Used Toyota Yaris cars available

Why buy a Yaris?Back to top

The Toyota Yaris range is efficient and practical.

Although arguably first released to the full spectrum of drivers, today's Yaris is a car primarily owned by more mature, older motorists. Run costs are low and the ride is still nimble, but its looks and practicality suggest it is growing ever more refined since first being released at the turn of the millennium.

Today the Yaris' strengths lie in its overall practicality - both in the fact that it is economical to run and buy, and that it boasts a decent amount of space considering it is a relatively small car. Run costs are kept low in a small selection of frugal engines - two petrols (1.0 and 1.33), and one diesel (1.4) in the latest generation. There is a hybrid model which offers greater efficiency, but otherwise the diesel serves up the best run costs, and achieves 72.4mph and emits 104g/km. The petrol options are also good for their class, with the 1.33 litre returning 52.3mpg and 123g/km CO2 emissions. Along with a slow depreciation, this stands the Yaris as one of the most frugal cars in its class - although not necessarily the market leader.

Another of the Yaris' strongest assets is its space, which is designed in line with the ethos of "spacious inside, compact out". Few other superminis offer the same passenger space, which provides plenty of room for four adults to travel comfortably. Luggage space at 272 litres in the third generation isn't market leading, but can be extended up to 363 litres when the rear seats are slid into their forward position.

The Yaris was first marketed on the strength of its ride and handling, but the past decade has arguably seen little change, and while it is still nimble and light around town and very easy to control, it offers minimal feedback and has a more indifferent drive than some of its rivals.

With an excellent safety and reliability rating - as is uniform in Toyotas - the Yaris is one of the best superminis in terms of affordability, practicality and reliability. While that might not offer enough excitement for everyone's tastes, there's little to find fault with.