( Worldcarfans ) - The Corolla Verso, one of the key core models for Toyota in Europe, is to get a fresh, new look and will offer to customers even more premium equipment levels, while continuing building its success based on its versatility, high level of quality and driving pleasure.
At the same time, the environmental performance of the Corolla Verso is to be enhanced with the introduction of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) catalytic converter on the best-selling 2.2 D-4D 135 engine. The Corolla Verso now boasts one of the most technically advanced and clean diesel engine line-ups in Europe. The 2.2 D-4D 135 is available alongside the D-4D 180 Clean Power engine with Toyota D-CAT which reduces NOx and Particulate Matters (PM) emissions at the same time.
The new look and enhanced equipment levels, including dual-zone air conditioning and new audio system, will build on the existing success of the Toyota Corolla Verso which has proved to be one of the most popular compact MPVs in Europe.
The revised Toyota Corolla Verso will go on sale in Europe from June and July, depending on markets. Corolla Verso offers a sporty styling and is packed with innovative design solutions, allowing seven people to sit in comfort within its compact overall length.
The unique Toyota Easy Flat-7 seating system means all five rear seats can be folded away to create a fully flat floor. The Corolla Verso was the first model in the compact C-MPV segment to offer this feature and it remains one of the easiest to operate. The Corolla Verso is also one of the leaders in its segment when it comes to safety. It has been awarded five stars for adult occupancy protection by Euro NCAP, as well as four stars for child safety. The Corolla Verso features several segment-firsts; such as the availability of nine airbags including the driver's knee airbag, and the innovative Cornering Assist Monitor, which has been upgraded and revised to make it more effective and easier to use.
With its stylish sporty looks, spacious interior and high level of perceived quality, the Corolla Verso has opened up the market for compact MPVs to a whole new group of customers active couples who are looking for something a bit more special than just another family car.
Since its launch in 2004, Corolla Verso has proved to be a unique C-MPV offer in Europe combining a dynamic design high level of quality, driving pleasure and ingenious modularity.
With an exterior design created at Toyota's European design centre, ED2, in the south of France and production based at TMMT manufacturing plant in Adapazari, Turkey, the Corolla Verso has challenged the way European customers view the compact MPV segment.
Unlike sales in the main C-segment (showing a declining trend) the C-MPV segment in Europe is stable at around 1.4 million units a year.
Last year some 95,471 Corolla Verso were sold in the region, a 3% increase on 2005 and representing a 6.6% European segment share. Toyota is planning to sell 93,000 Corolla Verso models in Europe in 2007.
Much of the recent growth in Corolla Verso sales has been stimulated by the introduction of the 2.2-litre D-4D engine range in late 2005. These engines, which offer increased performance, greater driving pleasure and significantly reduced harmful emissions, clearly demonstrate Toyota's commitment to sustainable mobility through advanced powertrain development. The introduction of the 2.2-litre D4-D range has boosted diesel engine sales to 42% of the mix while the segment is at 65%.
The 2007 Corolla Verso moves with the times and its fresh new look has a strong individuality while retaining the clear Toyota family identity. The new frontal styling, created within the context of Toyota's Vibrant Clarity design language, gives the Corolla Verso more individuality and character with a strong sense of innovation.
There is a new vertical character line linking the upper grille and the bumper, giving the bumper an integrated appearance with the bonnet.
The new front bumper with more presence adds 10 mm to the overall length (now 4 360 mm) and front overhang ( 880 mm). At the same time, the new styling features more sporty graphics, such as the mesh-style radiator grille and new shape to the turn indicator lamps. Front headlamps have been redesigned to give a more dynamic image and a smoked finish to add sporty emphasis to the halogen headlamps and rear lamps will feature specifically on the D-4D 180 Clean Power model. Rear styling features a new, rectangular turn indicator lamp and a new chrome-plate finish to the wider number plate trim. This helps create a greater sense of width.
There are now four clearly differentiated grade levels (Terra, Luna, Sol and Premium Active) identified with specific wheel trims and featuring newly created alloy wheels for Luna and Sol. To complete the more sporty and dynamic look, Corolla Verso is available in ten exterior colours, five of which are new to the range. The four grade level structure is carried over to the interior trim where there have been further improvements in perceived quality and comfort.
New fabric upholstery has been created for the main body of all three rows of seats with specific fabrics for each grade level. In addition, the rear surface of the second and third rows is covered in carpet fabric to improve the perceived quality and durability.
These trim improvements reinforce the sense of superior quality that is a key feature of Corolla Verso design and build. Tight panel gaps, with superior fit and finish, produce flush surfaces and the geometric, three-dimensional lines of the interior styling give the cockpit a well-defined form. This, combined with the metallic finishes and new blue acrylic panel for the air conditioning, accent the centre cluster and create a high-tech appearance.
