Toyota to join MPV stampede

THIS is the face of Toyota's all-new Avensis Verso compact people-mover, which tomorrow makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show.

The newcomer has been given the green light for Australia and will join the growing mini-MPV segment, which already comprises the Mazda Premacy, Kia Carens and Daewoo Tacuma.

Contenders waiting in the wings include the Holden Zafira, Renault Scenic and Hyundai FC.

Toyota Australia media relations manager Mike Breen says: "It (Avensis Verso) should make its way to Australia either very late this year or early next year".

Based on an all-new platform, the Avensis Verso is said to offer the interior space and luggage capacity of a mid-size MPV along with the driving characteristics of a compact hatchback.

It is claimed to have the lowest overall height in the mainstream MPV segment at 1660mm, yet still offers a spacious interior thanks to a low floor height and long wheelbase of 2825mm.

Toyota says the Avensis Verso's 4650mm length and 1760mm width contribute to a stable and comfortable ride with a low centre of gravity.

The newcomer offers versatile seating and ample storage options and can be specified with five or seven separate seats in up to three rows.

The second row of seats can slide, fold, tumble or be removed completely and on the seven-seat model the third row of seats can fold, tumble or be removed.

All seats have headrests and three-point seatbelts as standard equipment for improved safety.

In Europe the Avensis Verso will be offered with a choice of a 2.0-litre VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) petrol engine or the latest 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel - but we will get only the former.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers 110kW at 6000rpm and 192Nm at 4000rpm.

Standard safety features will include dual airbags and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

Power windows and remote central locking with double locking, an alarm system and engine immobiliser will also be standard.

Meanwhile, Toyota Australia will preview Sportivo variants of the Corolla and Echo three-door at this week's Melbourne motor show.

The Sportivo Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine and gains a handful of other upgrades to complement the extra performance.

Similarly, the Sportivo Echo gets a performance boost from a 1.5-litre engine sourced from the sedan variant. Cosmetic and suspension upgrades complete the transformation.

Both cars go on sale in mid-March.