Used Toyota Yaris Verso 2003 - 2005 review

What's the used Toyota Yaris Verso like?

It's not what you'd call pretty. The front end says 'city car' - one just like the standard Yaris on which it's based - but the rear screams 'van'.

However, if you can get beyond that, the Yaris Verso has a lot to recommend it; behind the wheel, the driving position is comfortable with good visibility, although the digital central instrument binnacle can be hard to read.

Overview

Looks aside, it's a wise used buy

Pros

• Very reliable, economical and practical

Cons

• Quirky exterior styling, bland interior

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Toyota Yaris Verso

1.3 VVT-i T3 5dr

£2,295

Toyota Yaris Verso

1.3 VVT-i T Spirit 5dr

£2,499

Toyota Yaris Verso

1.3 VVT-i T3 5dr

£2,500

Toyota Yaris Verso

1.3 VVT-i T Spirit 5dr

£3,490

Toyota Yaris Verso

1.3 VVT-i T3 5dr

£4,490

Toyota Yaris Verso

1.3 VVT-i T Spirit 5dr

£6,999

Toyota Yaris Verso

1.3 VVT-i T3 5dr

£7,895

See all available cars

There's room for five adults, but the big plus-point is the load space. With the back seats folded away it's vast, and the large side-opening rear door with a very low lip makes for excellent practicality.

Dynamically, though, things aren't so great. The car's tall body means it leans into the bends and the ride is too easily unsettled by an uneven road surface. It's not as supple as some rivals and the steering can be slow to react.

Our recommendations

Which used Toyota Yaris Verso should I buy?

There's a choice of two engines: the 1.3-litre 84bhp petrol or the 1.4-litre 74bhp D-4D diesel. The former is great for city use but you'll need to work it hard to get decent performance, and it's noisy at motorway speeds.

The diesel, on the other hand, is more relaxed when you're cruising, but very noisy around town. There's extra low-down power that the petrol doesn't have, but it feels flat at higher revs. In the end, which you buy will come down to personal choice, but both are acceptable performers.

Standard kit on all models includes twin airbags, remote central locking, electric front windows and a radio cassette player. S models have 13-inch alloys and tinted glass, while GS gets a better sound system and 14-inch wheels. A sunroof and electric mirrors are part of GLS trim. In early 2003 the names changed to T2, T3 and T Spirit.