Toyota launches updated Verso-S in Europe

Wed, 14 May 2014

Globally, the Toyota Yaris has bred more variants than we can shake a stick at. It's been known in different markets as the Vitz, the Platz, the Bella, the Vios and, to us, as the Echo. The first-generation model bred a small cargo van called the Yaris Verso – a mini minivan riding on the shortest wheelbase in its class - which was renamed the Verso-S for Europe and alternatively known as the Space Verso, the Ractis, the Ractis Verso and even the Subaru Trezia in certain markets. And now Toyota has launched a revised version of its Verso-S in Europe.

Arriving as a mid-life facelift after three years on the market, the new Toyota Verso-S has been reinterpreted through the "Keen Look" design language that's been distinguishing the latest generation of Toyotas, particularly in the European market. That means new projector-beam headlights and LED daytime running lights, a reshaped grille with chrome surround, more LEDs around back, a fresh set of 16-inch alloys and new color options.

The interior has likewise been spruced up with new trim and color choices, as well as a tire pressure monitor fitted as standard. There's a new touchscreen display with more connectivity options, upgraded nav and a rearview camera as well. Since Toyota's made no mention of engine upgrades, until we hear back, we have to assume the 1.3-liter inline-four and 1.4-liter diesel engines carry over unchanged with the buyer's choice of either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

New Look For The 2015 Toyota Verso-S

Key updates:
- Front face aligned with Toyota's 'Keen Look' design
- LED DRL's and rear light clusters
- New specs and colours

Brussels, Belgium - Since its debut 3 years ago, Toyota Verso-S has been improved with a mid-life update to provide a compact with no compromise vehicle for B-MPV segment drivers.

Keeping in line with Toyota's 'Keen Look' design of clear, expressive and intelligent styling, Verso-S's front face has been upgraded to reflect this with a new assertive dynamic stance. Engaging headlights featuring projector technology and LED daytime running lights are now standard on all grades. An up-market feel is attained by a newly refreshed upper grill enhanced by its chrome bezel surround.

Continuing the theme from the front face of the car, the rear features a new light design which, thanks to the adoption of LED lights, benefits from more distinctive contrasts.

To further enhance the changes of the mid-life update, a new 16" alloy wheel design with 3-D effect has been introduced. And to complement Verso S' new look, a new trendy bronze metallic paint has been added to the colour palette to replace the current light blue metallic.

Focusing on the interior of the vehicle, Verso-S customers now have a choice between a single-tone black interior or a bi-tone brown interior with black seat bolsters. To strengthen the sensory quality on board, trim, dashboard graining, silver stitching as well as additional elements have been revised and refreshed.

To provide additional safety and convenience, a tire pressure warning system has been added to the standard equipment list. Verso-S, now equipped with Toyota Touch 2 on mid & high grades, features a 6.1" full colour touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling and music streaming, a USB port to connect portable music players and an optional DAB/DAB+ radio. A rear-view camera is fitted as standard.

Optional upgrade, on mid & high grades, include Toyota Touch 2 with Go providing full map navigation with customisable speed limit & speed camera warning. The system also offers on-board connectivity to an expanded range of services and applications, including Toyota Real Time Traffic powered by TomTom, Google Street View, Panoramio, Google local search, weather, fuel price and parking space information.

Sales of the 2015 Toyota Verso-S will commence this Summer.

By Noah Joseph