Toyota Verso 2.2 D4D SR

Of course, the range's green halo is all gobbled up by the Prius hybrid electropetrol which claims a so-so 65mpg overall, a figure I have struggled to replicate on tarmac. There are two diesel versions of this Verso which, as a seven-seater compact MPV is a more capacious and practical alternative - a 175bhp performance T180 option and, as tested here, the 134bhp SR version. The SR badge is a special offer which packs £950 worth of extras against the price of a mid-range T2-spec model (see spec box above).

The Verso was revised this summer. It got a fresh grille and front bumper to make it look more part of the Auris-Avensis clan and the design of the headlights and rear lamp clusters was also brushed up. On the whole, it's not a bad looker though it's not exactly a day out in Monaco. From behind the wheel, the driving position is confidence inspiring - great visibility, a good range of position adjustments and decent, clear instruments and controls. Hustle the Verso along a tight country lane though and you'll soon be reminded that you're piloting an MPV, despite the wishful hot-hatch styling and brisk engine. Why? It wallows and you need extra dollops of steering to ensure it keeps its feet out of the verge.

None of which is hardly a problem - after all, this is a machine built primarily for long commutes and family holidays. So how does it fare on a 400-mile Ebay mission to Liverpool? A nice, tall and quiet sixth gear ensures nothing competes with the radio and, if it rains, you won't find yourself wrestling with the noise of a thousand fried eggs, thanks to the triple-insulated acoustics of the windscreen (an engineering detail often overlooked on models considerably more pricey than this).

I'd like to report in milepost marker detail the data of this epic Saturday journey, though the truth is I was so comfortable and the Verso ate the miles with such good manners that it all slipped by in a fluffy dream. Even the loading of the rowing machine was a breeze, thanks to the one-touch system for folding each seat down flat.

So nothing really to report, except for one little detail: the fuel readout. Toyota's being telling you lies. In the paperwork for this model, it says 44mpg is achievable at best. Yet after cruising for hours between 60-70mph, this model returned 57.3mpg.

And that's a result, I can assure you, that's infinitely less painful than a stretch on a Concept 2.