Europe's Toyota Verso

The 2009 Toyota Verso has seating for seven passengers in three rows, with some Toyota iQ inspired engineering and style touches. The Verso will be on sale this April with a choice of two gasoline and two diesel engines. They love that diesel overseas. Gasoline engine choices will include a new 1.6 and 1.8 Valvematic mated to a 6-speed manual or Toyota’s Multidrive S CVT. You can also choose the 2.0 or 2.2 D-4D engines.

North America's Toyota Venza

2009’s US Based Toyota Venza is a late entry for the Japanese auto maker in the crossover segment. The Corolla sedan influenced front end and vehicle silhouette is pretty sporty for a Toyota. The rear end reminds us more of a Volvo S series wagon, which wrap around the rear pillars.

North American engine choices are a 2.7 liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5 liter V6 engine. Production model Venza can hit up past 20-inches on the alloy wheel size, and will be offered to buyers in either front or four-wheel drive.

So it seems only size matters when it comes down to which new Toyota wagon is for you – well that and your geographical location. We’ll be anxious to see if the a rebranded Verso will come to the US of A to compete with Nissan’s Versa…so many 5-lettered V-word cars!