Toyota Corolla Verso

There are more mid-size people carriers to choose from than ever before. But the models that buyers want to buy look good, are family-friendly and don't feel like a van to drive. That's why Toyota had a serious re-think about its Corolla Verso, which was launched in 2002, and decided it needed to be replaced: it looked bulky, didn't drive well and, crucially, wasn't as practical as its rivals. It's a different story with this latest model. It looks good, has clever seven-seat practicality and is much easier to live with.

WT-I, D-4D

Entry-level T2 has fold-flat seats, colour keyed front and rear bumpers and door handles, electric front windows, push button start system, leather trimmed gearknob, driver and passenger front, side and curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central double locking and air conditioning. T3 adds five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, heated door mirrors, front and rear electric windows, cruise control, automatic air conditioning and rain-sensing wipers. T-Spirit is the top spec for petrol models and adds eight-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, DVD player and roof bars. The T180 is diesel only and has privacy glass and larger alloys.

2.2