Toyota Verso Advance 115D, test drive (exterior design, interior and boot)

We continue with the test of the Toyota Verso, which this week occupies the test section of Highmotor. In the first article we discussed the Japanese car’s dynamic and technical qualities, you can read it here.

In this second part we tell you everything about the design of the Toyota Verso 115D, both exterior and interior, as well as the practical capabilities and qualities of its boot.

Exterior

Analysing the Verso’s exterior design, the first thing that catches our attention is its dimensions. We are looking at one of the smallest people carriers on the market, with an overall length of 4460 mm, barely 200 mm more than an Auris, the compact model from the Japanese brand. It must be acknowledged that what it lacks in length it makes up for in width, the Verso being one of the widest models on the market at 1791 mm in total.

The Verso’s general lines have been on the market for several years now, although its front end was updated a year and a half ago, bringing its design closer to the brand’s latest creations. For that reason, and despite being a model with quite some time behind it, we believe it has aged fairly well.

The nose features sharp-styled light clusters whose design merges with the front grille. The bumper has a reverse “U”-shaped moulding that gives it a robust touch and which, moreover, is painted in gloss black, enhancing the contrast.

The side profile has remained practically unchanged over the years, with a glazed area similar to that of other models in its segment. The waistline has an upward trend that energises the vehicle’s overall image, helping to avoid overloading the rear, something common in vehicles of this segment, aimed at a more family-oriented audience.

As for the rear, the truth is that the changes compared with earlier model years are not very noticeable, maintaining a current look thanks to details such as the light-coloured rear lights and a bumper with black mouldings that resemble a diffuser.

Interior and boot

Moving inside, the first thing that strikes us when we sit behind the wheel is a very pleasant sense of width and space. Our test unit also had the optional glass panoramic roof, which further enhanced the brightness.

The design of the Verso’s dashboard is beginning to show its age, although it holds up fairly well thanks to the avant-garde approach it was given at launch. It has centrally mounted instrumentation focused on the driver, which will certainly not please everyone. Personally it isn’t really to my taste, but I must admit it is a very comfortable position that lets you view the readings with hardly any need to lower your eyes.

The materials used in the cabin are average for the segment. There are soft plastics on the upper part of the dashboard, which give a good impression of quality. The rest are hard plastics which, although they don’t look glossy, more than meet the demands of a vehicle in its category. In addition, Toyota has added details in metallic-looking material that noticeably help to enhance the sense of quality.

Space is notable in the first two rows of seats, while the last two seats in the third row are relegated to emergency use or small children, as they are not especially spacious. However, the modularity offered by the Japanese people carrier is worth highlighting. The three seats in the second row can each be moved longitudinally, increasing legroom or boot load capacity as needed. Furthermore, their backrests recline, allowing you to lean back slightly and enjoy a more relaxed position on long journeys.

Even the driver and passenger will enjoy plenty of additional space thanks to the twin front glovebox, underseat trays, two small document compartments either side of the central console, two large cupholders and an armrest with plenty of room inside. Even the door pockets are generously sized. The driver has a handy fish-eye mirror that lets them keep an eye on everything the passengers in the rear rows are doing, a very useful detail. Less positive is the location of the USB socket, on the right side of the central console, at the front passenger’s feet, forcing the driver to shift their gaze, and body, to reach it.

The boot has a minimum capacity of 155 litres with all 7 seats in use, rising to 440 litres with the first two rows in their rearmost position. With the two rear rows folded down, the volume increases to 1696 litres, a figure that is more than impressive. It also has a very useful false floor for storing more delicate items or things you’d rather keep out of sight. The second row of seats folds individually, as does the third, allowing all kinds of seat-and-load combinations.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso