THE Toyota Corolla Verso has been voted best small MPV in the Fleet World Honours prize-giving at the RAC Club in London.

The model impressed the judges - a panel of experts and the readers of Fleet World magazine - with its car-like handling, high level of standard equipment and good value for money.

Bob Oxford, the editor, said: “The Corolla Verso is still a mini MPV that many people have yet to hear of, but its new common rail diesel engine is certainly one of the very best.

“We recently tested the car against more established rivals and it was the car-like ride and handling that tipped the balance in its favour. It has a versatile interior, too.

“Think about mini MPVs and you may not think of Toyota - but from now on, you should.”

George Emmerson, fellow judge and former IBM fleet manager, said: “The Corolla Verso looks set to open new doors for Toyota’s fleet sales team.

“I am well acquainted with the strengths of the Toyota brand and the Corolla Verso is sure to be a sound buy.”

Jon Pollock, general manager for Toyota Fleet, said: “We are delighted to receive this award from Fleet World in recognition of the new Corolla Verso small MPV.

“Toyota is new in this segment and we’re up against some established favourites, but the award shows that Corolla Verso can certainly meet the demand for people carriers from fleet operators and user-choosers alike.”

Since launch in January this year, Toyota Fleet has sold just under 100,000 Corolla Verso MPVs and more than 1,100 Corollas.

Toyota Fleet aims to sell 10,400 Corollas in 2002.