As one of the world's leading global vehicle manufacturers Toyota has long recognised its corporate responsibility for the environment and is committed to a comprehensive vision of sustainable mobility. Much progress has already been made in petrol and diesel engines and Toyota continues to research and develop advanced technologies to offer better performance and reduced emissions.
The Corolla Verso range clearly demonstrates how Toyota's advanced technology petrol and diesel engines can offer customers great driving pleasure, good performance and significantly reduced environmental damage through low fuel consumption and effective emission controls.
This position is strengthened by the introduction of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) catalytic converter on the best-selling 2.2 D-4D 135 engine for the Corolla Verso. The new engine will join a line-up which includes the high performance D-4D 180 Clean Power engine with advanced D-CAT technology  already among the cleanest diesel engines in its class.
The DPF catalytic converter not only purifies the exhaust of hydrocarbons (HC) and Carbon monoxide (CO)  as with a conventional oxidation converter  but also significantly reduces particulate matter (PM) as well.
The DPF converter utilises wall-flow construction which forces the exhaust gases through tiny pores in the catalyst substrate walls, trapping the particles.
Unlike many other particulate filters, the Toyota DPF catalytic converter is `self-cleaning', hence is maintenance free throughout the life of the vehicle. An exhaust fuel injection is used to raise the DPF catalyst temperature on a controlled basis and the particles burn off to clear the filter pores. This process requires the addition of a fifth fuel injector which is placed in the exhaust manifold.
Other enhancements to the 2.2 D-4D 135 engine include the fitting of ceramic glow plugs with a higher operating temperature than conventional plugs. These improve low temperature starting and reduce white smoke.
An air-bypass system for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation allows compressed exhaust gas to by-pass the
EGR cooler under light engine loads when cooling is not required. This contributes to high power output and low emissions under these conditions.
The new 2.2 D-4D 135 engine with DPF offers the same performance figures as the conventional catalytic converter equipped engine  100 kW (136 DIN hp) maximum power at 3600 rpm and torque of 310 Nm across the engine range 1800 rpm to 2800 rpm.
The Corolla Verso will continue to be available with a choice of two highly efficient, VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - Intelligent) petrol engines which offer excellent fuel consumption and lively performance. These engines are equipped with advanced `by-wire' throttle control to enhance driving pleasure and optimise fuel consumption. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol develops 129 DIN hp and 170 Nm of torque while the highly-efficient 1.6-litre VVT-i petrol develops 110 DIN hp.
A five-speed Multi-Mode manual transmission is available with the 1.8-litre petrol engine offering the
convenience of `clutchless' automatic gear changes or sequential manual shift. This has now been equipped with a warning lamp which indicates any overheating in the clutch system.
Premium equipment levels
The style, versatility and premium quality of Corolla Verso have brought new customers to the segment and to Toyota. This facelift will add even more premium equipment to Corolla Verso to further enhance value and driving enjoyment. The premium build quality of Corolla Verso is clearly illustrated in the Toyota safety approach which puts Corolla Verso among the class leaders in the segment.
Corolla Verso is one of six Toyota models that has been awarded five stars in Euro NCAP tests for adult occupant safety. Passive safety systems include a highly rigid and strong passenger cabin which is surrounded by an impact-absorbing structure to divert collision energy away from the occupants. Corolla Verso is available with nine SRS airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, a steering column energy absorbing mechanism, an ISOFIX child seat anchorage system and WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept seats, which minimise the whiplash effect caused to a passenger's neck in the event of a rear collision.
Corolla Verso's four-disc braking system and optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) offer maximum performance and control whether one or seven occupants are inside the car. The top braking performance is enhanced by the Brake Control System which can offer Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
For optimum driver and passenger comfort, the Corolla Verso will now be available with dual-zone automatic air conditioning. This allows independent digital setting of the cabin temperature to suit the preferences of each passenger.
The already sophisticated and fully integrated audio and navigation system has been upgraded to maintain its position among the most advanced in the segment. The audio system will now play MP3 and WMA files and offers Bluetooth connectivity.
The navigation system is latest generation with clear mapping displayed in 32k colours and using `Michelin-style' colour coding for roads and features which are instantly familiar to most drivers. The system offers voice guidance in 10 European languages and RDS-TMC traffic information.
Operation of the full map navigation system has been made easier by the integration of telephone and voice switches into the steering wheel along with audio controls. The telephone switch is used to operate Bluetooth compatible cellular phones while the voice switch is used to operate the navigation system voice recognition function.
There have also been significant enhancements to the front Corner Assist Monitor and rear Parking Assist Monitor which are one of Corolla Verso's most innovative features. These enhancements make the Assist Monitors more effective and easier to use. The Corner Assist Monitor allows the driver to see areas in front of the vehicle which could be out of the direct line of sight, such as at blind junctions or when turning in confined spaces. It can help confirm the presence of oncoming vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. The camera for the Corner Assist Monitor has now been changed to one with a three-dimensional view that allows indirect monitoring left, right and in the lower area in front of the vehicle. This enables the driver to see objects that might be in the blind spot immediately in front of the vehicle. Touching a switch on the screen changes the display between two and three-dimensional view. At the same time, the angle of vision from the camera has been increased to give a further extension of the side view.
The rear Parking Assist Monitor which indicates the course of the vehicle to the driver during parking has also been upgraded with a more effective display design and a help function.
The enhanced Corolla Verso, to be revealed at the Barcelona Motor Show, will contribute to make the model a continuous strong competitor in its segment thanks to a more dynamic design and the addition of premium equipments, with the environment friendliness in mind.
The Corolla Verso will be revealed at the Barcelona Motor Show on June 7th 2007.
