Compact, tall, with an abrupt rear end — at first glance, Toyota’s Verso-S looks an unremarkable car.

Combine that initial impression with the knowledge that prices start at about £14,000 and you feel Toyota might have an uphill task selling this concept.

But dig a little deeper and the hidden appeal of this little charmer quickly becomes apparent.

The Japanese carmaker’s return to the mini multi-purpose vehicle market successfully delivers exceptional space and flexibility in the most compact of bodies.

It might be the smallest competitor in the segment, but smart design has produced a cleverly laid out interior that verges on compact family hatchback levels of passenger and load space.

That alone might be enough to tempt buyers looking to downsize; families making a switch from conventional hatchbacks; empty nesters and older people looking for smaller cars that are easier to get into and easy to drive.

But Toyota has an ace up its sleeve. Never mind the space and comfort which come as standard, the level of equipment built into the car is extremely impressive.

All models come with a reversing camera, front fog lamps, air conditioning, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, and easy-to-operate, one-touch, flat-folding rear seats. Operating the seats is made easier thanks to extra levers provided in the boot, and a two-position lightweight deckboard that allows for the adjustment of loadspace depth.

They also come with Toyota Touch, a touchscreen system for controlling audio and communications functions, with Bluetooth for hands-free mobile phone use and audio streaming, and a USB port for connecting personal music players. The system also displays a trip information screen, giving details of journey time, distance and fuel economy, including journey-by-journey comparison records.

The test model came in top-level T Spirit trim, with extra features that include a massive panoramic glass roof with an electrically-operated full-length sunblind, 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows and dark-tinted rear privacy glass.

Power comes from a peppy 98-horsepower 1.3-litre petrol engine, and the test model also came with a slick, seven-speed automatic transmission, which not only makes life at the wheel even easier, but delivers additional benefits of improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

Buyers can now upgrade to a ‘Touch and Go’ navigation package with all key navigation functions and the flexibility to add more advanced applications.

Peace of mind also comes as standard with Toyota’s warranty standing at five years and up to 100,000 miles.

Auto facts Toyota Verso-S T-Spirit 1.33 Multidrive S

  • Price:£16,895
  • Insurance group: 8E
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 54.3mpg
  • Top speed: 103mph
  • Length: 399cm/157in
  • Width: 169.5cm/66.7in
  • Luggage capacity: 15.1 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 9.2 gallons/42 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 120g/km
  • Warranty: five years/100,000 miles