Used Daihatsu YRV 2001 - 2005 review

The Daihatsu YRV is one of those cars that many people turn their noses up at. An obscure little supermini from a small far-eastern manufacturer doesn't seem to be many people's idea of a good time.

However, while the YRV certainly has its limitations, it's better than people give it credit for. It borrows a very good engine from Toyota, making it punchy and frugal. The car's tall body also provides excellent head- and legroom in any of the four seats, and provides it in a car no longer than the average supermini.

Granted, the boot is small, but a sliding rear seat means that it's easily extendable. The extra space comes at the cost of rear legroom.

Despite keen performance, the YRV isn't a great drive. The ride is lumpy, the car loses grip easily in corners and sloppy steering calls for too much arm twirling. There's a lot of noise on the motorway, too.