Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) Review

Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) At A Glance

3/5

+Enjoyable, well-equipped, versatile seven-seater. Especially good as a D-4D diesel. Five rear seats fold into the floor. Supremely safe.

-It's a compact MPV, so not much luggage space with all seven seats in use. VVT-i engines can develop a thirst for oil after 40k miles.

On average it achieves 94% of the official MPG figure

There's no doubt that mid-size MPVs have been getting better to drive. With the first generation, roll understeer on a bend could leave you with the frightening decision whether to let the thing stray onto the other side of the road or run the risk of rolling it. The Picasso was an improvement. Then the new Scenic and the C-MAX completely re-wrote the rulebook, handling easily as well if not better than their hatchback counterparts. Now we have the all-new Toyota Corolla Verso 7-seater.

Today's Toyotas all handle a lot better than the badge implied five years ago. The Corolla is as good as a Focus, lacking only Focus steering feel. And now Toyota has decided to put that right too. I noticed a lot more meat in the steering of our Soluna Vios than I'd ever felt in a Toyota before. And it's the same story for the new Corolla Verso. So it not only handles well, it makes you feel part of the car. ‘Delightful to drive' is only slightly over the top. It's very good indeed.

 

Real MPG average for a Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

94%

Real MPG

25–53 mpg

MPGs submitted

156

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What petrol estate car will carry two kayaks on the roof?

"As a keen kayaker, I need a reasonably beefy petrol estate that will enable me and my wife to load the kayaks on to the roof. SUVs are too high, but looking around I can't find many petrol cars that would replace my ageing Corolla Estate. What would you recommend for £15,000? "
You might find that you can get a Toyota Auris HSD (Hybrid) Sport Tourer, with balance of a five year warranty.
Answered by Honest John

Insurer wants to write off my car

"I had an accident in my Toyota Corolla Verso 2005. My insurance company told me it is written off as non economical to repair. They want me to reply within 10 days though I am going on a 20 days holiday in 2 days. They want to offer me £2860 for settlement. I feel it is unfair as I am only owner of car from brand new and I had no problems with it whatsoever and just had MOT 2 months ago. What to do? Can I get my car back and drive it until settlement is agreed? "
Simply refuse to allow them to 'write it off' and demand its return. However, if they cut up rough and refuse to maintain your insurance on it, you are then committing an offence subject to points and a fine, so if you are about to go on holiday you are between a rock and a hard place. You would have to take it off the road and declare a SORN to stay legal. The sticking point with the insurer is probably credit hire for keeping you mobile while the car is being repaired. If you agree not to demand this then you may find them more friendly.
Answered by Honest John

Small MPV advice?

"What do you think would be the better buy from a Renault Scenic 1.4 TCE TomTom Edition '09 50k, or Toyota Corolla Verso 1.8 VVT-i SR '08 70k. The Toyota starting £900 dearer, assuming condition etc. to be equal."
I like this engine in the Scenic, and also like the 1.8 VVTi in the Verso. The Scenic drives better and has a more entertaining dash. The Verso is less likely to suffer electrical failures (like the dash).
Answered by Honest John

Cost of a replacement drive shaft?

"I have been charged £409 plus labour for a replacement n/s drive shaft in my 2008 Toyota Verso. Is this reasonable?"
Driveshafts are expensive so yes.
Answered by Honest John
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