Car Statistics: Toyota - Yaris Series 06 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

The cute-but-purposeful shape will please young drivers and more mature motorists alike. The SR version has bigger alloys and different bumpers for a more dynamic look.

Handling (3 stars)

Agile and responsive around town, and the suspension is taut enough to make cross country trips a pleasure, too.

Comfort (4 stars)

It might be small but the baby Toyota somehow manages to fit a full complement of five passengers in comfort. The back row of seats will roll aft when less bootspace is required.

Quality (4 stars)

As superminis go, the Yaris is up there with the best. The dashboard looks smart and every button and dial feels made to last. It's no lightweight either - the doors even shut with a reassuring 'clunk'.

Performance (3 stars)

Both the 1.4 litre diesel and the 1.3 litre petrol are great to drive, leaving the 1.0 litre feeling underpowered, especially out of town. The diesel is the quickest and has the best mid-range acceleration.

Roominess (4 stars)

The Yaris has a clever boot which conceals a false floor. It means you can hide valuable items out of harms way. The rear seats also roll fore and aft ten centimetres for more flexibility.

Costs (5 stars)

Frugal engines and low insurance costs mean the Yaris should cost peanuts to run. Depreciation should be very competitive, too.

Value (4 stars)

Good standard equipment means the best value models are the lower trim levels - although we reckon it will be worth paying extra for the 1.3 litre petrol or 1.4 litre diesel over the 1.0 litre petrol base.

Stereo (3 stars)

There's nothing flash about the CD-radio player but you won't need to reach for the instruction manual either.