We say Cheap to buy, run and well-equipped, the Yaris is a competent all-round supermini and a reliable alternative to the segment heavyweights.Performance The engine range is something of a letdown with the Yaris and there isn’t much choice available to buyers with just five engines on sale. The best in terms of performance is also the most efficient and comes in the form of the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel. The perky 88bhp diesel unit clears 60mph in 10.4 seconds.Emissions The same 1.4-litre D-4D unit returns 62mpg and emits 119g/km in CO2 emissions. Three years ago that would have put the Yaris at the front of the class in terms of emissions but unfortunately a lot have its rivals have moved past the little Toyota.Driving The Yaris lets itself down in terms of drive and handling and it falls way off the segment leaders. It’s suspension is too soft and prone to wafting around over bumps and around corners and there’s little feel to the steering which is too light.Feel The Yaris feels more suited to motorway cruising because of its ride than urban driving, which is unusual because the engines need to be harassed at motorway speeds where they become noisy.Space The Yaris is wider than its predecessor and that frees up much more shoulder and legroom. Passengers in the rear are helped by a flat floor which frees up a bit more space. At the rear there’s 272-litre boot but the Yaris’s rear seats are incredibly flexible. That means they can slide, fold flat and split, freeing up 737-litres of space.Equipment Remote central locking, electric windows and CD player are standard.Price The Yaris is cheap at the bottom end of the specification range, starting at less than £8,000 but it quickly rises to nearly £16,000, although it will hold on to more of its value than most other superminis. Running costs are ok for the segment, especially the diesel, but nowhere near the front of the group.Quality The interior of the Yaris looks like a toned-down version of the Verso. It has a similarly ugly centre console and is also littered with cheap feeling plastics. Being a Toyota, all fixtures and fittings are solid and reliable and well put together.Safety Loads of airbags, ABS, dual-stage seatbelts and a strong security package. 5 NCAP stars.Pros The Yaris is a solid alternative to some of the more common supeminis on the road in the UK. It’s really practical and comes well equipped if you plump for high-end models.Cons The cabin is ugly and littered with cheap materials which will put some buyers off. The engine range is also weak and emissions and fuel economy figures are poor.Alternatives Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Fiat Punto