Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Verso-S

Toyota's return to the supermini-MPV sector, the Verso-S, promises to be the smallest and lightest car in its class

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Toyota Verso
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Verso-S certainly is a ‘mini’ MPV – it’s the shortest and lightest car in this sector – but clever packaging means there’s lots of space for passengers and luggage. It’s more comfortable and refined than most rivals, while the cabin could be from the class above. The 1.33-litre engine is underpowered, yet this is still a strong addition to Toyota’s small car line-up.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Five years after the demise of the Yaris Verso, Toyota is re-entering the supermini-MPV market with this: the Verso-S. It’s designed to be one of the lightest and most compact people carriers on the market, but is the newcomer as versatile as its name suggests?

The styling takes cues from the firm’s innovative iQ city car – especially the triangular lights and squared-off grille. But the tall, boxy shape is functional rather than head-turning. Inside, Toyota has done a great job of transferring the quality feel of bigger cars such as the Avensis into this smaller package.

Making its debut on the Verso-S is Toyota Touch – an attractive six-inch touchscreen that controls media functions. From May, it will also feature an optional sat-nav. It’s a great piece of kit, and removes switchgear clutter on the short centre console.

In true MPV style, the Verso-S makes the most of the available space. There’s a multitude of storage cubbies, including a triple-layered glovebox. Plus, the trick boot floor drops down to accommodate tall items or slides up to give a flat load area with the rear seats folded. This frees up the maximum 1,388 litres of storage space.

Our T-Spirit model also comes with one of the largest sunroofs fitted to any car on the market – a whopping 1.2 metres in length. It’s glued to the chassis frame to save weight, and prevents the interior from feeling cramped.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Arona

2020 SEAT

Arona

28,393 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,500
View Arona
Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen

Tiguan

53,683 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,000
View Tiguan
Puma

2021 Ford

Puma

97,141 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,100
View Puma
A1 Sportback

2026 Audi

A1 Sportback

39,242 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,800
View A1 Sportback

There’s only one engine option – the 1.33-litre VVT petrol from the iQ. It’s mated to a choice of a six-speed manual box or a CVT paddleshift auto. Our car had the former, but short ratios mean it revs quite high on the motorway, making longer journeys tiring.
 
Performance is good in town, although getting up to speed is hard work as there’s only 123Nm of torque. The soft, composed ride and light steering are tailored to city driving – as are the narrow dimensions. Parking is hassle-free, especially on TR spec and above, as a reversing camera is standard.

There’s no hybrid technology, but this is one of the cleanest petrol-engined small cars around – largely because it tips the scales at only 1,070kg. Combined fuel returns of 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 127 g/km put it ahead of rivals like the Nissan Note and Kia Venga. So while it’s not revolutionary, the Verso-S is a worthy addition to the class.

Rival: Honda Jazz
The updated Jazz has a loyal customer base – although the new Toyota will push it hard. Better quality and an incredibly flexible seating layout set the Honda apart, while there’s a 104g/km hybrid coming, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,695
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025