Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) At A Glance
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.
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.
Reviews for Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 VVT-i to 2.2 D-4D T180
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–53 mpg
In Thailand Toyota sells a similar car called the Wish. It's very confusing because the Wish is slightly longer and lower, has a 150PS 2.0 petrol engine, yet only carries six people and sells on luxury rather than practicality (see car by car breakdown).
But we haven't drawn the short straw. The UK Corolla Verso, and especially the diesel, is so much nicer to drive then the Zafira and so much more solid than the Scenic, it's the ideal answer for anyone needing a commodious car that's not too big yet can carry five adults and two children. Its closest competitor is the VW Touran TDI 140 and though the Touran TDI DSG is very good, the Corolla Verso is still a nicer drive.
On top of that, you can't get safer than the new Corolla Verso's Five Star NCAP crash safety rating.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 VVT-i | 38 mpg | 12.7 s | 178 g/km |
| 1.8 VVT-i | 37 mpg | 10.8 s | 184 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D | 46 mpg | 9.4 s | 164 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D 140 | 45 mpg | 9.4 s | 167 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D T180 | 42 mpg | 8.8 s | 178 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009)
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
Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) interior
- Boot space is 63–1563 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4360 mm |
| Width | 1770 mm |
| Height | 1620–1660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
Inside, there's familiar Toyota switchgear for things like windows, doorlocks and mirrors. The good looking black dashboard is rock solid with silver-blue CD and a/c controls in the middle and really nice ‘Optitron' dials straight in front of you. They have adopted the keycard, push-button starter system of the Prius II. The gearshift sprouts out of the dash, MPV style, and is exactly the right distance from the wheel. Its cupholders runneth over (seven in the front alone and eleven altogether).
All five rear seats fold away separately to become a high floor. The rearmost are particularly clever because as you fold them away the squabs pop back automatically, like a mouse into its hole. If there are three of you and a lot of luggage, the third can sit in the centre rear seat with a clear view ahead between the driver and front passenger. True, there is very little luggage space with all seven seats in use, but for a seven seater the same length as the Prius you can't have everything. And if you're carrying six you simply flop down one of the rearmost seats to provide adequate room for baggage.
Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4360 mm |
| Width | 1770 mm |
| Height | 1620–1660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1420–1565 kg |
| Boot Space | 63–1563 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,890–£21,640 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | G–I |
| Official MPG | 36.7–45.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until February 2009
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SR 1.8 VVT-i | £17,375 | 36.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| SR 1.8 VVT-i Auto | £17,375 | - | - |
| SR 2.2 D-4D | £18,425 | 45.6 mpg | 9.4 s |
| T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i | £19,770 | 36.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i Auto | £19,770 | - | - |
| T Spirit 2.2 D-4D | £20,820 | 45.6 mpg | 9.4 s |
| T180 2.2 D-4D | £21,640 | 41.5 mpg | 8.8 s |
| T2 1.6 VVT-i | £14,890 | 37.7 mpg | 12.7 s |
| T2 1.8 VVT-i | £15,720 | 36.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| T2 2.2 D-4D | £16,770 | 45.6 mpg | 9.4 s |
On sale until July 2008
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| T3 2.2 D-4D | £18,930 | - | - |
On sale until April 2008
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| T3 1.8 VVT-i | £17,805 | 36.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| T3 1.8 VVT-i Auto | £17,805 | - | - |
On sale until May 2007
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| TR 1.8 VVT-i | £16,995 | 36.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| TR 1.8 VVT-i Auto | £16,995 | - | - |
| TR 2.2 D-4D 140 | £18,095 | 44.8 mpg | 9.4 s |
Model History
- May 2004: New Corolla Verso launched
- November 2005: Engine details
- May 2006
- July 2007: Re-named just Verso
- July 2008
May 2004
New Corolla Verso launched
All new European built seven-seater Verso with Toyota corporate front aka Avensis and seven seats the rear five of which fold into the floor. Launch date 2-3-2004 at Geneva Motor Show. Features Toyota Easy Flat-7TM, the world’s first full flat-folding system for all five rear seats.
On the road prices from £14,495. Three trim levels: T2 ,T3 and T Spirit. First MPV with 9 standard airbags, including driver’s kneebag. New Cornering Assist plus Rear Park Assist Monitor (TV cameras) for increased safety at low speeds included in optional DVD full map navigation system on T Spirit, priced £2,300.
DVD-based turn-by-turn satellite navigation system available as an option, priced £1,350. Three engine options: 1.6 (T2 grade only) and 1.8 VVT-i petrol and 2.0 D-4D common rail diesel. Best-in-class insurance ratings, from 5E for 1.6 T2.
New Multi-mode Manual Transmission provides automatic and sequential operation in one system. All have ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; Vehicle Stability Control; Traction Control and Brake Assist standard on T3 and T Spirit grades.
Both nav systems provide Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA), allowing automatic re-routing if congestion or delays are detected on a pre-programmed journey. Built on a totally new platform, the Corolla Verso benefits from improved suspension that gives the car good stability and ride, whether there is one person on board or seven.
1.8-litre VVT-i is also available with a new five-speed Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT) that provides a combination of automatic and sequential shifting. Economy improved when car driven in automatic mode compared to the standard manual transmission. MMT much lighter and more compact than conventional automatic.
Thanks to the Toyota Easy Flat-7TM system, the new Corolla Verso was the only MPV in the world in which all five rear seats can be folded flat into the vehicle floor. What’s more, the folding system is the simplest to operate of all MPVs on the market: it takes just a single operation to fold down each rear seat.
Entry level model is the 1.6 T2, the only version to be offered in the UK with the 109bhp 1.6-litre VVT-i engine. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol and 2.0-litre D-4D diesel models are available in T2, T3 and T Spirit grades, the 1.8 cars additionally offered with the option of Toyota’s new Multi-mode Manual Transmission. Full Five Star NCAP crash safety rating.
November 2005
Engine details
134bhp 2.2 diesel engine replaces 114bhp unit and Piezo injected 175bhp D-CAT 180 tops range. Both with new 6-speed manual box.
134bhp D-4D 140 does 0-60 in 9.1 seconds. A maximum 310Nm of torque is delivered at 2,000rpm. Price of T2 £16,100.
175bhp D-4D 180 does 0-60mph acceleration in 8.5 seconds, top speed of 128mph, 42.8mpg combined. Price of T-Spirit £20,900.
May 2006
Verso TR enhanced spec T3 model launched . Has CD multi-changer, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels and metallic paint as standard. Choice of 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol manual or MMT or 2.2-litre D-4D 140 6-speed manual. From £16,745.
July 2007
Re-named just Verso
New Verso SR with rear privacy glass, roof spoiler, rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloy wheels from July 2007. Refreshed styling with new front-end treatment and revised front and rear lights. Dual-zone climate control standard on T3 models. New full-map satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity option for T Spirit and T180.
The SR model represents a £950 value saving when compared to equivalent T3 models. 1.8 VVT-i petrol and 2.2 D-4D 140 diesel engines are available, with the option of MultiMode transmission with the petrol unit. Prices for the SR start at £16,995.
July 2008
Higher specification for Verso SR. Front and rear parking sensors with dashboard proximity display. New-design five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. In-dash six-CD changer. New modular in-car DVD system option. Verso T Spirit gains dark-tinted rear privacy glass as standard.
What to watch out for
VVT-i engines can start to use up to a litre of oil every 600 miles after 40,000 miles. Must be ckecked regularly of you may run out and wreck the engine. That seems to be the only complaint.
Actuator problem can leave MMTs with no usable gears. Toyota is aware and has extended the warranty on these models, though for how long remains to be seen.
2006: Official safety recall for problem of passenger airbags going off when ignition switched off: affected 2004 - 2006 build.
Have been some manual transmission failures on 1.8VVT-is at areound 5 years old.
On 2.0 belt cam D-4Ds reports of "turbos failing and destroying engines at 80k - 100k miles". Probably what is meant is that the swirl flaps in the inlet manifold break off and are ingested into the engine. Report of one turbo failing at just 9 months old.
Have been reports of head gasket failures on 2.0 litre D-4Ds and of cylinder head problems on 2.2 diesels.
2.2 chain cam diesels are gaining a reputation as moderate oil burners, consuming around 1 litre of oil every 5,000 miles with this considered "normal" by Toyota.
One report of diesel injector failure of T180 spiking cat converter.
19-09-2012:Strange report that last year Toyota recalled a 2006/56 Verso 2.2D to replace the engine. No explanation given, the motor had not caused problems. The new engine came with a 12 month warranty. Engine problems arose Summer 2012, apparently related to the new engine. A visit to the dealer revealed an injector out of tolerance – a non-warranty item. Toyota had changed the design of the injectors and now they have to be replaced as a set, at a cost of just under £2,000. Toyota GB rejected a goodwill claim.
13-07-2013:On belt-cam 2.0 litre diesel engines the waterpump must be replaced at the same time as the timing belt. They are prone to breaking up and when they do they throw the belt off.
09-10-2013:On 1.8i, jerky drive may be due to failed crankshaft position sensor.
13-10-2013:Reader with 2008 2.2 D-4D quoted £2,000 to replace the 'catalytic converter' (must mean the DPF).
28-09-2015:Report of warning lights for VSC and TRC on 2006/56 Toyota Vewrso 1.8 petrol. Might be the same brake pressure sensor issue with ther ABS/ESC module as on many other cars. Check with http://www.ecutesting.com
19-03-2016:Long history of problems with EGR of Toyota Verso 2.21 T180 diesel. Problems first occurred in April 2008 showing EGR valve error code meaning the car would not drive over 25mph. The EGR was cleaned and new software downloaded. Problem recurred between then and 2010 when EGR valve replaced. Due to ongoing problems with EGR valve the engine was replaced 2011 - out of warranty but Toyota agreed to repair as ongoing problem. Car has been serviced every 12 months. Low ash oil always used. All clear until 60,000 miles in March 2016: EGR fault again - error code P0400 Now informed the EGR needs replacing and the manifold needs cleaning at £452.65 but this may not resolve the problem and will probably need an engine de-coke at £2,100.
03-10-2017:Report of MMT transmission of intermittently serviced 2008 Toyota Verso 1.8 VVTi T3 suffering problems at 37,683 miles, mostly local use. Engine doesn’t cut out, continues to run. It is in gear, but won’t engage. Foot on accelerator, engine revs but remains stationery. To get it started: Cut engine off and remove key. Usually it needs a short rest period before starting up and then is ok. Sometimes several start-ups are required. This happens periodically. Most days it is fine. Some days several times. Am only doing short local journeys and am avoiding heavy traffic roundabouts. Occurs, not when car is moving at a reasonable speed. Only when going slowly i.e. behind a queue of cars moving slowly and or coming to a standstill; pausing for whatever reason. Toyota dealer has costed worst case scenario: replacement clutch at £206.87, replacement clutch release bearing at £54.42, replacement actuator at £854.19 and replacement ECU at £758.47 and replacement ECU: total cost £2,845 including 6 hours labour.
04-09-2018:Report and a tip about the fuel fillers of 2004-2009 Toyota Corolla Versos: At the point where the filler pipe goes into the tank there is a plastic flap the job if which is to to stop surge/anti theft/seal the tank in a car roll over. However, in hot weather when the ingoing fuel is very frothy it will combine with air in the tank and close the flap. The result is the pump keeps shutting off. Remove it and you can refuel quickly. Removal takes around 20 mins, either by you on your back or the local mechanic.
