The Verso continues to offer practical transport for up to seven passengers, using the company’s Easy Flat-7 seating system. Particular focus has been placed on enhancing the seating accommodation in the second and third rows of seats.
With the introduction of the new Verso comes an extension of the range from three to four variants with the option of diesel power for the first time in South Africa. Toyota’s Optimal Drive technology features across the range of petrol and diesel derivatives and offers an increase in power of up to 20% together with reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel economy of up to 12%, compared to the older generation engines. The 1,6 litre and 1,8 litre petrol engines boast Toyota’s state-of-the art Valvematic technology.
The upgraded 1,6-litre engine fitted to the Verso produces 97 kW at 6400 r/min with maximum torque of 160 Nm at 4400 r/min. On this engine power is up by 20% on the engine it replaces while torque is up by 10 Nm, or 6%. The 1,6-litre Verso is apparently capable of achieving a combined fuel consumption figure of 6,8 l/100km.
The 1,8-litre Valvematic engine in the Verso develops 108 kW at 6400 r/min with maximum torque of 180 Nm at 4000 r/min. In this instance power is up by 12%, torque increases by 6% and CO2 emissions are reduced by 10%. Fuel consumption for the combined cycle can be as low as 7,0 l/100km.
The new 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine is capable of 93 kW at 3600 r/min, with peak torque of 310 Nm delivered between 1800 ?” 2400 r/min. Combined cycle fuel consumption of 5,5 l/100 km is claimed.
All three engines in the line-up are matched to 6-speed manual transmissions.
The new Verso also offers class leading occupant and pedestrian safety features. At the heart of this is a highly rigid, impact absorbing body shell incorporating a large percentage of high tensile steel. The new Verso has been engineered to fulfil the stringent Euro NCAP 5-star safety criteria.
The range is made up of four models (although the diesel will only be available for sale in a couple of month’s time), and comprises of the 1.6 S, 1.6 SX, 1.8 TX models and the 2.0D TX.
The prices for the new Verso are as follows:
Verso 1.6 S 6MT R243 300
Verso 1.6 SX 6MT R259 000
Verso 1.8 TX 6MT R279 900
Verso 2.0D TX 6 MT R296 200*
*Available 4th quarter 2009. Price is an indicated price only and is subject to confirmation on release of the vehicle for sale. The Verso is covered by a 3 year/100 000 km warranty. A 5 year/90 000 km service plan is included in the price. Service intervals for all models are 15 000 km.
