buy the more powerful 178bhp diesel and economy drops to 41.5mpg, but that still keeps it ahead of the 37.7mpg 1.6-litre and 36.7mpg 1.8-litre petrol engines.
Insurance doesn't look too bad for most models, either. At one end of the scale, the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol needs just group 5 cover, while our recommended 2.2 D-4D T3 is in group 8. However, the top-spec diesel attracts a group 11 rating - that's the price to be paid for a 0-60mph time of just 8.8sec.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Verso should I buy?
There are four engines to choose from and our pick of the bunch is the 134bhp 2.2-litre D-4D turbodiesel. If you're buying the Verso to regularly carry large numbers of passengers and plenty of gear, its 229lb ft of pulling power will be just what you want, providing strong, effortless performance.
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There's also a more powerful 175bhp diesel with a massive 276lb ft of pulling power, but unless you plan to tow regularly it really isn't necessary.
The 184bhp 1.8-litre petrol does an okay job, but the 109bhp, 1.6-litre petrol, like the slow-changing MMT semi-manual transmission, is best avoided.
There are four different trim levels available: T2, T3, TR and T Spirit, the latter getting a built-in DVD player. A T3-spec car should suit most needs, however, with climate, cruise and traction control and alloy wheels.
Tips & Advice
Which smartphone integration should I have?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fantastic – and free – technologies. Here we show you the benefits, drawbacks and best apps
How reliable is the Toyota Verso ?
Toyota Verso
Read reliability
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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