Review Toyota Yaris hatchback

"Toyota's supermini newcomer is 100mm larger than the previous Yaris resulting in a bigger boot and more interior space" The all-new Toyota Yaris is the Japanese maker's entrant into the highly-contested supermini segment. Aimed directly at the Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz, the new Yaris represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering an impressive range of innovative equipment and more interior space. The striking exterior features angular headlights and a double grille, complemented by subtle chrome trim and a neatly sculpted bonnet. The new Yaris is also 100mm longer than the old model with a longer wheelbase and deeper boot. There are two petrol engines to choose from including a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit and a 98bhp 1.33-litre four cylinder. One diesel engine is offered - a 89bhp 1.4-litre. This is the most efficient model available until the hybrid version is launched in the summer of 2012. Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard buyers can also opt for the Multidrive S automatic transmission complete with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Not as comfortable as the Volkswagen Polo and less fun to drive than Ford's Fiesta, the reliable Yaris boasts few strengths over its rivals and as a result is a hard car to recommend. Drive3.2 /5 Disappointing compared to main rivals Although larger than before, the new Yaris is 20kg lighter which should result in improved driving dynamics. The end result is quite disappointing however, as driving the Yaris is much less involving than when behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta, struggling with sudden direction changes and even small bumps in the road. Quiet at city speeds but becoming noisy at higher revs and on motorways, the larger capacity engines do operate smoothly with the optional automatic gearbox however. Comfort3.6 /5 The interior plastics have an agricultural feel Falling behind the Volkswagen Polo in terms of interior quality the Yaris' interior feels built to a price. Textured plastics feel tough, but look cheap and the thinly padded seats effect long distance comfort levels. Whilst overall interior space has been increased it seems quality has suffered as a result. Reliability4.8 /5 As reliable as superminis get Toyota are famous for making some of the world's most reliable cars and we expect the new Yaris to continue that trend. The range of engines are carried over from previous models, where they proved to be highly reliable with no widely-know problems. The new Yaris also comes with seven airbags as standard and achieved a five-star safety rating in 2011 Euro NCAP crash tests. Practicality4.3 /5 The interior is very easy to use and features more space than ever The dashboard in the new Yaris is very well thought-out with plenty of clever design features. We especially like the touchscreen control system which is easy to use and doubles-up as the reversing camera screen and sat-nav. There is more space in the new model too, rear passengers are well catered for and the front seats, although thinner to save weight, are comfortable and cleverly designed to maximise cabin space. Thanks to a longer wheelbase the boot has also grown by 25 per cent to 286 litres- just nine litres less than the Fiesta. Useful split-folding rear seats are also standard on all models. Value for money4.0 /5 Base models are poorly equipped The Yaris is priced similarly to the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo and most models are well equipped as standard. Rivals from Hyundai and Kia however, provide much better value. All models except the T2 base model feature air conditioning, Bluetooth, reversing camera and picture viewer. Toyota also offer a useful sat-nav system for a £500 premium. Well equipped models should also hold their value better than the equivalent Vauxhall Corsa. Running costs4.0 /5 The diesel offers by far the lowest running costs The Toyota engines are not as efficient as many of it's competitors and as a result are not as cheap to run. The entry level 1.0-litre engine returns 58.9mpg whilst the 1.33-litre Multidrive S automatic version can manage 55.4mpg. The most frugal engine however is the 1.4-litre diesel. Capable of 72.4mpg and with emissions of 104g/km, it'll cost owners just £20 a year in Road Tax.