The Yaris is largely renowned as the sensible and reserved option in the supermini market.

Favouring older drivers, it claims to offer affordable and reliable motoring for those that simply want something to do the job. When compared to the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, such a proposition may seem a bit mundane.

But wait. Some of us just want a car that gets us from A to B with no fuss and doesn’t break the bank. That’s the Yaris’ USP.

And for a car that is supposed to be targeted at the older generations, it still looks pretty dashing, with two-tone paint jobs and a large, imposing X design on its nose.

Performance

The 98bhp 1.3-litre petrol on offer in the Yaris does its job of getting you around with smooth acceleration, but it’s not particularly exciting or refined to drive.

Feather the accelerator and pull out of a junction and you will be met with a loud grumble. The 1.3-litre petrol may not be the quickest, taking 11.7 seconds to reach 62mph, but the six-speed manual gearbox it comes mated to makes navigating the rev range easy work.

In fact, once you get used to using the six-speed manual, the slightly lacklustre 1.3-litre becomes much more enjoyable as you learn to play to its strengths.

Ride and Handling

It could be argued that unadventurous driving dynamics are a little bland, but for those who want a run-around for nipping to the shops, comfort and ease of use is paramount.

The Yaris is considered a rather sensible supermini – and it is easy to see why when you get behind the wheel. Unlike some other superminis that offer sporty character on the road, the Yaris is clearly angled more towards comfort, with a soft suspension set-up that easily irons out bumps and light, no non-sense steering that is incredibly easy to use. It could be argued that unadventurous driving dynamics are a little bland, but for those who want a run-around for nipping to the shops, comfort and ease of use is paramount. Wind and road noise can be an issue in the Yaris though and something like the Volkswagen Polo is much better in this department.

Interior and Equipment

The name Yaris comes from the word Charis, which is the singular form of Charites – the Greek goddesses of beauty and charm.

The interior of the Yaris is quite plastic-heavy, but for a supermini, this makes for a hard-wearing, versatile environment – ideal for anyone with mess-making kids. The Yaris does however have a large soft panel stretched across the dashboard, which adds a bit of plushness. The layout is logical though, with a simple layout of buttons that is centred around the Toyota Touch 2 media system. Available from the mid-range model upwards, the Toyota Touch 2 media system is intuitive and features Bluetooth, DAB radio and a collection of funky animations. Those who want sat-nav can upgrade the system for £500. Other useful features of our Design model included a rear-view camera, USB connectivity and air-con. The cabin is roomy in the Yaris as well with plenty of head room, making it feel like a vehicle from the class above. The rear is spacious too, with enough head and leg room to keep most happy. It is better sticking to small adults or children in the middle seat however, otherwise elbow room is going to be limited. Boot space is satisfactory in the Yaris, with 286 litres on offer, which is on par with the Ford Fiesta but not as big as the Skoda Fabia.

Cost

Fuel economy wise, the Yaris claims an average of 55mpg, although we got between 40mpg and 45mpg.

Go for a mid-range Design model with a 1.3-litre petrol and you are looking at upwards of £15,650. With a price like that it sits somewhere in between the Skoda Fabia and Ford Fiesta. The efficiency figures do let the 1.3-litre down a bit however, standing at 119g/km – many superminis aim for the sub 100g/km mark. Fuel economy wise, the Yaris claims an average of 55mpg, although we got between 40mpg and 45mpg. Where the Yaris has a leg-up on the competition however is its five-year 100,000-mile warranty. This is supported by a three-year paintwork warranty and a years’ worth of AA roadside assistance.

Our Verdict

It can be incredibly difficult to carve your own unique identity in the supermini segment. With so many vying for the top spot when it comes to driving dynamics and luxury, some forget that a good, solid, comfortable and affordable supermini is just as important – and that’s where the Yaris stands out. The Yaris may not be the most exciting supermini, but it’s sensibly priced, offers an impressive warranty and is a breeze to drive.