8. Toyota Verso
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Toyota didn't become the world's largest car company by going out on a limb, so it's no surprise to see that the all-new Toyota Verso seven-seat MPV is a refinement of the current model.
It goes on sale in April, and includes an improved flat-7 seating system that allows all five of the rear seats to be folded flat. In total, Toyota says there are 32 possible seating variations possible.
It will go on sale with a choice of 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol engines and a 2.0-litre diesel, all of which will be mated with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, the 1.8-litre petrol engine will have a six-speed automatic 'box as an option.
A 2.2-litre diesel linked to a six-speed CVT gearbox will join the line-up at a later date.
Although exact figures haven't been released, Toyota says that power from the reworked engines is increased by up to 20%, while fuel economy and emissions have been improved by up to 12%.
Emissions are reduced by a drag co-efficient of just 0.295, which helps the car cut through the air more efficiently.
Toyota has also widened the car's front and rear, and revised its suspension to improve handling, body control, stability and ride comfort. So much so, in fact, that Toyota is claiming it is the best handling and riding MPV ever built.
Other changes include the addition of stability control plus curtain airbags that extend to the third row of seats as standard.
No prices have been released, but they are expected to start from around 15,000.
Why we didn't like it Woah there! Are my trousers on fire with excitement? No, they're not, it was just a bad dream brought on by a sudden bout of sleepiness while looking at the Verso.
Toyota Verso video
• Have a first look at the Toyota Verso
