The 1.6 is just about up to the job of hauling Corolla Verso’s large body around. For a bit more urgency, go for the 1.8 VVT-i that’s borrowed from the MR-2 and Celica; the downside is it’s rather thirsty. Diesels are a bit rough, but give useful frugality.

Pretty good considering its size. Steering is quite accurate, gearchange is slick and the suspension copes well with twisty roads while soaking up bumps and potholes on A and B-roads. It cruises happily on the motorway.