That said, since first launched in 2001, the model over the three generations has sold around 6,731 units in the Irish market, so Verso has proved its attraction many times over.
I now admit to how much I liked this restyled version during my test drive time with the car, which has undergone the biggest changes of any Toyota to date. And I can see why the Toyota people were so excited when it was launched here in February.
The car I drove was the top Luna specification now renamed Luna SkyView because of the big panoramic sunroof. Other trims are Terra and Aura. My review car was a 7-seater but you can order the Terra version with five seats.
Prices are from €25,460-€30,995.
New Verso was restyled at Toyota's European design centre in France and has over 470 changed parts, 60 percent of which are visible, the other 40 percent relate to driving dynamics and lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
Changes include a new and stronger front and rear styling which emphasises the car's width. It's sufficiently high too, allowing tall occupants to sit in good comfort. While it shares the previous model's long wheelbase, the new car is now 20mm longer which means best-in-class legroom between the first and second row seats. Toyota's Easy Flat seating system offers 32 different seating permutations if you really want to try them out. Seats are all individual ones and can be folded flat without having to remove the headrests. Second row ones can slide and the very back two can recline. With all seats in place the luggage volume is 155 litres. Fold the back two and it rises to 440. With second and third rows folded, it stretches to 1,575mm long.
Apart from its good looks, this is a great everyday car that's easy to drive, really comfy, roomy and airy and with those seven seats. Not to mention the improved levels of quality and styling, inside and out. Most exterior changes are to the headlights, upper and lower grilles, to both bumpers, as well as a new wheel design. Interior ones involve extra chrome trims, redesigned seats, more sound proofing and improvements to the audio display.
The instrumentation is first class, located centre dash top and angled towards the driver. At eye level, it works brilliantly leaving you a great view of the road ahead while still remaining within your field of vision. The steering wheel is clad in Nappa leather in this Luna SkyView model only. Lots of satin chrome embellishments add smartness.
Roof rails and a temporary spare tyre, though, have been deleted from this upgraded Verso. Most owners want at least the option of a proper spare particularly in a family car. It's no fun being stranded on the side of the road after a blowout which an inflator won't fix, trying to cope with small kids while waiting for help. Three engines are offered, one diesel and two petrols; a 124bhp 2.0 D-4D diesel; and 1.6 132bhp manual and 1.8 147bhp petrol engines, the latter with an automatic transmission. The 1.6's C02 emissions have been lowered to 154g/km; average fuel consumption for this engine has been reduced to 6.6 L/100km (42.8mpg), and the 1.8 unit to 6.8 L/100km (41.5mpg). The 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel of the review car comes with improved torque, reduced fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100kms (that's 57.6mpg) and emissions of 129g/km, Band B1 of €270 per annum in road tax.
A revised suspension offers better ride comfort and stability, and the Verso handles with great ease. The engine seems well matched to providing a big car with a smooth driving experience, and doesn't show any of the sudden surge tendencies of some diesel engines.
Eleven exterior colours are offered of which three are new: Pearl White, Island Blue and Orion Blue.
A really good 7-seater family car but it DOES need that spare!
