The highly popular new generation Toyota Verso have been given a further boost with the introduction of a new generation continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the range. The full range, which was first introduced in 2009, will also benefit from a range of cosmetic upgrades – scheduled for introduction in step with the new CVT model.

Headlining the changes to the Verso product range is the new generation continuously variable transmission (CVT), which will be available on the 1.8 litre Verso in SX grade.

New generation CVT gearbox

The new transmission utilises Toyota's Multidrive S two-pulley system to offer infinitely varying gear ratios that are electronically matched to the engine's speed, power range and driver inputs.

The Multidrive S-system, in combination with a new low speed lock-up clutch and a general weight saving of between 30 kg over a conventional automatic gearbox, means that the new CVT transmission offers better acceleration than previous generation CVT gearboxes and improved fuel consumption compared to traditional automatic gearboxes.

The CVT gearbox fitted to the Verso 1.8 SX model signifies the next step in Toyota's development of the CVT gearbox, as it not only considers engine power and driver input, but also engine and vehicle load and driving conditions in its continuous split second analysis and adjustment to the optimal gear ratio.

"The new CVT gearbox is the ideal addition to our popular Verso range," says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President: Sales and Marketing for Toyota South Africa Motors.

"As buying patterns suggests more people are opting for a smooth shifting alternative to a manual gearbox for the daily city commute, which justifies the introduction of this new gearbox. The CVT gearbox will also compliment the Verso's class leading low levels of noise, vibration and harshness with its extremely quiet operation."

The new Continuously Variable Transmission with Multidrive S is designed to offer the best possible gear selection characteristics under all driving conditions. Notable technical advances to achieve this includes a smaller, but highly effective torque converter and an uphill/downhill gearshift control system to achieve smooth shifts when driving uphill, while utilising engine brake force and lower gear ratios when travelling down a slope.

The CVT gearbox will further offer the driver the option of self changing gears, either by moving the gearstick to the self-shifting Manual gate next to the Drive mode, or using the gear selecting paddles located behind the steering wheel.

When using either of the self shifting sequential gear changing options, the CVT gearbox will move to a pre-selected set of seven gear ratios called the Sport Sequential SHIFTMATIC. To further benefit the driving experience, the driver can use the paddle shifts at any time, even when in full automatic mode, to quickly change gears if required.

The CVT transmission is equipped with a Sport mode, which changes the transmission and engine characteristics when the driver requires more assertive acceleration or better engine braking.

Styling and interior upgrades

Toyota South Africa Motors will also introduce a range of interior and exterior upgrades to the full Verso range in step with the introduction of the new generation CVT gearbox.

Immediately visible from the outside is the introduction of privacy glass to the rear half of the vehicle. This addition not only compliments the distinctive "dual zone" design of the Verso, but also offers an added safety benefit by limiting the view from outside the cabin to the second and third row of seats.

The addition of privacy glass to all models in the Verso compliments the modern styling of the Verso. Styling highlights include large light clusters on the front and back of the vehicle, with LED lighting in the rear light clusters and high mounted stop lamp. The TX grade Verso models will further benefit from the addition of auto adjusting high impact discharge (HID) head lights and a headlamp cleaning system.

The Verso retains its strong character lines running across the bonnet and on the flanks towards the C-pillar of the vehicle. This is mirrored in the accentuated wheel arches that house new alloy wheel designs on SX and TX grade models.

Rounding off the exterior upgrades to the Verso is the inclusion of parking sensors on the TX grade models.

Upgraded interior across Verso range

The first striking new feature available on the entire Verso range is the addition of an audio and auxiliary jack. This system allows the driver and passenger to connect any modern music player to the Verso's in-built audio system, while iPod music players can be controlled through the vehicle's audio controls.

The interior design, which offers ample storage space and the ergonomic placement of all controls within close reach of the driver, will also benefit from the use of silver accents on interior elements such as the door grips, gearshift knob, steering wheel, audio controls and heater controls. The silver detailing will be reflected in the interior upholstery stitching of the SX and TX grades.

Compared to the model it replaced in August 2009, the new Verso is 70 mm longer with an overall length of 4 440 mm, and 20 mm wider with an overall width of 1 790 mm. The added length and intelligent use of interior space has allowed Toyota to introduce its Toyota Easy Flat-7 system, which offers as many as 32 different configurations for the three rows of seats.

Toyota Easy Flat-7 allows for a completely flat load bed when the second and third rows of seats are folded down, while the system was designed to offer easy operation and ease of access for passengers in the third row of seats. Available load space with both the second and third rows of seats in place has been significantly increased from 63 litres in the previous generation model to 180 litres total storage and is now amongst the best in its segment.

Featured beneath the rear load space is the new Trunk Management system that provides an ideal place to store valuable items out of view. This space also provides storage space for the luggage tonneau cover when that is not in use.

In keeping with its MPV designation, the new Verso offers numerous storage compartments inside the vehicle. These include a twin compartment glove box with a cooled upper section large enough to hold a 1.5 litre drink bottle, a spacious centre console box, an overhead console, and generous door pockets. A drawer beneath the front passenger seat offers easily accessed concealed storage. Both driver and front seat passenger benefit from additional storage areas for mobile phones or MP3 devices.

Three engines and two drive train configurations on offer

The new Verso is available with the choice of two petrol and one diesel engine. The new generation 1.6 litre Valvematic engine fitted to the Verso produces 97 kW at 6 400 rpm with maximum torque of 160 Nm at 4 400 rpm. Driving via a lightweight and compact 6-speed manual transmission, the 1.6 litre Verso is capable of achieving a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 6.8 l/100km.

The 1.8 litre Valvematic engine as fitted to the Verso develops 108 kW at 6 400 rpm with maximum torque of 180 Nm at 4 000 rpm. Fuel consumption for the combined cycle can be as low as 7.0 l/100km. This engine is also matched to a latest generation 6-speed manual transmission and will now also be on offer with the new generation CVT transmission, with a marginal fuel increase to 7.1/100km.

Like the two Valvematic petrol engines, the 2.0 litre diesel engine is a latest generation D-4D turbocharged diesel power unit with piezo type fuel injectors. Maximum power delivered by this engine is 93 kW at 3 600 rpm with peak torque of 310 Nm delivered in a wide band between 1 800 – 2 400 rpm. Combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 5.5 l/100 km is possible.

All models, excluding the entry level S model, is fitted with a brake pedal activated Hill Ascent Control (HAC), which prevents the vehicle from rolling back when pulling away on a slope.

All models Optimal Drive certified

All versions of the Verso are certified as Optimal Drive vehicles, which refers to a combined range of technologies that are designed to offer better fuel consumption and higher power.

These diverse core technologies focus on three key aspects of power train development, which are the reduction of power train weight through the use of super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions.

Secondly, Optimal Drive technologies focus on the reduction of mechanical losses to a minimum through the adoption of Valvematic technology, a further development of Toyota's Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) first introduced in 2006. New roller rocker technology, smaller lighter pistons, and the use of low viscosity oil are further features of the Valvematic engines.

The third element of the Optimal Drive strategy is the maximisation of combustion efficiency. This is achieved through the adoption of a high compression ratio, as high as 11.5:1 in some cases, the refinement of intake port and combustion chamber design, and the introduction of piston cooling by oil jet.

Five models available

The newly upgraded Toyota Verso is available immediately from Toyota dealers across the country. All models are sold with a 5 year / 90 000 km ToyotaCare Service Plan and a 3 year / 100 000 km warranty.

Prices for the Verso range are:

Verso 1.6 S R244,400

Verso 1.6 SX R257,500

Verso 1.8 SX CVT R283,500

Verso 1.8 TX R292,700

Verso 2.0D TX R311,700