Toyota Yaris

By Sam Hardy

May 2006

• Rating:

As with Porsche's latest supercar, the new Toyota Yaris D-4D uses a turbo to boost performance - but it won't be giving buyers much of an adrenaline rush. Equipped with the firm's all-aluminium diesel engine, the supermini has its sights set on economy rather than pace, and now it's joined the UK line-up.

Returning 62.8mpg combined, the 89bhp 1.4-litre unit is one of the most frugal in its class. And, as it emits only 119g/km of CO2, a year's road tax should be just £50. However, the D-4D is not the best Yaris in the line-up.

The 1.3-litre VVT-i petrol version offers a livelier yet quieter drive, and while it returns 47.1mpg combined, it makes more financial sense. Buy one in T3 trim and you will save £2,000 on the range-topping diesel T Spirit; the flagship petrol car is £1,000 less than the highest-spec oil-burner.

The new diesel model has all the attributes of the latest Yaris, including a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin with a sliding rear bench and excellent build quality. But there's no doubt the petrol model remains the best choice.

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