Toyota Yaris

The most obvious styling change is that the headlights now have a more distinctive teardrop shape. While the front and rear bumpers are new, with mesh trim to add a sporty edge, the overall look is largely unchanged. Even the wheels - usually the first victims of a facelift - are identical to those of the launch cars back in 1999.

It's the engineers who have been really busy, though, with all models benefiting from suspension updates resulting in better ride quality without compromising the car's nimble handling. Buyers who want more space should go for the larger Verso MPV version, which has undergone similar changes to the hatchback.

Power still comes from a choice of 1.0, 1.3 and 1.5-litre engines, as well as the 1.4 D-4D, but the mid-range petrol unit is all-new, giving torquier performance and better economy. The 1.0-litre car we drove is fitted with the new Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT), which is available as an option.

Unlike the outgoing clutchless manual, the new gearbox has a sequential shift lever instead of a conventional H-gate selector. There's a full automatic mode if you can't be bothered to tip the lever back and forth, but it hunts for the correct ratio and can be jerky in traffic. Take manual control and things improve, although the sluggish changes are disappointing. At ΂£400, the MMT is well priced, but we would stick with the standard gearbox.

Likewise, the 1.0-litre engine has never been the unit we would choose. The 64bhp motor propels the three-door MMT model from 0-60mph in 13.6 seconds in manual mode - the same as the conventional gearbox - but leave it in automatic and the time rises to 15.8 seconds, while the car's top speed remains at 96mph.

Economy is much more impressive. With the standard manual, you can expect 50.4mpg, but with the MMT changing ratios at the optimum point in the rev range, that rises to 52.3mpg. Company car drivers will also benefit from a cut in CO2 emissions from 134g/km to 129g/km, which puts the 1.0-litre Yaris in the lowest tax bracket. In an effort to simplify model specifications, Toyota has reduced the number of trim levels from six to four. Entry- level models are tagged T2, followed by the mid-range T3 and plusher T Spirit. The T Sport lives on as the high-performance Yaris range-topper.

Thankfully, buyers won't lose out, though, as more equipment will be fitted, some interior materials have been updated and there's also a redesigned facia. The model pictured here is in a European spec similar to that of the UK T Spirit's. That means alloys, electric windows and door mirrors, plus air-conditioning, as standard.

Is it enough to satisfy would-be buyers? Although the MMT is not the most impressive gearbox on the market, the ride quality is improved and the simplified line-up makes the purchasing decision far easier. We might have hoped for more, but the Yaris is still a well packaged, economical and reliable choice for supermini buyers.