A further boost to driver and passenger comfort ??????????????????????????????????????? while saving fuel ??????????????????????????????????????? is the Toyota Corolla Verso??????????????????????????????????????s air-conditioning system, incorporating a variable displacement compressor. This varies the capacity of the compressor according to the cooling load or driving conditions of the vehicle (such as acceleration or deceleration). By taking less power from the engine, it actually improves fuel economy and lessens the impact on performance. On a normal use, the variable displacement compressor can promote a fuel saving of up to 3% when compared to a normal compressor. Making good use of the air conditioner yet further, Toyota engineers have incorporated the Hot Gas Heater into the diesel-powered Toyota Corolla Verso, a first for the segment (available only in some countries).
At lower temperatures, like below -8???????????????????? C, normal air conditioners fail to deliver a satisfying level of heat, especially in diesel vehicles. For this reason, vehicles built for the coldest European countries are usually available with a combustion heater. However, this equipment drastically increases fuel consumption and emissions, and has a low thermal efficiency, which represents an additional burden on the environment.
In order to solve these problems, Toyota developed the Hot Gas Heater. By adding just an electromagnetic valve with an additional orifice and a hot gas tank to the conventional air conditioner, it is possible to have impressive warming power from 8???????????????????? C to -30???????????????????? C. This makes the system much lighter and more compact than a conventional combustion heater. In addition, the Hot Gas Heater thermal efficiency is better, making more efficient use of energy and achieving impressive savings in terms of fuel consumption.
In the new Toyota Corolla Verso, the Hot Gas Heater system received modifications that improved its efficiency for exterior temperatures below -30???????????????????? C. The system will raise the refrigerant??????????????????????????????????????s pressure by heating it in a storage tank.
Adding to the already impressive specification list a host of other clever convenience features have been built into the new Toyota Corolla Verso such as sun visors with new mirror lamps, an electrochromic interior rearview mirror and rain-sensitive windshield wipers.
Another major improvement in this new car over the current Corolla Verso is the introduction of a One-touch Push Button Start System
In the new Corolla Verso all that is required is to insert a new advanced card key into its slot and push the button to start the engine. For safety, the clutch pedal must be depressed in the manual transmission car and the brake pedal must be depressed with neutral selected in the Multi-mode Manual Transmission version.
The new card key features an unlock and lock button for the doors and has a hidden transponder which sends a signal to start the car once it has been inserted into its slot on the dashboard. The key also signals to an immobiliser ECU which authorizes the power to engage only when it recognizes a legitimate transponder identification.
Inserting the wireless key also releases the electric steering lock ??????????????????????????????????????? another example of new technology which is making it harder for car thieves. For added security, the system locks all the doors if none are opened for approximately 30 seconds after the doors are unlocked and the ignition key is not inserted in the ignition switch.
Driving dynamics and safety
In its 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol engines, Toyota already had winning power units, which have achieved the level of EURO IV emission standards (STEP 4 and cold emission regulations) without sacrificing fuel consumption or torque performance at low speeds. The operation of these engines has been enhanced with the adoption of an electronically controlled throttle in place of the mechanically controlled throttle.
The diesel option added in the Corolla Verso has been significantly improved over the current car. For a start, the new engine is 26 DIN hp more powerful and maximum torque climbs from 215 Nm to 280 Nm, now achieved at a lower speed (2000 rpm and up to 2200 rpm). This engine also equips the new Toyota Avensis and the Corolla Hatchback.
The 5-speed Multi-mode Manual Transmission (M-MT) offering automatic gearing with quick-style sequential is available on the 1.8 VVT-i engine. In terms of concept, this is an evolution of the manual transmission, giving drivers the choice between sequential (M mode) or automatic (E mode) gearchange. Using the same mechanical construction of a manual transmission, this gearbox uses two electric motors that work in combination with an electronic clutch to perform quick and seamless gearchanges. This makes the new Corolla Verso one of the few in the segment to have a 5-speed transmission with automatic operation. This transmission also offers the quickest gearchange among others of the same kind.
The system has a smooth take off ?????????????????????????????????creep?????????????????????????????????????? function like an automatic transmission and when the driver releases the brake pedal the car starts to generate a small drive line torque. Additionally, if the driver releases the accelerator pedal rapidly the system will keep a current gear position and if the accelerator pedal is pushed down too quickly it will select the appropriate gear. An innovation over previous M-MT transmissions is the Es mode (s stands for sport). When selected it allows quicker automatic gearchange for sportier drive.
Toyota wants the Corolla Verso to be recognised as one of the safest in the compact MPV class, not just in passive safety, but also in the even more important active safety. Toyota is targeting a five-star rating in the tough Euro NCAP tests for the new Corolla Verso and internal tests suggest the car has the potential to achieve this goal.
As a first line of defence, the Toyota Corolla Verso has the Minimal Intrusion Cabin System (MICS), a sturdy safety structure derived from the Toyota Avensis. This innovative protection cage evenly distributes force from collisions and minimises cabin deformation in the event of an accident. In this car, the front pillar flange has been extended and the section connected to the floor reinforced to reduce the possibility of injury caused by car body deformation at time of impact.
Further passive safety comes in the form of two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger (with a standard passenger airbag cut-off), side and curtain-shield airbags as standard. As a first for a C-segment car, the new Toyota Corolla Verso is also equipped with a knee airbag for the driver. This feature not only protects the lower legs, but stops the driver from moving forward and ???????????????????????????????????submarining???????????????????????????????? in an accident. The vehicle is equipped with a dual-stage seatbelt warning system (buzzer+light), also derived from the Toyota Avensis. There is also anti-intrusion brake and clutch pedals and replaceable front and rear end parts in the crush zone that effectively absorb impact force.
The same attention is given to active safety. The Corolla Verso features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA), to ensure the brake pedal is depressed sufficiently at the time of emergency braking. These features are available in every grade.
An exciting development in active safety is, for the first time in Europe, the introduction of the Cornering Assist Monitor, which comprises a camera and a colour display screen. A camera with a built-in prism is installed in the middle of the front grille and sends a picture to the display screen positioned inside the car. When the car approaches a crossing or ???????????????????????????????????T???????????????????????????????? in the road where it is difficult to see traffic left and right, the image on the display shows a view of approximately 20 metres in both directions on an angle of 25????????????????????. This is a support system to help see vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, thus minimizing danger.
The Toyota Corolla Verso also incorporates the practical Park Assist system. Through the use of a compact rear camera, the driver can view colour images of the back, which are complemented by helpful guiding lines. These lines auxiliate the driver in parking manoeuvres, both for serial and parallel parking. This system incorporates also a special mode for tight parking places.
As an alternative to the Park Assist system, parking sensors are also available. 6 sensors installed in the front and rear bumpers warn the driver of possible objects in the proximity of the car through visual and sound warnings. Both the Park Assist system and the Cornering Assist Monitor are available as optional equipment together with the navigation system.
Source: Text & photos courtesy Toyota Motor Europe
