(March 1, 2011) Although North America has never been blessed with so many small, fuel efficient vehicles as the present — vehicles that possess quality build and creature comforts — but if gas prices continue their upward trend through $4 and into $5 territory we may see even more choices popping up in auto stores.

What such example is the new Toyota Verso-S, a mini-MPV that majors in delivering exceptional space and great flexibility within compact overall dimensions. In terms of size, it may be the smallest competitor in the mini-MPV segment, but clever Toyota design has produced an interior that verges on compact family hatchback levels of passenger and load space.

The new Verso-S is just reaching dealerships in the UK.

Toyota can be credited with originating the B-MPV concept 10 years ago when it launched Yaris Verso. It re-enters the segment at a time of significant growth: European sales have almost tripled since 2002 as more and more motorists look to downsize and take advantage of the inherent convenience, efficiency and user friendliness of the mini-MPV.

These customers are not only families making a switch from conventional B-segment hatchbacks, they also include empty nesters and older people looking for smaller cars that are easy to drive, with no sacrifice in the levels of space, comfort, equipment and quality they are used to.

On the outside the five-door Verso-S is shorter overall (less than 160 inches long) than any of its market rivals, but within a generous 100-inch wheelbase Toyota has crafted exceptional interior space for both passengers and luggage. Every detail was addressed in the quest for the best possible packaging, including using a slimmer front seat design and tailoring the profile of the rear door trims to add extra “foot space” for easy passenger access.

The 60:40 rear seats can be folded flat in a one-touch action, a job that is made easier thanks to extra control levers being provided in the boot, and a two-position lightweight deckboard allows for loadspace depth to be easily adjusted.

All versions of Verso-S are powered by Toyota’s 98 horsepower 1.33-liter VVT-i gas engine, delivering the lowest CO2 emissions and best fuel economy in the mini-MPV segment

When matched to a six-speed manual transmission, the system delivers fuel economy of 51.4 mpg. Thanks to the higher efficiency of the Multidrive S CVT — the only transmission of its kind in the segment — average fuel consumption falls to 54.3 mpg.

Verso-S introduces Toyota Touch, a new multimedia touchscreen system for controlling audio and communications functions. It is fitted as standard to all versions of the car and comes with Bluetooth for hands-free mobile phone use and audio streaming, plus a USB port for connecting personal music players.

Toyota Touch also features a trip information screen, displaying details of journey time, distance and fuel economy, including journey-by-journey comparison records.

Starting in May, owners will be able to upgrade Toyota Touch with a new Touch and Go navigation package. This provides all key navigation functions, plus the flexibility to add more advanced features and applications, accessed via Google.

Retail sales are expected to account for more than 75 per cent of Verso-S sales, with 70 per cent of these being T Spirit models.

Prices start at £13,995 ($22,392).