Toyota's all-new people carrier, the Avensis Verso, makes its world debut this weekat the Geneva International Motor Show.

Based on an all-new platform, the Avensis Verso combines the interior space and luggage capacity of a mid-size multi-purpose vehicle, but with the driving, handling and dynamics of a family saloon. The car was designed at Toyota's European centre in Nice.

The Avensis Verso offers versatile seating and ample storage options and can be specified with five or seven separate seats in up to three rows. The second row of seats can slide, fold, tumble or be removed completely and on the seven-seat model the third row of seats can fold, tumble or be removed. All seats have headrests and three-point seatbelts as standard.

The car will have a choice of a 2.0-litre petrol engine, or the latest 2.0-litre turbo diesel. Driver and passenger airbags are standard equipment, as well as remote-control central locking with double locking, alarm system and engine immobiliser.

The Avensis Verso will be on sale in the summer of 2001. More precise specifications, prices and exact on-sale date will be available soon.