Toyota Gives Verso Slight Update with New Diesel and More

ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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is giving the VersoToyota Verso Gen.1Japan, 2001 > present53 versions
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a slight update for 2014 with a new 1.6-liter D-4D turbodiesel engine and new exterior color, new alloy wheels, new interior trims and upgraded infotainment.

The latest generation of the Verso just received a comprehensive refresh in 2013, and it is already getting a few upgrades. The Verso was Toyota’s first ever fully European project with the product planning, design, research and production all taking place in Europe. Styling came from ED2, Toyota’s design headquarters in France, and the latest refresh changed 60% of the visible and 40% of the mechanical parts.

The new 1.6-liter D-4D turbodiesel is sourced from BMW and offers 112hp and 199lb-ft of torque (270Nm) with a six-speed Toyota-sourced transmission. The engine is the first part of the deal between BMW and Toyota to share engines and technology. It will be available with standard start/stop and have emissions of 119g/km of CO2.

The 1.6-liter D-4D is 20kg lighter than Toyota’s own 2.0 D-4D diesel. The new engine accelerates the Verso to 100km/h in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 185km/h. It is rated at 4.5l/100km fuel economy, 8% better than the 2.0-liter diesel, and 119g/km of CO2 emissions, 10g/km of CO2 less than the 2.0-liter.

Toyota reengineered the electrical system and added a dual-mass flywheel to the engine compared to BMW’s version but otherwise, they are the same.

The 2014 Verso is also getting a new Avantgarde Bronze exterior paint color and new 16in and 17in wheel designs. There are also two new seat fabric choices – Dark Grey fabric with silver stitching and Light Grey fabric with leather side bolsters. The interior also gets a new tire pressure warning system and redesigned gearshift lever design. Finally, the 2014 Verso is getting Toyota’s latest Toyota Touch 2 6.1in infotainment system with a higher resolution screen, Google Street View, improved voice recognition and added applications. A rearview camera is also standard.

The upgraded model will be available for sale in very early 2014. Toyota has not announced a price for the Verso with the new 1.6-liter engine.