All New 2009 Toyota Verso First Photos

Toyota has released an image of the new Toyota Verso compact MPV. It will replace the Corolla Verso later this year, following an introduction at an event one day before the Geneva Motor Show.

Could this be the mystery unveiling that Toyota was teasing us with earlier? The mystery vehicle was to be a "European-built model," and is drawn with a sweeping line that curves upward towards the rear. And the very identifiable wheels in the picture are exactly the same as those in the teaser image. Sounds like a match to us.

We know the new Verso is 70 mm longer than the previous generation, with a 20 to 30 mm longer wheelbase. It will be made in Europe, and get a rebuilt chassis. It is expected to get five different engines choices, including a 132 hp 1.6-liter and 1.8 liter 147 hp petrol models. There will also be three different turbodiesels on this MPV, including a 126 hp 2.0-liter unit, a 150 hp 2.2 liter unit, and a 2.2-liter model that produces 177hp and a robust 400 Nm of torque. Despite the power increases, a 12% increase in fuel economy is expected.

It will have three rows of seats, able to carry seven people. Don't want to give a ride to six others? Then you can fold down the rear seats individually to increase cargo space. Or you can just lie to people and tell them you don't have room to take them somewhere.

Look for the new Toyota Verso at the Geneva Motor Show, where Toyota will claim it is the major competitor to the Citroen C4 Picasso, Renault Scenic, and the VW Tiguan.