Toyota's Verso is ruthlessly effective in fulfilling the compact-MPV role but it isn't the most flamboyant of vehicles and in no way would you credit it with any degree of sportiness. There was certainly room for a headline grabbing derivative to enliven the Corolla-based Verso's public image but in typical Toyota style, rather than introduce a blistering performance version with big wheels, body kit and tooth chattering suspension, they dropped in a pair of powerful but practical 2.2-litre D4-D diesel engines. In the interests of keeping the Verso's wining formula intact, it might have been just as well.

It was Vauxhall who pioneered the idea of performance derivatives of compact MPV products with their Zafira GSi and, subsequently, VXR models but similar bespoilered shenanigans may have appeared a little brash if applied to the staunchly sensible Verso. The diesel direction that Toyota took is far subtler but that's not to say that it didn't inject a useful touch of pizzazz into the line-up.

The engine is available in two forms. We have the 136bhp 2.2-litre D-4D 135 and the 177bhp 2.2-litre D-4D 180 D-CAT. That 'D-CAT' tag attached to the range-topping unit stands for 'Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology' and Toyota are keen to trumpet the fact that this is the most powerful as well as the cleanest diesel engine in the Verso's class. The D-4D 135 version is reassuringly hi-tec too. It features an all aluminium cylinder block that cuts back on weight and, along with the offset piston design, helps to reduce noise. There's a large intercooler as well, for improved heat exchange and greater efficiency. The engine is a real all-rounder, producing a hefty 310Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and capable of averaging nearly 45mpg while emitting 167g/km of C02 and a lower level of Nitrogen oxides than the 114bhp 2.0-litre engine it replaced.

The range-topping D-4D 180 D-CAT powerplant takes things further. There's the obvious power increase over the D-4D 135 model but with this car, average fuel economy of 41.5mpg and C02 emissions of 178g/km are achieved through some groundbreaking technological wizardry. The D-4D 180 utilises the piezoelectric common-rail injection system for extremely fast, high pressure fuel injections and, therefore, extremely efficient combustion. The system can actually make up to five fuel injections per cycle, rendering it highly responsive to demands being placed on the engine by the driver. The D-4D 180 also employs ceramic glow plugs which are highly durable and reach their ideal operating temperature quicker for rapid cold starts in low temperatures.

"The T 180 is a sporty as the Corolla Verso should be allowed to get..."

The D-CAT technology is all about cutting emissions but it's not just the output of C02 that's reduced. The D-CAT system also dramatically diminishes levels of particulates in the exhaust gasses. A gas recirculation system and Toyota's Diesel Particulate Reduction System in the four-way catalyst help to filter and burn off higher levels of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide than in more conventional engines.

There's a big sense of satisfaction that Verso D-4D drivers will be able to glean from the knowledge that their vehicle is pumping significantly less nastiness out into the atmosphere than other diesels of similar size but the real appeal with the 2.2 D-4D engines is a rather more selfish one. The performance on the road of both powerplants is very good for a number of reasons but anyone purchasing a Verso D-4D with visions of tyre shredding acceleration and scalpel-sharp handing is going to be disappointed.

The real strength of both engines is refinement. It's testament to just how quiet the D-4D technology is that wind noise around the A-pillars becomes a little intrusive in the Verso at motorway speeds. Drivers of less advanced oil-burning cars would give their eye teeth to hear the wind buffeting their bodywork as it's invariably drowned out by the droning rumble of their engine. You genuinely could mistake these diesels for petrol-powered cars were it not for the huge swell of torque that dominates the mid-range.

Toyota have made the D-4D 135 available right across the Verso range, so buyers can specify it in T2, T3, and SR trim with prices starting at £16,930, but the D-4D 180's arrival prompted the inauguration of a special T 180 trim level which is exclusively offered with that engine priced at £21,905. The intention is for the T 180 to act as a halo performance model over the rest of the Verso line-up and why not? 177bhp is a sizable amount for a compact MPV to be packing. The problem is that there's no initial urgency to the D-4D 180's performance: 0-62mph takes a modest 8.8s and there's a reasonable 128mph top speed but it's nothing too dramatic. The engine's trump card lies in its huge 400Nm torque output between 2,000 and 2,600rpm, this gives exceptional pulling power in the mid-range that makes mincemeat of overtaking manoeuvres and steep inclines. The driving experience is languid and muscular but doesn't deliver the feistiness and thrills you'd expect from a truly 'hot' compact MPV. The handling is assured enough but never excites and you don't really feel inclined to press on.

All the latest Verso models have taken on a revised grille and bumper to mirror that of the Auris and Yaris hatchbacks while the T180 and T-Spirit models now have satellite navigation as standard. The T 180 gets a sensible range of styling extras, enough to differentiate it without going too far. 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, a perforated leather steering wheel cover and various interior trim detail features are included, so it's hardly a Max Power wannabe. Toyota have sensibly kept things subtle in a way that doesn't tarnish the Verso's general sheen of competence by forcing it into pretending to be something it's not.

Both of the 2.2-litre D-4D engines are a good match for the Verso. The car is thoroughly user-friendly, from the easy-to-operate seating system to that trademark Toyota reliability and the marked absence of the kind of niggling annoyances that drive you up the wall during day to day use. It's well built, neatly designed and just a little bit dull - which is exactly how an MPV should be. If you want a compact MPV to fulfil the compact MPV role, Toyota's Verso D-4D models are a great choice. Their blend of refinement, economy, cleanliness and torquey performance is ideal for this kind of vehicle. If you want a hot hatchback, do yourself a favour and buy one. The T 180 is as sporty as the Verso should be allowed to get.

TOP 4 VERSO DEALS

The results below show the top VERSO deals on buyacar

	Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D SR 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £277	Saving £3,106	Price £15,314
	Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D T Spirit 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £345	Saving £2,465	Price £18,350
	Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D T2 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £271	Saving £1,924	Price £14,841
	Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D T180 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £358	Saving £2,572	Price £19,063

typical 11.99% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000