Toyota Develops World's First Rear-Seat Centre Airbag

In their ongoing quest to make our cars look like the Michelin Man better our chances of survival during a car crash, automakers are constantly adding new types of airbags in their vehicles. The latest development comes from Toyota that introduced the world's first rear-seat centre airbag that promises to help reduce the severity of passenger injuries in side-on collisions. The new Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag is fitted in a large, fixed, rear-seat centre console and will make its debut in a version of a Toyota model to be launched in Japan later this year.

New Toyota Verso Seven-Seater MPV

It may take you a minute or two to notice it, but what you are looking at is the new generation Toyota Verso minivan that will make its world debut in Geneva next week. With the exception of the Avensis-inspired front-end, the Verso MPV's styling is extremely evolutionary, to the point that we had to cross check the photo with the current model. Underneath the skin, Toyota's compact-sized minivan that will take on the likes of the VW Touran and Renault Scenic, continues to offer seating for seven arranged in three rows of seats.

Despite the styling similarities, the new Verso has actually grown in dimensions being 70mm longer and 20mm wider than the outgoing model. The engine range will include Toyota's latest 1.6- and 1.8-liter Valvematic petrol units with outputs of 132HP and 145HP respectively as well as two diesel options, the 126-horsepower 2.0-liter D-4D and the 177HP 2.2-liter D-CAT 180. Sales are expected to start in Europe this spring.