Toyota's first Yaris quickly established itself as the class leading model, yet just as quickly, the competition caught up and soon overtook the supermini champion. The current Yaris has, therefore, got to 'up its game' just in order to compete. The model most likely to be in the vanguard of this quest is the 1.3-litre petrol car we look at here.

This Yaris has joined the trend for superminis to be larger than their predecessors and the first impressions are that it has been plugged into a garage forecourt airline and inflated somewhat. It's certainly bigger in every dimension and markedly more bulbous. More importantly though, it's also way better in terms of perceived quality. The double-sealed doors feel thicker and weightier and shut like a Mercedes or BMW. The rather unconventional fascia looks removed from the supermini norm, with a 3D effect on the main display. More conservative buyers may find this a little difficult to accept.

Safety has become a lead requirement in this sector of the market which may explain why the cars are gradually getting bigger. In a crash, size really matters so it is not surprising that there is some move towards larger vehicles. But not everyone wants or needs a large car so manufacturers like Toyota have used their technical skills and engineering excellence to create smaller vehicles that measure up to the strictest safety standards. This Yaris obtained the Five-Star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection and offers a variety of safety features as standard such as multiple airbags, Brake Assist, a collapsible steering column and retractable brake pedal.

"The double-sealed doors feel thicker and weightier and shut like a Mercedes or BMW."

The 1.3-litre three-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine was carried across from the previous model with modifications to improve its performance and emissions. The 0-62mph sprint is achieved in a sprightly 11.5 seconds. A top speed of 106mph is accompanied with a CO2 emissions level of only 141g/km. Where the Yaris 1.3-litre really scores however, is with its miserly fuel consumption, returning 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. These figures tick all the boxes for the economy-conscious buyers who also expect a reasonable level of performance from their purchase. It is not surprising, therefore, that the 1.3-litre is the most popular Yaris on the market.

Despite its 11cm growth in overall length, the Yaris is still shorter than the latest generation of larger superminis such as the Fiat Grande Punto and the Renault Clio. Part of the reason why these cars are so large is compliance with pedestrian impact legislation which is adding a few centimetres to the nose of many cars. The Yaris gets round this one by arcing the bonnet high over the unyielding mechanicals to provide a deformable surface.

This means that, despite being shorter on the outside, the Yaris is competitive in terms of interior space and easy to park at the same time. Fold the EasyFlat rear seats down and you're treated to the largest stowage area of any supermini. This system allows the rear bench to be split 60:40 and both sections to slide independently. As a result, it's possible to transport long, bulky items without impinging on a rear passenger's legroom allowance.

Prices start at £10,045 and four trim levels are available with this model - TR, T3, SR and T Spirit - all in 3-door and 5-door guises. The T3 model that many choose comes with driver's and passenger's airbags, front side, curtain shield airbags as well as a driver's knee airbag. You'll also receive a leather trimmed steering wheel with auxiliary controls, air conditioning, an upgraded sound system that can play MP3 stored files, electronically adjustable door mirrors, electric power steering, electric front windows, an RDS radio CD player and remote central double locking. In addition, all cars get ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce distribution as well as brake assist. The T Spirit trim level adds the keyless smart entry and starting system, climate control air-conditioning, front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels. The SR offers a sportier look and feel by including sports suspension, quicker steering, 17" alloy wheels and a body styling kit.

If you buy a car on styling, however, the Yaris may struggle to initially grab your attention. Cars like Fiat's Grande Punto have upped the design ante quite significantly and just as the original Yaris entered the market as customer demand swung towards serious size, there may now be a danger that the current model answers that question just as sassy styling becomes a key buyer criterion. Having said that, although there will inevitably be a backlash against big boxes, it's not coming right now. Space and safety remain the top two buyer wants and the Yaris answers both very comprehensively. Plus, as we've suggested, equipment levels are beyond the ability of most major rivals to match.

The second generation Yaris 1.3-litre has a lot to offer yet Toyota need to clearly communicate that this car has been redesigned from the ground up in order for it to succeed. Failing that, many potential buyers may pass it off as a facelift of the existing car and bypass their Toyota dealer on the way to a competitor. The1.3-litre petrol model, however, is well equipped to take the fight to the competition and re-establish the Yaris as the supermini of choice.

TOP 5 YARIS DEALS

The results below show the top YARIS deals on buyacar

	Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i TR 5dr Spec edn Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £174	Saving £854	Price £9,686
	Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i TR 3dr Spec edn Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £165	Saving £799	Price £9,241
	Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i T3 5dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £191	Saving £926	Price £10,274
	Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i TR 5dr MMT Spec edn Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £184	Saving £909	Price £10,131
	Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i T Spirit 5dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £205	Saving £1,020	Price £11,030

typical 12.96% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000