2013 New Verso DPL: New Toyota frontal design treatment and upgraded interior

The new Verso represents a fresh, more powerful and sophisticated interpretation of the third generation Toyota MPV's distinctive, dual-zone styling, bringing an increase in dynamism and desirability to the design.

New, more aggressive and attractive front and rear styling, places the emphasis on width rather than height whilst, in profile, the new Verso retains the dynamic, full-length character line which delineates the bonnet and cabin from the chassis and rear loadspace.

To the front, the new Verso features the company's striking Under Priority design language and Keen Look styling elements, hallmarking it as the latest model in the Toyota family line-up, with a strong visual connection to the company's other core European models.

The Under Priority design features a large, trapezoidal lower grille set within a redesigned front bumper, and a smaller upper grille running full width between the new headlamps.

Dominated by a new, larger Toyota badge which is set lower than its predecessor, the upper grille features a central, chrome-plated horizontal trim bar which is visually extended into the headlamp clusters to accentuate the width of the new Verso.

Narrower and more aggressively styled, the headlamp clusters themselves incorporate Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Higher grade models are equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps and LED DRLs.

The large lower grille is flanked by integral foglamps with chrome surround detailing. It features a piano black paint finish, twin chrome strips and a full-width, aerodynamics-enhancing, body-coloured lip spoiler, once again accentuating the width of the new Verso and emphasising its broad, planted stance.

In profile, the new Verso retains the model's trademark, dual-zone styling. This is clearly expressed by a strong character line which flows from the leading edge of the front bumper, rising through the lower edge of the doors before sweeping upwards through the C-pillar to define the roof-mounted spoiler.

The classic Verso profile is enhanced through smaller, more dynamic and aerodynamically efficient, foldable door mirrors featuring integrated turn signal lights, and a choice of two new alloy wheels. The 17" alloys share the design of their predecessor but feature a new, darker finish, whilst the new 16" alloys have a machine faced finish.

To the rear, a new bumper design incorporates an integral low level diffuser, emphasising the width and stability of the new model. The rear lamp clusters feature colour changes to the centre lens, and, on the boot lid, the Toyota badge is emphasised through the application of a chrome rear license plate garnish.

The new Verso will be available in a choice of 11 exterior colours, of which three are new Pearl White, Vivid Blue and Marine Blue.

Upgraded Interior Design with Improved Sensory Quality

The new Verso interior builds on the family-oriented versatility, ease of use, ergonomic efficiency and durability of its predecessor. Extensive revisions are designed to harmonise instrumentation and switchgear, and enhance both perceived and real cabin quality through new finishes and trim detailing.

The 'Smart Wave Dynamism' of the dashboard design -which lifts the cabin styling above the conventional functionality of a traditional MPV- has been retained. The design incorporates advanced switchgear ergonomics, and places the gear lever as close as possible to the steering wheel. The powerful, vertical definition of the centre console separates the focused functionality of the driver's zone from the relaxed comfort of the front passenger's zone.

The two zones are interconnected by a crisp 'wave' line running the full width of the fascia, which houses the driver's instrument binnacle. The binnacle, containing cylindrical speedometer and rev' counter dials, is offset to maximise the driver's view of the road ahead whilst still remaining within his field of vision.

The new Verso interior features the extensive use of new trim detailing and a softer feeling, satin black paint finish to enhance perceived cabin quality throughout. The upper glove box is now finished in soft touch material and the steering wheel is clad in Nappa leather.

Warm satin chrome trim highlights have been applied to the driver's instrument surrounds, the instrument binnacle hood rim, the air vents, instrument panel, gear shift bezel and door assist grips. The door handle itself is now finished in a new, satin black coating.

The presentation of instrumentation and switchgear has been harmonised through more consistent lighting and font sizing. The driver's meters are now back-lit in white for improved clarity and legibility, whilst the air conditioning dials and display, and all switchgear including window switches are illuminated in a deep orange for legibility without excessive distraction after dark.

A new rheostat switch allows for the simultaneous adjustment of both combination meter and all switchgear illumination, giving consistency to backlighting brightness and intensity throughout the interior.

Live (entry) and Active (mid) grade models feature a range of new seat fabrics — black with blue detailing for the Live grade and black with white accents with a 3D effect for Active grade models. Seat bolster support has been improved on all grades, the bolsters themselves finished in a smoother, more durable lamination.

Lounge (high) grade models are equipped with leather seat bolsters with double stitching, and a leather door trim and centre armrest finish. The Verso Lounge grade is also equipped with Smart Entry & Push Start, whilst other grades are available with a folding jack knife key.

A 2,340 mm by 1,280 mm, full-length Skyview panoramic roof is available, bringing significantly more light to the new interior and greatly enhancing perceptions of cabin spaciousness.

Exceptional Interior Roominess and Versatile Packaging

At 4,460 mm, the new Verso is just 20 mm longer than its predecessor, the redesigned front and rear of the vehicle accounting for increases in length of 15 mm and 5 mm respectively.

Despite its compact packaging, the new Verso offers exceptional interior roominess. It shares the previous model's long, 2,780 mm wheelbase, and boasts a best-in-class, 975 mm couple distance between the first and second row of seats.

The Toyota Easy Flat seating system offers true MPV flexibility, with 32 different seating permutations. Providing individual seats in both second and third rows which may be folded flat without headrest removal, second row seats with a sliding range of 195 mm, and reclining third row seatbacks, it is acknowledged as one of the most practical, flexible and intuitive seating designs available.

Completely flat with second and third row seats folded, the new Verso's loadspace is 1,575 mm long and 1,430 mm wide. With all three seating rows in place, the luggage volume measures 155 litres. With the third row seats folded, it rises to 440 litres.

The Trunk Management system, located beneath the rear loadspace of 5-seat models, is ideal for storing valuable items out of view and also provides storage for the luggage tonneau cover when not in use. Its capacity varies according to the choice of a temporary spare tyre or a tyre repair kit.

Seven-seat models equipped with a space-saver spare tyre offer an 11 litres storage box, whilst those featuring a tyre repair kit stowed in a tool box under the third row seats offer additional capacity sufficient to store three 6-pack cases of 1.5 litre plastic bottles.

As befits a true Multi-Purpose Vehicle, the new Verso offers a comprehensive range of storage compartments, including a twin compartment glovebox featuring a cooled upper section large enough to hold a 1.5 litre bottle and an 8.2 litre lower section.

It also has a spacious centre console box, generous door pockets, seat back storage beneath aviation-style, fold out tables with integral cupholders, a drawer beneath the front passenger seat, second row underfloor storage, an overhead console and driver and passenger pockets for mobile phone and MP3 player storage.

Lower NVH for Improved Cabin Quietness

The new Verso features upgraded cabin NVH measures. The dash silencer has been redesigned with improved sound damping between the engine bay and cabin, maximising engine sound absorption and wind noise insulation.

The new 2.0 D-4D diesel unit has also been made more quiet by a reduction in combustion noise.

Wind noise has simultaneously been reduced through better sound damping on the A-pillar, the adoption of a smaller, more aerodynamic door mirror design and improved sealing on all door corners.

In combination, these measures have resulted in a perceptibly quieter on-board environment. The cabin articulation index has improved from 0.76 to 0.83, further enhancing occupant comfort and promoting a greater sense of well-being in every seating position.