Toyota Yaris Verso Estate 2000-2005

This front wheel drive microvan is Toyota's answer to the traditional European utility vehicles. It is based on the Yaris and from the front end you can clearly see the similarities, but it's built on an enlarged wheelbase to allow a bigger luggage compartment. The Verso was nicknamed by some as an 'Ice-cream van' and the general acceptance of the car is not great. If you can, you should look past its un-cool image as it is a good, practical and economical car for busy families or small deliveries.

Pros and Cons:

• A practical little car capable of hauling a large load
  Safe and reliable
  Great fuel economy from the diesel engine

• It does look strange

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Exterior and Interior

In effect it just looks like a Yaris that has reversed into a small campervan. The Verso does look like a semi-pro conversion and there's nowhere to hide. Compared to European microvans, it will always stick out like a sore thumb.

The exterior looks rather simplified compared to the original Yaris. It is a bit Spartan and utilitarian but then it was designed as a workhorse and doesn't really need fancy features and design elements.

On the positive side, the car has a good list of original equipment. The basic trim receives a hydro-assisted steering, an extra brake light, rear fog light, an immobiliser, central locking, a basic audio system, electric front windows and an adjustable steering column. Higher level kits will include an air conditioner and full-electric windows and mirrors.

All Versos come with integrated safety beams in the doors to improve the safety in case of a sever side impact. Regardless of its size, it is quite a safe car.

You may feel that in the choice of materials and the execution of the cabin that Toyota's engineers have been trying to cut corners, but when you think about the reason why the Verso was created, it becomes clear that it's quite ok as it is. Its main selling point is the conveniently accessible 1930-litre luggage compartment (with folded chairs) that should be divided from the front row of seats by a strong plastic mesh fence that is included in the package. This is done for safety and the only downside is that you cannot carry the mesh with you every time you go somewhere. Theoretically, you can stick the mesh on the roof railings that are also included, however, it will probably make the car look even worse.

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Engines

The Verso keeps it simple when it comes to engines and gives you just two choices, a 1.3-litre 84bhp petrol unit and a 1.4-litre common rail diesel.

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Performance and Economy

You can see that both engines are rather small for what is a car that can potentially shift around quite a lot of baggage. They feel rather lifeless and will take around 13 seconds to accelerate to 60mph. In order to squeeze any decent power out of them you'd have to rev them quite hard and be patient. For town driving it's not too bad. Difficulties start when you try to negotiate a highway.

It's not all bad, though. There is not much to worry about when it comes to the fuel economy, as both the engines excel this area. The diesel can achieve 56 mpg even when driven loaded. The petrol engine delivers an average of 44 mpg, which is not bad. The Verso is probably best driven with a manual gearbox. Such small and powerless engines don't live too well with an auto gearbox as it adds to the acceleration time and affects the fuel economy.

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What it's like to Drive

Although it lacks excitement, the kind of market sector that it caters for doesn't really need excitement. How excited do you have to bee when you drop off your kids at school or carry out small deliveries. The Verso is all about the space and economy and on these two scales it delivers.

The driving position is convenient and offers a good visibility. The adjustable steering column will make sure the cabin can be adapted to suit a driver with almost any length of legs.

The car is rather tall and heavy and you can feel that as you drive fast through bends or corners. There is a significant amount of body roll, but the centre of gravity is low enough to avoid accidents.

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Faults and Repairs

Look for noise underneath the bonnet. Many people are not careful enough and over-rev the small engines. The majority of Versos come to the used car market in a good nick and they don't normally require costly maintenance or repairs.

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