If you take a quick look through our image gallery of the 2013 Toyota Verso, you will be forgiven to think that the only differentiating factor between the facelifted and the outgoing model is the sharper design of the minivan’s front end that has been brought in line with the revamped Auris, Yaris and Avensis models.
The truth is, though, that Toyota has actually changed 470 parts on the 2013 model year Verso and claims that it represents “a comprehensive mid-lifecycle model upgrade”.
Beginning with the exterior cosmetic tweaks, the biggest change is up front with the newly styled bumper, fenders, grille and headlamps that now incorporate LED daytime running lights.
Upon closer inspection, you may notice the smaller foldable door mirrors featuring integrated turn signal lights, a choice of two new alloy wheels, while to the rear, there’s a new bumper design that houses an integral low level diffuser and different colors for the tail lamp clusters.
Toyota has also introduced three new paint finishes named Pearl White, Vivid Blue and Solid Blue.
The tweaks continue inside where the 2013 Verso features new trim detailing, and upholstery fabrics and colors, while the upper glove box is now finished in soft touch material, and the door trim, armrest and steering wheel are clad in Nappa leather.
The instrument panel sports new graphics and is now backlit in white, whilst the air conditioning dials and display, and all switchgear including window switches are illuminated in a deep orange, controlled by a new rheostat switch.
There are no changes in terms of space and practicality with the Verso offering the Toyota Easy Flat-7 seating system that allows for 32 different seating permutations. According to the Japanese brand, with all three seating rows in place, the luggage volume measures 155 liters, while with the third row seats folded, it rises to 440 liters.
The new Verso carries over the three-trim level strategy of its predecessor but Toyota says it has improved standard equipment for each grade – for example, the 6.1 inch, full color, touch-screen interface for the on-board multimedia system now comes standard on all trims.
Beneath the sheetmetal, the Verso will continue to be offered with a choice of five engines, but both petrol and diesel units benefit from minor tweaks that help improve fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
The lineup includes three diesels, a 2.0-liter rated at 124Hp (126PS) and a 2.2-liter offered in two states of tune delivering 148Hp (150PS) and 175Hp (177PS), and two petrols, a 1.6-liter with 130Hp (132PS) and a 1.8-liter producing 145Hp (147PS).
Rounding out the changes is the re-tuned suspension, revised electric power steering, improved body rigidity through the addition of extra welding points and a reduction of interior noise levels via added sound damping on the A-pillars and between the engine bay and cabin.
The new Verso will be built exclusively at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Turkey, with the automaker expecting to sell around 50,000 units in 2013, giving the company a European segment share of around 5 percent.
We’ll have more on the refreshed Verso from the Paris Motor Show later this month.
PHOTO GALLERY
