Toyota Yaris

The Yaris has grown up. It's bigger, more capable and more practical, but it hasn't lost any of the character that made the original so popular. The looks will probably take a little getting used to, but the important thing is the car has been improved without losing its key appeal - pleasant road manners combined with user-friendly design.

It's hard to believe the Toyota Yaris celebrates its sixth anniversary this year. The supermini remains one of the UK's best loved small cars, thanks to its looks, packaging and handling. So when the firm announced that its replacement was ready to go, Auto Express was first behind the wheel.

Described by Toyota's engineers as being all-new, the Yaris is bigger and sports a completely updated look. Based on a revised platform and powered by uprated versions of the current petrol engine range - the 1.4-litre diesel isn't available until the car's UK launch in September - the newcomer aims to blend style and quality in a way no rival can match. Targeting the Ford Fiesta and Mitsubishi Colt, the Yaris has taken a bold step forward. The new nose is highlighted by two strong lines that begin at the windscreen and drop down the bonnet to create a large, two-piece grille.

Inside, the quality is improved, with supportive seats and new plastics. Fresh door trims create a bold line throughout the cabin that increases the feeling of roominess. But this is not an illusion - the back seat offers space equal to the firm's larger Corolla.

The two-tone trim and centrally mounted speedometer are a colourful combination. Storage capacity is excellent, too, with small compartments located throughout the interior, while boot space has jumped from 205 to 274 litres. A sliding rear bench and fold- flat seats extend the area further. To add a touch of sportiness, Toyota has introduced an engine start-up button. This is connected to a Nissan Micra-style keyless ignition system, which lets drivers unlock the Yaris without pulling out their keys. Less work has been done under the bonnet, though, with the current engine line-up fine-tuned to improve emissions and fuel economy.

With the same power and torque figures as before, the engines include a 71hp 1.0-litre, an 87hp 1.3 and the flagship 110hp 1.5-litre unit sampled here, which produces 141Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. Power is transmitted via a precise, short-throw five-speed gearbox. The manual shifter suits the engine's steep torque curve, but we can't help but think a six-ratio box would help improve low-speed performance. A four-speed automatic is also being developed, which will appear with the 1.4-litre oil-burner later this year.

Yet while the engine range is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, once at the wheel it quickly becomes obvious that the Yaris' driving experience has improved drastically.

The combination of a stiff chassis, revised suspension and more responsive steering means the car turns in sharply and transfers more information to the driver through the well weighted wheel.

Stability has improved too, and the supermini's new torsion beam set-up at the rear keeps the car glued to the road. Larger brakes with EBD and ABS as standard stop the car extremely quickly.

New 15-inch wheels have been fitted, while twin airbags are standard on all models - side and curtain bags will be available as options. It seems the Yaris has once again thrown down the gauntlet to its supermini rivals.