Avensis Verso

A Dynamic New Contender for the MPV Market

Key Points

• Sleek and stylish addition to Upper Medium MPV market
• All-new platform provides spacious interior with passenger car driving performance
• Seven seat capacity with full luggage space
• Unprecedented levels of Toyota quality and durability
• Lowest overall height in the MPV sector at 1,675mm
• Longest interior load area in its class at 2,104mm
• Maximum luggage area of 2,422 litres with both rows of rear seats removed
• Turn-by-turn satellite navigation fitted as standard to GLS model
• The only car in its class to offer rear air conditioning as standard (GLS)
• Choice of 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol or 2.0-litre D-4D common rail diesel engines
• 2.0-litre VVT-i available with optional automatic gearbox for £1,000
• Anti-lock braking with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and Brake Assist fitted as standard
• Excellent combined fuel consumption of 43.5mpg (2.0-litre D-4D), 32.8mpg (2.0-litre VVT-i)
• 2.0-litre VVT-i offers class leading performance with 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds and 119mph top speed (where permitted)
• On sale in the UK from 1 August 2001
• Priced from £17,795 on the road (GS manual)
• Double locking and Thatcham Category One alarm/immobiliser fitted as standard
• Offered with full three year/60,000 mile warranty, three year paintwork and 12 year anti-perforation warranty

The Avensis Verso is a stylish and dynamic new contender in the mainstream, family MPV market. Based on an all-new platform, the Avensis Verso combines the interior space and luggage capacity of a much larger vehicle with the driving, handling and dynamics of a family saloon. Designed to offer versatile and comfortable seating for seven people, Avensis Verso also offers class leading performance and driving enjoyment.

Avensis Verso is an MPV for customers who want spacious interior and good looks; flexible seating and prestige; high performance and low fuel consumption. In short, Avensis Verso is an MPV that drives and feels like an executive passenger car.

Avensis Verso will be on sale from 1 August from £17,795 and will be available as two models, GS and GLS. Standard equipment on the GS features ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, air conditioning, remote alarm with immobiliser and double locking, radio with single CD player and seven seats.

The higher specification GLS model adds 16″ alloy wheels, roof rails, turn-by-turn satellite navigation, rear air conditioning, front fog lamps and leather steering wheel and gear knob.

Advanced Technology

The Avensis Verso benefits from Toyota’s advanced technology and intelligent design engineering. It is light but strong, agile but stable with class leading standards of active and passive safety.

Avensis Verso is available with a choice of two advanced engines – either a 2.0-litre VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) petrol or the latest 2.0-litre, common rail D-4D turbo diesel. Both offer high performance and low fuel consumption.

The 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine delivers maximum power of 147bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 192Nm at 4,000rpm. It will take the Avensis Verso to a maximum speed of 119mph (M/T) 112mph (A/T) where permitted and will accelerate the car to 62mph from rest in 11.4 (M/T), 12.1(A/T) seconds.

The diesel-engined Avensis Verso is also class leading and even more economical – at a remarkable 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. The D-4D engine, developing 114bhp (85kW) at 4,000rpm and 250Nm of torque across 1,800rpm to 3,000rpm gives the car a top speed of 112mph and 0-62mph acceleration of 12.5 seconds.

Versatile Seating

The dynamic looks of the Avensis Verso reflect a car that is both people carrier and prestige estate. Avensis Verso has the lowest overall height in the mainstream MPV segment (1,675mm) yet still offers a very spacious interior, thanks to a low floor height and long wheelbase (2,825mm).

Seats in the second row slide and like the third row can be folded, tumbled or removed entirely to create additional load carrying capacity while front seats recline and slide. Second and third row seats can act as tables for family leisure – or to place books and games to help pass those long, dull journeys.

Avensis Verso was designed from the outset to offer enough luggage space for all of its passengers. It has a unique underfloor storage area in the boot, which offers additional space and security, taking luggage capacity to 282 litres with all three rows of seats installed. With second and third row seats removed, Avensis Verso has a huge 2,422 litres of luggage volume available (measured to the roof).

The Verso Sub-Brand

The Avensis Verso is the second Toyota model to receive ‘the Verso treatment’. It joins the Yaris Verso in a new sub-brand, which will be at the forefront of Toyota’s development in Europe.

Yaris Verso has helped redefine the mini-MPV segment, it has introduced the world to the Verso concept – a label which will come to symbolise spacious, versatile, practical and innovative family transport.

As the sub-brand is further developed in time to come, alongside the Previa, Toyota will offer the widest range of MPVs in the market. Niche models designed to attract specific market sectors and customers will be introduced in the future under the Verso label.

Avensis Verso sales are predicted at 1,200 units in 2001 and 2,000 units in its first full sales year 2002.

A Sleek New Shape

The radical new shape of Avensis Verso is designed to lead the market in terms of styling, quality and prestige. The monoform body with long wheelbase and short overhangs creates an instant impression of interior space while the low overall height eliminates the ‘top heavy’ van-based look of many rival MPVs.

Initial impressions are confirmed by the physical dimensions. The Avensis Verso is 4,650mm long and 1,760mm wide – typical for cars in this sector. But at 1,675mm high it is 50mm lower than its main rivals creating that unique blend between MPV and executive passenger car.

A stretched wheelbase of 2,825mm, gives ample space for all three rows of passengers and their luggage. Indeed, Avensis Verso has the longest cabin length (3,205mm) in the class and, with all three rows of seats in position, measures 2,400mm from the front hip point to the back door trim.

The centre seat in the second row still offers ample space, and full safety features, for an adult passenger. Three-point seat belts and headrests are standard equipment. Second row seats slide up to 120mm and recline.

Third row seats, which are the same width as the second row, can also fold, tumble or be removed, once again offering ample space for adult passengers. They also recline for increased comfort and headroom. Seat backs are fitted with tables and cup holders.

Ample Luggage Space

Just as important to most MPV owners as the versatility of the seating is the car’s ability to carry luggage. Many MPVs are compromised by the lack of cargo space when all seven seats are in position.

Start to remove the seats and the spaciousness of Avensis Verso become apparent. With the second and third row of seats removed, luggage capacity is 1,013 litres. If loaded to the roof this becomes a huge 2,422 litres. Loading is easy thanks to a rear deck height just 740mm from the ground.

Pricing and Market Competitor Comparison

Avensis Verso is available as two models with manual and automatic gearbox for the petrol engine and manual gearbox only for the diesel engine variant. Pricing is as follows:

Model – OTR Price

• GS 2.0-litre VVT-i manual – £17,795
• GS 2.0-litre VVT-i automatic – £18,795
• GS 2.0-litre D-4D manual – £18,795
• GLS 2.0-litre VVT-i manual – £19,795
• GLS 2.0-litre VVT-i automatic – £20,795
• GLS 2.0-litre D-4D manual – £20,795

Avensis Verso in the UK

The new Avensis Verso enters the UK market between the lower medium MPVs such as Scenic, Tino and Picasso and the larger Previa, Voyager and Galaxy family. In both pricing and specification it will provide an alternative to the entry level large MPVs from Ford and VW as well as the premium priced upper medium estate cars such as Mondeo, Passat and 406.

The GS grade, likely to be the biggest seller, has an OTR price of £17,795. This includes CD, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, cargo area cover and front fogs. It costs less than the Honda Stream, Mitsubishi Space Wagon, VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy.

Take into account the specification difference – which means adding things from the option lists of the others to bring them up to the Avensis levels – the new Toyota offers up to an 8% saving, undercutting even the Mondeo, Passat and 406 estates, (see chart on following pages for full details).

The Avensis Verso GLS offers even higher standard specification and even better value for money. The GLS grade adds air conditioning in the rear, 16″ alloys and Toyota’s highly praised satellite navigation system. The OTR price is £19,795 and when price/specification adjusted it offers savings of between 5% and 16% over the Sharan, Galaxy, Mondeo estate and 406 estate.

TOYOTA AVENSIS VERSO 2.0-LITRE VVT-i GS VERSUS COMPETITORS

	TOYOTA AVENSIS VERSO 2.0 VVT-i GS	HONDA STREAM 2.0SE SPORT SS	MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON 2.4GDI EQUIPPE	FORD MONDEO 2.0i GHIA	VW SHARAN 2.0S	VW PASSAT 1.8T 20V SE	VW PASSAT 2.0 SPORT	PEUGEOT 406 2.0 GTX FAMILY AC	FORD GALAXY LX2.3
	MPV	MPV	MPV	Estate	MPV	Estate	Estate	Estate	MPV
Maximum power kW	110	116	108	107	85	110	85	100	107
Maximum power hp	149	159.0	145	145	115	150	115	136	145
Includes in-dash CD	√	£100	√	√	£100	√	£100	£100	£100
Airbag (driver/passenger)	√	√	√	√	√	√	√	√	√
Central double locking	√	√	£20	√	£20	√	√	√	√
Air conditioning	√	√	√	√	√	√	√	√	√
Anti-theft protection	√	√	£210	√	£210	√	√	£210	£210
Immobiliser	√	√	√	√	√	√	√	√	√
Seating capacity	7	7	7	5	7	5	5	7	7
Electric windows (F: R)	√	√	√	√	£200	√	√	√	£200
Electric door mirrors	√	√	√	√	£40	√	√	√	£40
Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf	√	√	√	√	£80	√	√	√	£100
Front fog lights	√	√	£50	√	£150	£180	£180	√	£50
On the road price	£17,795	£17,995	£18,995	£18,195	£18,395	£18,340	£17,575	£17,745	£18,245
Spec adjusted price increase	£0	£100	£280	£0	£800	£180	£280	£310	£700
New on the road price	£17,795	£18,095	£19,275	£18,195	£19,195	£18,520	£17,855	£18,055	£18,945
% diff +/- V Avensis Verso	0	2%	8%	2%	8%	4%	0%	1%	6%

All prices correct as at June 2001

TOYOTA AVENSIS VERSO 2.0-LITRE VVT-i GLS VERSUS COMPETITORS

	TOYOTA AVENSIS VERSO 2.0 VVT-i GLS	VW SHARAN 2.0 SE	FORD MONDEO 2.0i GHIA X	PEUGEOT 406 2.0 EXECUTIVE AC	FORD GALAXY ZETEC 2.3
	MPV	MPV	Estate	Estate	MPV
Maximum power kW	110	85	107	100	107
Maximum power hp	149	115	145	136	145
Includes in-dash CD	√	£100	√	£100	√
Airbag (driver/ passenger)	√	√	√	√	√
Central double locking	√	£20	√	√	√
Air conditioning	√	√	√	√	√
Rear air conditioning	√	£880	£880	£880	£880
Anti-theft protection	√	√	√	√	£210
Immobiliser	√	√	√	√	√
Seating capacity	7	7	5	5	7
Electric windows (F: R)	√	√	√	√	£200
Electric door mirrors	√	√	√	√	√
Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf	√	√	√	√	£80
Front fog lights	√	£45	√	√	√
Leather steering wheel	√	£40	√	√	£40
Satellite Navigation	√	£1,200	£1,500	√	£950
16″ Alloy wheels	√	£450	17″	£20	√
On the road price	£19,795	£20,235	£20,395	£19,795	£19,745
Spec adjusted price increase	£0	£2,735	£2,380	£1,000	£2,360
New on the road price	£19,795	£22,970	£22,775	£20,795	£22,105
% diff +/- V Avensis Verso	0	16%	15%	5%	12%

All prices correct as at June 2001

TOYOTA AVENSIS VERSO EQUIPMENT LIST

SAFETY	GS	GLS
Driver & front passenger airbags	√	√
Passenger airbag detection function	√	√
Fuel cut safety system	√	√
ISO-FIX child seat fixings	√	√
Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors	√	√
Anti-lock braking system with EBD and Brake Assist	√	√
Vehicle stability control	√	√
Speed sensitive power steering	√	√
Seven three-point seat-belts with ELR	√	√
Seat integrated front seat belt anchorage and support	√	√
Seat belt warning system	√	√
Upper interior head impact protection	√	√
Double wishbone suspension	√	√
Torsion beam rear suspension	√	√
Child proof locks on rear doors	√	√
Rigid high-tensile steel cabin cage	√	√
Pipe side impact door bars	√	√
INSTRUMENTS & CONTROLS	GS	GLS
Electric headlamp levelling	√	√
Four–spoke leather trimmed steering wheel	X	√
Digital odometer/trip meter	√	√
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE	GS	GLS
Speed sensitive power assisted steering (PAS)	√	√
Remote fuel flap release	√	√
Front and rear electric windows with one touch and anti-trap mechanism	√	√
Driver and front passenger vanity mirrors	√	√
AUDIO	GS	GLS
Six speaker RDS radio with one-touch tuning and presets	√	√
Single CD player	√	√
Six disc CD autochanger	Opt	Opt
Turn-by-turn satellite navigation	X	√
VENTILATION	GS	GLS
Front air conditioning	√	√
Air conditioning front and rear	X	√
Pollen/clean air filter	√	√
SECURITY	GS	GLS
Remote alarm with microwave interior protection	√	√
Transponder key engine immobiliser	√	√
Double locking	√	√
Lockable glove box	√	√
Vehicle parts marking – major parts traceable to VIN	√	√
Security window etching – linked to 24hr helpline	√	√
Visible VIN	√	√

SEATING, UPHOLSTERY & TRIM	GS	GLS
Dark metallic effect trim	√	√
Leather trimmed gear knob and handbrake lever	X	√
Chrome effect interior door handles	√	√
Front seat arm rests	√	√
Seven seat capacity	√	√
Individual detachable and foldable 2nd and 3rd row seats	√	√
Sliding 2nd row rear seats	√	√
Reclining 2nd and 3rd row seats	√	√
Boot liner	Opt	Opt
Seat storage bag	Opt	Opt
BODY EXTERIOR	GS	GLS
Roof rails	X	√
Red tone rear lamp cluster	√	√
Front fog lamps	Opt	√
15″ wheels with full hubcaps	√	X
15″ alloy wheels with locking wheelnuts	Opt	X
16″ alloy wheels with locking wheelnuts	X	√
Space saver spare wheel	√	√
STORAGE	GS	GLS
Driver’s storage compartment	√	√
Dashboard storage boxes	√	√
Cupholders – front and rear	√	√
Bottle holders	√	√
Storage boxes for each row of seats	√	√

TOYOTA AVENSIS VERSO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE 2.0
Type	1AZ-FE
Valve Mechanism	16 valve, DOHC, VVT-i, Chain-Drive
Fuel System	Electronic Injection
Displacement (cc)	1998
Bore x Stroke (mm)	86 x 86
Compression ratio	9.8:1
Max. power (kW) bhp/rpm	(110kW) 147 @ 6,000
Max. torque (Nm/rpm)	192 @ 4,000
ENGINE 2.0 D-4D
Type	1CD-FTV
Valve Mechanism	16 valve, DOHC, Chain-Drive
Fuel System	Direct Injection with common rail
Displacement (cc)	1995
Bore x Stroke (mm)	82.2 x 94.0
Compression ratio	18.6:1
Max. power (kW) DIN bhp/rpm	(85kW) 114 @ 4,000
Max. torque (Nm/rpm)	250 Nm @ 1,800-3,000
PERFORMANCE	2.0 M/T	2.0 A/T	2.0D-4D M/T
0-62 mph	11.4	12.1	12.5
Max.Speed (mph)	119	112	112
FUEL ECONOMY AND EMISSIONS
Urban	24.6	23.5	34.9
Extra-Urban	41.5	38.7	50.4
Combined	32.8	31.7	43.5
CO2 (g/km)	202	213	173
WEIGHTS
Kerb weight (kg)	1445-1535	1480-1570	1550-1645
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	2140	2175	2250
Towing capacity (u/braked)	500kg	500kg	500kg
Towing capacity (braked)	1500kg	1500kg	1500kg
GEARBOX RATIOS
1st	3.833	3.943	3.833
2nd	2.045	2.197	2.045
3rd	1.333	1.413	1.333
4th	1.028	1.020	0.972
5th	0.775	–	0.775
FINAL DRIVE
	4.235	3.120	3.684
SUSPENSION
Front	MacPherson strut
Rear	Torsion Beam
BRAKES
Front	275mm Ventilated disc
Rear	291mm Solid disc
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion
Ratio	16.27
Turns (lock to lock)	3.2
TYRES AND WHEELS
Wheel size (GS)	15″ steel (15″ alloy optional)
Wheel size (GLS)	16″ alloy
DIMENSIONS
Overall length	4650mm
Overall width	1760mm
Overall height (GS)	1675mm
Overall height (GLS) (with roof rails)	1725mm
Load floor length	2104mm
Load floor width (max)	1280mm
Interior headroom-front seats	1048mm
Interior headroom-centre seats	1012mm
Interior headroom-rear seats	911mm
Wheelbase	2825mm
Front track	1505mm
Rear track	1500mm
Front overhang	860mm
Rear overhang	965mm
Coefficient of drag (Cd)	0.30
Fuel tank capacity (L)	60
Minimum turning radius (body)	5.9 metres
LUGGAGE CAPACITY (L)
All seats in position	212
3rd row of seats removed	701
2nd and 3rd row of seats removed	1013
2nd and 3rd row of seats removed – loaded to roof	2422
Additional under floor storage	70

ENDS