IT'S difficult to best describe the Toyota’s practical new people carrier. A small MPV with the characteristics of a family hatchback - a big little car perhaps? The Verso-S went on sale in March in TR and T Spirit models with just one engine option. It is clearly a vehicle that is designed for practicality and offers neat styling touches throughout the cabin, despite having the smallest dimensions in its class. Toyota says the car has re-entered that part of the market at a time when European sales have almost tripled since 2002 as more and more motorists look to downsize to the mini-MPV. It is a neat and practical looking car-like vehicle that is greatly enhanced by the full-length panoramic sunroof that is standard on the T-Spirit model. At less than four metres long it is the most compact vehicle in its class and offers plenty of carrying capability, can seat four adults comfortably and features plenty of stowage space. Because of its tall, square stance and large windows, the interior is a light and airy place to be, with plenty of headroom for both front and rear occupants and that panoramic glass roof allows the light to flood into the compartment. The one-touch fold-flat system for the 60:40-split rear seats, operated from within the boot, makes for easy reconfiguration of the interior when larger loads need to be carried although not at versatile as some competitors with their dozens of configurations. The loadspace also has a deck board that can set the boot at different levels and access to the rear is good via a high lifting tailgate and low sill, but the metal clips for the parcel shelf support are cheap looking. T Spirit models come with a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel, which is placed under the driver seats. Removing the deck board altogether in the boot opens up the space available in the spare wheel well, further increasing load volume to 429 litres. Fold down all the rear seats a maximum 1,388 litres is available. For greater practicality the car has 19 storage compartments including bottle and cup holders front and rear door pockets, a tray beneath the front passenger seat and a three-level dashboard compartment. The interior is well put together with soft touch materials available while the main control stalks feel sturdy and robust and the instrument cluster features brushed metal surrounds. The lightweight 1.3-litre petrol engine is also efficient and frugal, and when mated with the CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic gearbox, which says Toyota is the first to be offered in this segment. It gives a claimed 54.3mpg and low CO2 emissions of 120g/km and, surprisingly, this is better than the manual. The system also features paddles behind the steering wheel if the driver wants to switch to manual as well as manual override with the gearlever. The seven-step transmission is not my favourite, sounding raucous, while using the steering wheel mounted paddles for manual changes it's not much better. I would prefer the manual even at the cost of less mpg. The engine power belies the relatively low 98bhp and proved a willing performer both on normal road and motorway, while the car, despite its height, felt well planted and stable. It is well equipped with the standard Touch multimedia system that includes a colour touch screen for the AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, trip information, rear view parking camera and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a USB port and AUX-in socket for connecting portable music players. Safety is a key factor with family cars and the Verso offers seven airbags, anti lock brakes, electronic stability control and five three-point seatbelts. Prices are from £14,645 on the road, and despite recent problems, Toyota's reliability still rates among the best. FAST FACTS Toyota Verso-S T Spirit 1.33 Multidrive S Price: £17,315 Mechanical: 98bhp, 1,329cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox Max speed: 103mph 0-62mph: 13.7 seconds Combined mpg: 54.3 Insurance group: 8 CO2 emissions: 120g/km BIK rating: 10% Warranty: 5yrs/ 100,000 miles | 
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