Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris

Average. Superbly efficient engines and improved looks don't quite make up for a lack of urgency in the Toyota supermini

Toyota's Yaris has never enjoyed the most flattering of images, with the second generation's plump looks not helping attract particularly young owners.

But this third generation of the Japanese supermini is looking to address this, with its sharper exterior looks and generously equipped cabin looking to appeal to a slightly younger buyer.

The looks have been refreshed all around, with the front end heralding an all-new look for the company's range, while the rear is recognisably Toyota with hints of the Auris evident. With a more angular front grille, and more poised front lights, the look is a distinct improvement.

But the real triumph of the new Yaris is in the cabin, and particularly on the standard equipment list. The new car sees the debut of an entertainment system called Toyota Touch that comes with a Bluetooth connection for phone and music, a 6.1-inch screen, a reversing camera, and a USB connection. With the upgrade to Touch and Go sat nav, Google local search facilities and speed camera warnings costing only around £500 it is simple to use, and fantastic value.

The rest of the interior feels as though it is constructed from decent quality plastics, but some of the fitting leaves a little to be desired, with the trim around the hand brake and on the centre of the dash flexing noticeably to the touch.

With the new car 100mm longer than the old one, it is perhaps no surprise that there is plenty of room inside, for front and rear passengers. There is plenty of headroom, and the full length panoramic glass roof of the top-level T-Spirit floods the cabin with light and is a nice addition.

The boot also comes with a generous amount of space, but it is a shame that the multi-level floor system that allows you to have a totally flat loading space when the rear seats are dropped does not come as standard. Instead it will be an option, set to cost around £35.

The Yaris engine range is small in both number and engine sizes, with the 1.4-litre diesel the most efficient with claimed combined fuel economy of 72.4mpg average. However, the petrols are expected to account for the majority of sales, with a 1.0-litre and a 1.33-litre on offer.

Even the larger of the two is rather slow, with 62mph coming in a ponderous 11.7 seconds when paired to the manual 6 speed gearbox. The dual clutch automatic option feels a little more rapid at low speeds, but takes longer to continue to 62mph. It is a smooth and fluid setup, and given it also offers a better fuel economy and CO2 rating than the manual, is the more sensible option of the two.