Differences of a pinion

Please would you clarify the gearbox difference (if any) between a Toyota Verso Petrol 1.8 litre (called Multidrive S) and a Toyota Verso 2.2 Diesel Automatic. I have spoken to a Toyota Dealer who assures me that both are fully automatic. I cannot get an answer why the two are given different names.

Asked on 12 December 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

The Multidrive is a CVT and the 1.8 Valvematic petrol engine is very smooth. The 2.2 diesel is coarse in comparison. The autobox of the diesel is a 6-speed torque converter. Video tests of the Verso 1.8 Multidrive and the Avensis 2.2 diesel auto at www.honestjohn.co.uk. I also tried the RAV-4 with 2.0 petrol Multidrive and 2.2 diesel auto and found the petrol Multidrive much sweeter to drive. Interestingly, in the RAV, the petrol Multidrive is more economical and lower CO2 than the diesel auto.

Tags: buying gearboxes new cars

Dear Honest John,

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