Facing an increasing demand for small yet spacious vehicles, Toyota decided to build a minivan based on its well-known Yaris.
In 1997, Toyota showcased the Reference concept-car at the Tokyo Motor Show, and there were just a few who trusted the carmaker to launch it as a serial model. But the concept became a reality two years later when the carmaker introduced the Fun Cargo on the Japanese market. Soon after, Toyota exported the car to other markets under the Yaris Verso name. In 2003, Toyota improved the vehicle and made it safer and with great fuel-efficiency.

For the facelifted version, Toyota improved the Verso’s front fascia and installed clear-lenses headlights. The bumper went through a mild update and included side scoops faking air-intakes to cool the brakes and a broad grille in the lower bumper. From its sides, the designers couldn’t do anything else to improve the tall, boxy look of the bodywork, and despite some rumors, they didn’t put sliding doors either, and they kept the tailgate with a side-opening system.

Inside, there were some minor overall changes, but the car finally received a CD-player instead of the older cassette-player. Depending on the trim level, the Yaris Verso featured buttons on the steering wheel, which was basically the biggest improvement.

Under the hood, Toyota installed new Euro 4 engines to comply with the European regulations. Its engines ranged between a 75 hp turbodiesel and a lively 1.5-liter VVTi unit that provided 106 hp.

Toyota tried to build an entire MPV lineup, starting with a small-segment vehicle based on the Yaris platform and offered in specific countries.
Judging by the way it looked, the Yaris Verso was just a small MPV that tried to find understanding customers who wished nothing more than a reliable, roomy, small vehicle that could be fuel-efficient and easy to park. At a glance, it was a successful recipe.

While the Japanese carmaker managed to tick all the boxes and provided a roomy, fuel-efficient, easy-to-park vehicle, the designers didn’t seem to tick any box apart from the “to have headlight” line. The car’s nose was very short, and the windshield steep enough to not need a wiper under pouring rain. Its tall greenhouse featured more window area than a compact-sized hatchback, while the side-opening tailgate made the loading and unloading difficult, especially in tight parking spaces.

Inside, the carmaker used the center-mounted instrument cluster on the dashboard that secretly showed the speed only to the driver. Toyota insisted on safety features, and, in that department, it offered more than anyone else on the market. Also, the interior was roomier than on the regular Yaris since it sported a longer wheelbase. That left more room even for the trunk, which was large enough for a family of four that needed to carry a bicycle and a baby stroller.

Under the hood, Toyota offered a choice of three engines, including a highly fuel-efficient turbo-diesel.