2 December 2013

BMW/Mini diesel for Toyota Verso

Toyota in Europe is hoping for extra sales of its Verso compact MPV next year when a BMW-sourced 1.6 diesel becomes an option, writes Brian Byrne.

In a 2-year technology collaboration, the 112hp diesel used in the Mini will bring the Japanese car into line with its competition. At the moment, the diesel offered is a 2.0.

Toyota has made its own modifications to the engine, including developing a dual mass flywheel and adding start-stop.

The engine becomes available from February.

BMW and Toyota are also collaborating on fuel cells, lithium-air batteries and lightweight technologies.