Toyota Corolla Spacio

[Toyota Corolla Spacio]

Finally got our own car yesterday. Though it’s a used car, it smells and drives like new. Direct import from Japan, this 2002 Toyota Spacio (sold as Verso in Europe) has an economical and zippy 1500cc VVTi engine. As a compact MPV, it can also be easily converted into 7-seat people mover.

[Also known as Toyota Verso in Europe]

[The front]

[The rear]

[14" tyres]

[The all too familiar Toyota steering wheel]

[Pretty standard meters]

[The dashboard]

[Original CD, Tape, TV and GPS]

I’m getting audio when I switch to TV but very blurry or no image. I wonder if the antenna is busted. If only I can get it to work.

[Sound quality is pretty good]

[Err... wakarimasen desu!!?!]

Menus are all in Japanese.

[Ooo... PSP]

[Sunglass compartment]

[Armrest is a nice touch for the driver]

[Cup holders]

I counted at least 8 cup holders inside the car. That’s more than half a dozen can of beers. Japanese must really like to drink and drive.

[Second row is occupied by the kids]

[Very roomy back compartment]

[Pull out the 3rd row seat and you have an instant 7-seater]

[Warrant of Fitness, valid for another 6 months]

[The VVTi engine]

[Even the Japanese car manual looks new... if only I can understand anything in it]

[I think it means seat belts are bad for kids...]

• Natalie Portman