YOU'VE got to hand it to Toyota. If it doesn't get things right the first time it doesn't hang about.

This Corolla Verso replaced the previous model that was on sale in this country for just two years.

One of the chief reasons for its predecessor's blink-and-you'll-miss-it lifespan was the general move away from five-seater, medium-sized MPVs to seven-seaters. The first Verso only had room for five and that wasn't what buyers wanted. So it had to go.

The old Verso committed the cardinal sin among MPVs of not being very practical. The latest model is a radical rethink, but can it do any better?

The current class champion is the excellent Vauxhall Zafira but Ford is making big waves with its forthcoming S-Max MPV. Up against these formidable enemies the Verso has it all to do.

At least it now has the seven-seater layout, in three rows, that buyers want these days.

In a bid to differentiate the Verso from a normal Corolla Toyota, engineers created a bespoke floorpan for the newest model. There's more space everywhere as the bigger, more imposing bodyshell is 120mm longer and 65mm wider.

The styling, too, is more modern than the bland model it replaced.

The slight curvature of the window/roof line gives the Verso an almost rakish appearance from the side-on viewpoint.

Passengers in the third row of seats don't get much of a look outside. If you have kids who don't travel well make sure they sit in the second row, where they get a better view.

The low-set front fog lamps look vulnerable to stones and the silvered light clusters reminded me of something off a space-ship from an old 1930s Flash Gordon serial.

Eight-spoke alloys are shod with Bridgestone Pilot 205/55 tyres. Wet or dry the Verso is confidence-inspiring.

Although you can buy a couple of petrol-engined Versos - a 109bhp 1.6 and a 127bhp 1.8 - why bother when the brace of 2.2-litre turbodiesels are so good. The standard choice offers 134bhp and the high-power version has an impressive 175bhp on tap.

Diesel performance is excellent.

Deep reserves of torque make changing gear almost unnecessary once you are under way. Cruising refinement is also very good.

The Verso is a comfortable car to drive long distances. It offers a quiet and smooth ride.

The Verso contains all the toys you would want (electric windows, trip computer, power steering etc) but, incredibly, an alarm isn't standard fit.

If you want one (and who doesn't? ) you'll need to have a system fitted by your Toyota dealer.

Quality in the cabin is excellent; the Verso really does feel as though it could stand up to the abuse meted out by a couple of kids.

Toyota's use of material, rather than plastic, on the doors could be a mistake, though. Sticky little fingers will ensure they get grubby very quickly.

The plastics are tough and pleasant to the touch.

The dash looks and feels very modern, with alloy-effect trim and trendy translucent instrumentation.

To maximize interior room the gearstick has been moved closer to the dashboard. It's easier to reach because the stick is higher too. The sixspeed change is typically Toyota smooth.

All the seats can slide and fold independently. This makes the interior a very versatile area.