Toyota Yaris Icon+

Think Toyota and you might - like me- think of cars that can be built to a high standard and relied opon to get you from A to B with minimal fuss.

After two successful generations, Toyota overhaul its Yaris hatchback yo provide a remium cabin ambience, some new technology and a new family face.

But it still maintains those values that appeal across a wide spectrum of buyers.

A little bigger than before, Toyota has set this Yaris the task of attracting existing supermini buyers plus those seeking to downsize from larger cars but keen to maintain a certain level of convenience and luxury.

As such, this third-generation car has been designed with dark cabin plastics and plush seats. It can also be had with a small satellite-navigation unit which boasts the added feature of Internet connectivity.

With Google searches and the ability to download navigation destination information, local weather, car park, petrol station and other such useful data, Toyota is hoping such features will attract younger buyers alongside its traditional mature demographic.

At first glance it’s easy to see where Toyota is going with the new Yaris. Its exterior styling is more dramatic and sporty than before and when I parked up next to a first-generation model it made the previous version look like a Plain Jane.

The expanded dimensions have been cleverly disguised, but it feels like a bigger car and has bags more character now.

Inside, there are darker plastics, an increased use of chrome trim and plush seats, while the instruments have been shifted from the central position to behind the steering wheel. The sweeping fascia design also incorporates a new touchscreen audio interface. A cost upgrade to a sat-nav feature is available, while the usual MP3 and Bluetooth interfaces are also present.

And it’s these convenience features that Toyota hopes will help tempt buyers, as they often remain the preserve of more expensive models. Along with young buyers, downsizers already familiar with such ‘toys’ will no doubt expect the same of their new car regardless of its dimensions.

The 1.33-litre model, with more power on tap than smaller units available, will still achieve an average of more than 50mpg and provides the flexibilty of being a good ride whether in town or on the motorway.

There are 17 models to choose from, and engines ranging from a frugal 1.0-litre petrol to a 1.4 diesel and a 1.5 hybrid. But it is the 1.33 that will find most homes. The hybrid might well be the pick of the bunch, but there’s a price to pay and in this sector value means an awful lot.

Road manners and refinement are important issues for Toyota buyers and this latest Yaris isn’t short of either. The company’s desire to attract downsizers used to more luxurious cars is one reason, but the motivation also stems from the need to increase the car’s ‘value proposition’ as the executives put it.

As such, there are also seven airbags plus comprehensive electronic stability controls, spacious cabin, generous levels of standard kit across four trim levels, the choice of three or five doors and modest running costs all contribute towards the car’s appeal. Factor in a five-year warranty and it’s easy to see why buyers using their own money would feel confident spending it in a Toyota dealership.

Recent years have seen the supermini sector become a hotbed of competition. While some rival cars will better entertain keen drivers, Toyota has chosen to focus on the tangible benefits of ownership with its latest Yaris. If you value solid construction, generous equipment levels, low running costs, cabin space and the reassurance of a long warranty, the Yaris could be for you.

And with Toyota’s name for reliability you can guarantee it won’t let you down.

At a glance

Toyota Yaris Icon +

Price: £14,170 (Yaris range from £10,895)

Engine: 1.33-litre four-cylinder petrol developing 98bhp

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 11.7 seconds; top speed 109mph

Economy: 52.3mpg combined

CO2 emissions:123 g/km