Toyota Yaris review

With an ever increasing number of small cars turning to electricity to reduce or even eradicate tailpipe emissions, a certain Japanese car maker must be feeling pretty smug with itself for getting in on the trend early. Yes, for the best part of a decade you’ve been able to buy a hybrid version of the Toyota Yaris that emits less than 100g/km of CO2.

And this fourth-generation model well and truly grasps the prevailing small car zeitgeist. Built on Toyota’s latest small car underpinnings, it was designed from the outset to be electrified, and the hybrid 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine under its bonnet is boosted by a battery that’s smaller, lighter and yet more powerful than those in earlier generations of the Yaris Hybrid. If that seems a little meek and mild for you, there’s always the turbocharged four-wheel drive Toyota GR Yaris – the finest hot hatch currently on sale.

But here's the thing: the Toyota Yaris has long been a frugal choice, yet it's struggled to push to the front of the small car pack, with the Ford Fiesta beating it for driver appeal and the Volkswagen Polo having a distinct advantage when it comes to comfort and quality. So, has the latest Yaris successfully narrowed the gap or even closed it completely? And how does it compared to other hybrid rivals, including the Honda Jazz?

You’ll find out if you click through to the next page and begin reading our 16-point review. We’ll tell you what the Yaris is like to drive, how it treats passengers and how much it costs to run. And if you like what you see, don't forget to check out our New Car Buying service; you could find a tasty discount on the Toyota Yaris or any of its rivals, without having to haggle.