The new 2013 Toyota Verso is currently on display at the Paris Motor Show and features a host of upgrades including interior and exterior styling changes. The new Verso builds on the versatility, practicality and roominess of the outgoing model but incorporates more style, comfort and handling capability.

2013 Toyota Verso improves on performance and style

??Engine Capability

The 2.0-litre D-4D diesel option has been optimised to provide better torque delivery at low revs with less engine noise. CO2 emissions have also been reduced by 10g/km to under 130g/km. The 2.2-litre D-CAT diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The manual variant produces 131kW with 159g/km while the automatic version produces 110kW with a CO2 emissions figure of 178g/km.

Both the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre variants are available with a 6-speed manual transmission while the 1.8-litre is available with a revised Multidrive CVT transmission. The diesel powered variants’ towing capacities have been increased from 200kg to 1500kg.

Exterior Styling

The new 2013 Toyota Verso incorporates ‘dual zone’ styling with a full length character line which divides the bonnet and cabin from the chassis and loadspace. The most prominent changes can be seen on the front-end of the car. Revised details include the large trapezoidal grille set within a revised bumper as well as a smaller upper grille that fills the space between the new narrow headlights which incorporate LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The large Toyota badge is set lower on the bonnet and a chrome-finish horizontal bar extends to the headlights to emphasise the car’s width.

The large lower grille is finished in gloss black with two chrome strips flanked by fog lights with chrome surrounds. A full-width lip spoiler further emphasises the car’s width. The Verso also features smaller folding door mirrors with integrated indicators and rides on either 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear-end features a new bumper with a low level diffuser.

??Interior Styling

The Verso’s interior includes new trim details and features a new satin black paint finish. Soft-touch material has been used for the upper glovebox and Nappa leather is used on the steering wheel, door trims and armrests of specific models. Satin chrome trim highlights are used on the instrument surrounds, instrument binnacle hood, air vents, instrument panel, gear shift and door grips.

The 2013 Toyota Verso also benefits from new seat fabrics, colours and design and the front seats have improved side bolster support with a harder-wearing finish. On higher grade version the bolsters are leather-covered with double stitching to match the arm rest and door trims. The Verso features Toyota’s Easy Flat-7 seating system with 32 different seating combinations. Luggage volume is 155-litres with the seats in position and can be increased to 440-litres. Numerous storage compartments are placed throughout the cabin and the new Verso is also available with a full length panoramic roof which increases cabin light and sense of space.

The 2013 Toyota Verso will be built exclusively at Toyota Manufacturing Turkey. It is still unclear whether the new 2013 Toyota Verso will be available in South Africa.