Toyota Verso (facelift ) 1.6 Valvematic (132 Hp)

The Toyota Verso, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2013, represents Toyota’s offering in the compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Verso was a popular choice in Europe and other markets where smaller, versatile family vehicles are in high demand. Positioned as a practical and efficient people-carrier, the Verso aimed to provide a comfortable and adaptable interior within a relatively compact footprint. The 2013 facelift brought styling updates and refinements to the engine lineup, including the 1.6 Valvematic engine detailed here, enhancing its appeal to families seeking a functional and economical vehicle.

Toyota Verso (Facelift 2013) 1.6 Valvematic: An Overview

The Verso (facelift 2013) 1.6 Valvematic is a five-seater MPV powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine. Produced from January 2013 to June 2018, this iteration of the Verso focused on improving fuel efficiency and refining the driving experience. The Valvematic technology, a variable valve lift system, played a key role in achieving these goals. The vehicle’s design prioritized interior space and flexibility, making it suitable for families and those requiring a versatile vehicle for both passenger and cargo transport. It competed with other European MPVs like the Citroën C4 Picasso and Renault Scenic.

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Toyota Verso 1.6 Valvematic lies the 1ZR-FAE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces 132 horsepower (Hp) and utilizes Toyota’s Valvematic system, a continuously variable valve lift mechanism. This technology optimizes engine performance by adjusting the intake valve lift and timing based on driving conditions, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and a broader torque curve. The engine is naturally aspirated, meaning it doesn’t rely on turbocharging or supercharging for power. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.7 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 11.1 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined fuel consumption rated at 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (35.6 US mpg or 42.8 UK mpg). Urban fuel consumption is 8.3 l/100km (28.3 US mpg), while extra-urban consumption is a more economical 5.6 l/100km (42 US mpg). The engine meets Euro 5 emission standards.

Design & Features

The Toyota Verso (facelift 2013) features a practical and functional design typical of MPVs. Its five-door body style provides easy access to the spacious interior. The interior is designed with versatility in mind, offering flexible seating arrangements and ample cargo space. With the rear seats in place, the trunk offers 484 liters (17.09 cu. ft.) of space. Folding the rear seats expands the cargo capacity to a substantial 1740 liters (61.45 cu. ft.).

The 2013 facelift brought cosmetic updates to the exterior, including a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper. Inside, the cabin received minor trim and equipment upgrades. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Verso’s steering utilizes a rack and pinion system for responsive handling. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4460 mm (175.59 in.) in length, 1790 mm (70.47 in.) in width, and 1620 mm (63.78 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2780 mm (109.45 in.). The minimum turning circle is 11.6 meters (38.06 ft).

Technical Specifications

The Toyota Verso (facelift 2013) 1.6 Valvematic, while not available in the US market, offered a compelling package for European families seeking a practical, efficient, and versatile MPV. Its focus on fuel economy, combined with a spacious and adaptable interior, made it a popular choice in its segment.