Toyota Verso Review: Stylish Family Bus FTW

Under the hood

This 2013, facelifted Toyota Verso certainly doesn't pack much heat - the most powerful version in the range is the 145bhp 1.8 petrol - but the 2.0-litre diesel model we tickled around southern France is man enough for your folks and more than able to schlep seven people around comfortably.

Taken from the previous-gen Verso, the Toyoboffs have smothered the 2.0-litre in kisses to make it less thirsty, more torquey and better refined. In terms of numbers, we're looking at 122bhp, which gives this handsome family bus a top speed of 115mph, with 62mph destroyed in 11.3sec. No yawning at the back, please.

Behind the wheel

Joking about the Verso's uninspiring performance is like scoring Susan Boyle in a synchronised swimming competition, so we'll concentrate on what's important. It looks good, it drives well and is as practical as edible underwear (that's good, btw).

The Verso's new face and derrière are smart and fresh, and bring the MPV bang up to date with Toyota's current 'angry fish' design language. It's got new gubbins such as a 'floating diffuser' and plenty of chrome for school gate bling, plus LED running lights, which come as standard.

Is it practical? Damn straight. Like the outgoing Verso, this 2013 model features seven seats - you can also opt for a five-seater, which Toyota says will make up a miserly 0.5 per cent of Verso sales - a simple and mum-friendly dashboard design and plenty of cubbies and drinks holders for stuff you never knew you needed. You can also spec the Verso with a panoramic roof, which should shut the kids up for a few minutes.

While we know the Verso is to GT86 what Rooney is to sexy, the MPV certainly makes a good fist at being a decent, easy and comfortable MPV to drive. Ride quality is great, road and engine noise far quieter than the outgoing model - thanks to lots of man hours spent reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels - and revised suspension soft enough to gloss over most road acne, without wallowing like the QE2 when pushed through corners; Toyota's decision to add 34 extra welds to the Verso's body has noticeably improved rigidity.

The new Verso's electric steering directs the front wheels nicely, but feels slightly disconnected when you're pushing on. As for the six-speed manual gearbox, it's light and easy to use so no qualms there.

Splash the cash?

Toyota really has worked wonders to get the 2013 Verso back to the top of the mighty MPV game. It's good looking, smart, practical, comes with a five-year warranty and cruises comfortably and quietly on motorways. If you're in the market for a Ford C-Max, we recommend you swing by a Toyota dealership first. Just don't come home with a GT86; your wife will divorce you and roof-bar-mounted child seats do not come as an option. (How about it, Toyota?)