Cube, Jazz, Verso S
You can never have too much space in your car. A move here, bulky purchases there or simply a leisure activity for which you need plenty of space, such as a mountain bike or a pack of four-legged friends. Opposite to this are the ‘footprint’ and the financial pressure: not too big and not too expensive, because moving, shopping and hobbies simply cost money.
With 7 grand in hand this time, we will look for three compact space vehicles, each with its own perspective. We portray a compact MPV, a spacious hatchback and an almost square used car. All from the land of the rising sun, Japan.
Toyota Verso-S 1.3 VVT-i Dynamic – 2012 – 129,479 kilometers – €6,950
Less known than its retina-scorching predecessor Yaris Verso is the Verso-S, which was also marketed as Subaru Trezia. To indicate the distinction with the (Corolla) Verso, Toyota added an S to the model name. That could be the S for small, but in the case of this Toyota Verso-S perhaps also the S for ‘sporty’, because just look at the black wheels and dark tinted rear side windows that stand out against the white paint! Moreover, the 61-XXR-8 (two ex-owners drove it less than 130,000 kilometers in twelve years, Bovag warranty at extra cost) is the Dynamic version, so that promises something. Well, partly. Under the hood, a perfectly normal 1.3 purrs, which with its 99 hp really doesn’t pull the bricks out of the street. Yet the accelerator pedal responds so enthusiastically to every movement of the right foot that a slightly nervous driving character is created.
The Cube below is more good-natured and perhaps also more pleasant to deal with. However, the 1300 is economical, perhaps that is why the S is painted green? On board we find a compactly built dashboard, equipped with a six-speed gearbox with a lever placed on a peninsula. It gives this occasion something spacious, but despite the fact that the standard very decent 429 liter luggage space can be increased to 1,388 liters, the variability of the Verso-S is not too bad. Or against. And so do the materials used: some less attractive plastics here and there, but knowing Toyota, it will last a long time. The occupants lack little. Things such as climate control, a navigation system, reversing camera, rain sensor, keyless entry, start/stop system, traction control, alarm and a leather-covered steering wheel are all present on this compact MPV, which, as indicated, makes more of an impression with its an interior space in itself and the possibilities it offers. Conclusion: a car that pretends to be more in terms of name than what it really is, but as a sum of its parts it still has enough to offer.
Toyota Verso S
Signaling
Brand Toyota
Type Verso-S 1.3 VVT-i Dynamic
Year of construction September 2012
Mileage 129,479
Asking price €6,950
Where to buy? Autocrew Christiaans, Almelo
Technical data
Engine 4-cyl. in-line, 1,329 cc
Max. power 73 kW/99 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque 125 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Luggage compartment 429 l/1,388 l
Max. trailer braked 800 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 in 18.5
0-100 km/h 13.3 s
Top speed 170 km/h
Honda Jazz 1.2 Trend – 2009 – 126,382 kilometers – €6,450
Would you rather not have an MPV, but a normal hatchback that does offer a lot of (variable) space? Then you end up with the Honda Jazz, multiple winner of our Satisfaction Trophy. Owners walked (or better: drove) away with it, the vast majority opting for the better-known work (Fiesta, Corsa, Clio, Yaris, Polo, etc.). To find out what you get with such a compact Honda, we portray this Honda Jazz: slightly older than its opponents, but also with the fewest kilometers for the best asking price. Just like the Verso-S, it is not a head turner and inside the rather asymmetrical center console is striking. Ergonomically correct, but aesthetically pleasing is different. Anyway, this week it’s all about space and it is certainly impressive for such a compact – especially in the back. With the magic seats you can go in any direction: think of individually adjustable backrests and height-adjustable seats, so that an extra loading floor is created underneath. And with the rear seat flat – everything disappears into the floor – 1,320 liters are available. From stroller to Billy bookcase and yes, a walker also fits in…
Driving it is more like an MPV than a Honda: you sit a bit on the box, the light steering provides little feedback, while the handling is more good-natured than inspiring. If we have to use one term, it is ‘neutral’. Now the 62-JFT-6 (from the first owner) is a 1.2 of 90 hp. Although there is also a 1.4, it is only 10 hp more powerful. By the way, the 1200 is faster and more economical than the 1300 of the Verso-S and it can accommodate a slightly heavier trailer, but for dynamics you have to go to the larger Hondas.
This Trend version has everything you need, but there are no extras compared to the Verso-S, for which more luxurious versions are available. In line with the Toyota: reliability and quality are of paramount importance.
Signaling
Brand Honda
Type Jazz 1.2 Trend
Year of construction May 2009
Mileage 126,382
Asking price €6,450
Where to buy? Massehuis Auto’s, Varsseveld
Technical data
Engine 4-cyl. in-line, 1,198 cc
Max. power 66 kW/90 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque 114 Nm at 4,900 rpm
Luggage compartment 346 l/1,320 l
Max. trailer braked 1,000 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 to 18.9
0-100 km/h 12.6 s
Top speed 177 km/h
Nissan Cube 1.6 Zen – 2010 – 145,794 kilometers – €7,150
If you find the above used cars too meaningless, there is always the silly Nissan Cube. It takes some searching, because this car was only in the Dutch price lists for two years and was sold less than two hundred times during that period! Those who dared to take the step had the best companion. The 1.6 engine runs smoothly and because the chassis can easily handle the power (110 hp/153 Nm), you are pleasantly relaxed while driving. The only dissonance is the gearbox controls: no lever on an island here, but a long stem from the floor that is not immediately within reach. That, the high entry and the straight seat behind the vertical windscreen gives a real van feeling, something you have to get used to. And this also applies to the attention along the way. Not only is the appearance itself controversial, the large windows (the cause of a fair amount of wind noise at higher speeds) ensure that you are literally in the picture. If that doesn’t matter to you, then such a Cube is a pretty unique and rare vehicle.
We found this Nissan Cube: from the second owner and in neat condition. Luxurious too: from navigation system to cruise control to panoramic roof, it’s all present on this Zen version. And then what matters here: space. The straight surfaces of the body suggest a lot of living space, and that is a fair thought. The luggage compartment is relatively small at 255 liters as standard, but if you use all MPV options, its 1,563 liters of stowage space is impressive. Negative aspects are the high sill and the rear door that opens to the left (= street side), which also causes differences in views on the left and right.
Objectively, there are reasons to choose or not to choose this occasion, but it’s actually all about the appearance, because that is a genuine case of take it or leave it.
Signaling
Brand Nissan
Type Cube 1.6 Zen
Year of construction February 2010
Mileage 145,794
Asking price €7,150
Where to buy? Car company Jan van Houtert, Gemert
Technical data
Engine 4-cyl. in-line, 1,598 cc
Max. power 81 kW/110 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque 153 Nm at 4,400 rpm
Luggage space 255 l/1,563 l
Max. trailer braked 1,000 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 in 15.2
0-100 km/h 11.3 s
Top speed 175 km/h
Which compact Japanese space vehicle would you transport all your stuff in?
Of this trio, the Jazz is the most normal: a regular hatchback that secretly offers a lot of space. The disadvantage is his elderly image. This also applies to the Verso-S, whose MPV genes it does not hide. Both Honda and Toyota have a strong image in terms of quality and reliability. One step lower on that ladder we find Nissan, which has created a special four-wheeler with the Cube. In many cases, form has not come before function (kudos!), but the appearance is of course the deal breaker. Which occasion would you prefer?
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl