Iain Dooley checks out a small but perfectly formed MPV.

The Yaris Verso mini-MPV was launched by Toyota in 2003 as a more practical version of its popular supermini.

It boasted a high roofline and flexible cabin and offered greater practicality without the extra bulk of an MPV.

The Yaris Verso was well equipped and came with either a 1.3 petrol or 1.4 diesel engine.

Numbers are somewhat limited because the model was phased out, along with the old generation Yaris in 2005.

Engines

This little MPV is not going to set the world alight with its performance, but what Toyota’s Yaris Verso does offer is a pair of small capacity, refined and frugal engines.

Realistically the 1.3 petrol motor is all you’ll every need. Unless you’ll be pounding the motorway on a daily basis and need a diesel, it’ll deliver excellent fuel economy and barely make a sound when driven around town.

Exterior

While the Verso’s appearance from the front might look familiar to fans of the Yaris, its tall stance tells you that it’s been designed with more practical duties in mind.

A mini MPV in all but name, the car’s high roofline and fuss-free tailgate ensure access and egress for occupants is straightforward, while at the back loading large items is unlikely to pose any problems.

Interior

In typical Toyota fashion the Yaris Verso is well built and offers a durable yet high-class interior.

This isn’t a compact MPV in the style of Citroen’s budget Berlingo, so what you see is comparable to Toyota’s regular Yaris.

The Verso’s cabin is also spacious and practical, putting it head and shoulders above cars of a similar size.

Driving

It’s clear from the off that the Verso is just like any other small Toyota: smooth, refined, easy to drive and very good at keeping unwanted noise out of the cabin.

The modest engines punch well above their weight, and prove surprisingly frugal in the real world. The Verso’s lofty driving position is also a welcome benefit of the car’s MPV status.

Ownership

There’s nothing out of the ordinary to report here. Toyota ownership is not one that throws up surprises, so you can look forward to a reliable and low cost ownership experience.

Customer satisfaction surveys routinely place Toyota, its cars and dealerships at the top of any ranking scale, making a purchase one of the most sensible things you could do.

What To Look For

It’s unlikely that any Yaris Verso leads a hard life in the way a conventional MPV will.

Often bought by mature drivers seeking that bit more space along with Toyota’s legendary reliability, cared for examples are the norm.

That said, always take a test drive, look out for minor damage – parking dents, kerbed wheels – and make sure service records are up to date.

SECOND GLANCE:

Reasons to buy:

Toyota reliability and durability, refined ride, spacious cabin, modest footprint.

Reasons to beware:

Not the prettiest car on the road, short production life, popular and hence rarely a bargain.

Pick of the range:

Yaris Verso 1.3 VVTi T3

What to pay:

2003 03 – £3,755

2003 53 – £3,900

2004 04 – £4,285

2005 05 – £4,890

2005 55 – £5,090