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The new 2014 Toyota Verso

The Verso compact MPV is being readied to be the first Toyota model to use a new 1.6-litre D-4D diesel engine from BMW, introduced in a revised UK range that adds a new Trend grade offering extra style and high-tech equipment features.

1.6 D-4D engine
The new 1.6 D-4D diesel engine, making its Toyota debut in the 2014 Verso, is sourced from the BMW Group. Toyota engineers have made extensive modifications to the engine, including a newly-developed dual-mass flywheel, revised engine mounts, and completely redesigned electrical interfaces. It is fitted to a Toyota six-speed manual transmission with stop-start technology, a first for the Verso range.

It replaces the 2.0-litre D-4D engine in the UK line-up, offering higher efficiency and a 20kg weight saving. Maximum power is 110bhp (82kW) at 4,00rpm and peak torque is 270Nm, generated from 1,750 to 2,250rpm. Nought to 62mph acceleration is despatched in 12.7 seconds and top speed is 115mph.

Fuel economy is eight per cent better than the 2.0 D-4D unit, with 62.8mpg* combined cycle consumption. CO2emissions are lower by 10g/km at 119g/km* (*figures provisional prior to official homologation).

These figures are supported by the first deployment of a stop and start system in Verso, in line with the efficiency principles of Toyota Optimal Drive.

Toyota met a number of engineering challenges in order to integrate the engine into Verso's powertrain, in particular with regard to the use of stop and start, minimising NVH levels and ensuring quiet running at cruising speeds.

The engine has been tuned to deliver a fast throttle response throughout the rev range, with good initial response at low rpm and, as turbo boost develops, linear build-up of torque. The improved driveability the engine offers is also supported by the delivery of strong torque over a wider rev band, which means it will rev happily beyond 3,000rpm without running out of breath.

Spring settings have been modified for the models using the new engine to ensure levels of body control and ride comfort consistent with the rest of the range.

The new engine is available in the 2014 Verso alongside the established 1.6 and 1.8-litre Valvematic petrol units.

New Verso Trend
Verso gains a new Trend grade for 2014, introducing an extra dash of style and some high-tech equipment features to the specification.

Slotting into the range between the Icon and Excel models, the Trend versions are easy to distinguish thanks to a black C-pillar decal that creates a floating roof effect - a styling feature shared with the latest Yaris Trend.

They also have their own five-spoke alloy wheel design, front fog lamps and rear privacy glass.

Building on the Icon grade specification, Trend models benefit from Toyota Touch 2 with Go, adding satellite navigation, connected services, Google Street View and TomTom real time traffic data to the multimedia system's functions (more details below).

As well as a rear-view camera - a key element in the Toyota Touch 2 package - Verso Trend is equipped with front parking sensors for belt-and-braces safe and easy parking manoeuvres.

2014 Verso line-up
In addition to the new Trend grade, Verso is available with a new Avantgarde Bronze paint finish, new cloth upholstery in black and (optional) grey, and a new leather trimmed gear knob (as seen in Auris).

Toyota Touch 2
All versions of Verso bar the entry level Active model are equipped as standard with the Toyota Touch 2, the latest evolution of Toyota's touchscreen-operated multimedia system.

It comes with a new high-resolution screen that uses four times as many pixels as the original system, for bright, sharp images.

The package includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and sending and receipt of text messages; a rear-view camera; vehicle information, including trip data, climate control profile (where fitted); and management of settings for door locking and lighting.

It also enables simple connection of iPods and MP3 players via USB or Bluetooth, and, where available, will display album, artist and track information. Audio system options, such as the radio and CD player, can also be controlled using the screen.

Toyota Touch 2 with Go
Toyota Touch 2 with Go, standard on the 2014 Verso Trend and an option on Icon and Excel models, adds a wealth of extra functions and advanced connectivity, all controlled simply and clearly using the same touchscreen system.

The leading feature is the full map navigation, with a new screen design that provides clear display of signposts, junctions and lane guidance. A new intuitive detour function uses real-time traffic information to warn of congestion ahead, calculate the likely delay and suggest a suitable alternative route.

The system also provides speed limit indications and safety camera warnings, and in the event of an emergency will give direct access to the emergency services or AA breakdown assistance, automatically providing exact vehicle location details on the display screen.

The improved package further provides connection to a range of features, including Toyota real-time HD traffic data from TomTom; Google Street View^TM and Panoramio^TM, giving on-screen imagery of the vehicle's location or a chosen location to help pinpoint and recognise destinations; and a range of other multimedia applications such as social media channels, parking information and filling station locations.

A range of applications are available free for 12 months with Toyota Touch 2 with Go, easily obtained following a quick registration process via Toyota's customer web portal.