A very pleasant ride

Toyota never cease to amaze us as we drive model after model on a test drive around the towns, villages and country lanes.

The Verso-S came almost literally out of the blue as an IQ had appeared to be the only drive scheduled, an important drive in view of the fact that under a different guise it appears as the Aston Martin Cygnet.

Initially, we expected little as the Verso-S is marvellously understated, the sort of interesting family vehicle that will more often than not get below the warden’s, or traffic police ‘radar’. Once behind the wheel drivers enjoy a surprisingly enterprising, not to say ‘brisk’, driving experience.

The engine is small, 1,329 cc in the petrol we drove or 1,364 cc in the optional diesel.

The small petrol engine develops 106 bhp, more than enough to waft five adults anywhere in Malta and Gozo at far more than the legal 80 km/h.

There is nothing easier than to get completely comfortable behind the leather-covered wheel (the gear change comes with a leather top as well).

Mirrors adjust to minimise blindspots, brakes work progressively rather than grabbing at the lightest touch, which seems to be the ‘in thing’ for many current manufacturers. With Toyota thoroughness there are no fewer than seven airbags and state-of-the-art seat belts, besides the super passenger safety cell and progressive control of the break-up of the front or rear if something has taken a serious dislike to your vehicle. After a mere bagatelle we were entirely at home in this delightfully sensible five-seat family car. This is not only a means of getting from A to B but it is a good looking type of character with a fine body and charming little roof-line spoiler to give the imaginative hope for an impossibly high top speed.

The car can be handled with the aplomb normally found in a totally different class of vehicle. With both traction control and vehicle stability control driving the car fast in somewhat inclement conditions is a bit of a doodle. In the dry, as long as there are no hidden patches of ’dry’ diesel fuel on the corners, a most enterprising speed can be maintained.

With two people on board there are few cars in this class that can hope to match an energetically driven Verso-S.

We even enjoyed driving the Verso-S backwards into confined areas, as there is a standard reversing camera that should stop even the more myopic from slamming into unwanted walls, pavements or other vehicles.

For me, this is the most significant gadget, for I was brought up in an age and country where it was vital to be able to manoeuvre backwards with the same skill that would be used in going forwards. It is a soulless experience these days to see marvellous wedge shaped vehicles that have obviously only been designed to look good and go forward.

The power steering does its job well, and the lock-to-lock movement allows a small turning circle and rapid responses when changing direction on the road even though this is not the lowest roofline we have ever encountered.

Obviously, from the way she moves on the road the floor pan has been linked with very good suspension dynamics, dampers and springing and had we the space a bit of a technical break down would have been included. With a new Euro 5 engine and the rest of the car almost drawing superlatives we were more than content batting round the roads and lanes at an ever-increasing speed as confidence soared.

With 106 bhp it made no appreciable difference to the performance with the air-conditioning switched on, but we did find the gearshift indicator to be something we could live without.

Cubbyholes, pockets and drink holders are always appreciated in family cars, as is central locking, the front electric windows and the trip computer.

This was the TR version with a multi-media display system, CD player and MP3, Bluetooth, USB/AUX connection, a large touch screen colour display. Steering audio controls.

A one-touch rear foldable seat allows the five seater to be converted into two seats. A useful ‘hold’ for a lot of purchases.

Verdict

Comfort
It becomes hard to criticise when the driver is more than comfortable in his driving environment.

Performance
Much more exhilarating than expected.

Cool
This vehicle should appeal across the ages.

Quality
In a class of its own, brilliant.