2002 Toyota Avensis Verso GLS review from UK and Ireland

None yet, but it's early days.

My first Toyota and I'm guessing that they're as good as Nissans. Let's hope so.

Only 1000 miles so far so I will provide better updates later in the year, but I was keen to get a review of this new model on the site as there doesn't appear to be one yet.

The Verso is made in Japan unlike its saloon/hatch namesake which is made in the UK. And the name is all that they share; there are no common components. Toyota obviously plumped for the Avensis name in an attempt to make it clear where this car sits in their ever-expanding range of MPVs (Previa, Yaris Verso, Corolla Verso). It's also much better than carrying-over the old Picnic name!

The Verso is a similar size as a Galaxy type MPV, but it has been styled to make it appear a bit more compact. It's advantage is it's extra length which gives it a useful boot even with all 7 seats in place. Even better is the under floor area in the boot which gives an extra 90 litres of secure, out-of-sight space. Brilliant. The spare wheel is underneath the car near the driver's seat by the way.

Seats are standard MPV fare. 7 individual. Back 5 come out, fold into tables, slide, etc. Legroom in middle row is excellent. Back row not really a place for adults.

Separate heater and aircon units in back are useful. MPV's that don't have this usually have to blast the front seat passengers with hot/cold air to have any effect on the back row passengers. The Verso's system works very well. We can even have it hot in the back and cool in the front (or vice versa).

Upfront is typical Toyota. Tad bland but well equipped and put together. Auto is column shift which makes life a lot easier and frees up a walkway between the two front seats.

Satnav is standard on the GLS and is excellent and simple to use. Still just a gimmick though in my view.

Visibility is as expected on an MPV. High with lots of glass. Driving position is good and very adjustable.

Stereo is only OK. The size of the cabin seems to make it sound a bit lost unless you crank it up.

Driving is good. Very smooth transmission and acceptable power from their newish VVT-I engine. Starts to get a bit wheezy and boomy over 90 but otherwise very good.

Handling is quite astonishing. A multitude of electronic aids turn it into something really quite fun.

So far so good. Its nowhere near as fast and smooth as my old car. But it was the only full sized MPV I could find with auto and reasonable economy (32mpg so far) and it's rapidly becoming an essential part of the family.