Used Toyota Yaris Hatchback 2006 - 2011 review

The third-generation Yaris might have filled out a little, but it's still cute and perfectly formed. It's easy to drive, cleverly designed and shouldn't offend anyone.

It handles and rides fairly well, but it's not always comfortable, and can feel unsettled on bumpier roads. Also, compared with the best superminis such as the Vauxhall Corsa it's noticeably less refined, with more wind, road and engine noise.

There's a host of safety features as standard, including anti-lock brakes, two front airbags on the base model, and curtain airbags on the next model up. The car also gets a five-star occupant safety rating in Euro NCAP tests, and three stars for pedestrian protection.

The Yaris is one of the shorter cars in its class, but you still get a good amount of space inside considering it's a supermini. Rear passengers shouldn't complain, and those in the front enjoy good forward visibility because of a high seating position.

The car is also surprisingly practical, with the rear seats folding completely flat to enlarge the luggage space.

With insurance starting at group 1 for the 1.0-litre and 3 for the 1.3-litre, your premiums should be low. Fuel economy isn't bad, too, with these engines returning 52mpg and 47mpg respectively.

The smaller petrol Yaris models sit in car tax band C, while the diesel is in band B. The hot 1.8-litre SR lets the range down with an unhealthy group E and insurance at group 7.

The Yaris isn't the most expensive supermini to maintain, compared with some rivals such as the Renault Clio, but it's a little more expensive than the Vauxhall Corsa or Peugeot 207.

Toyota dealers aren't that expensive when it comes to getting your Yaris serviced, but you could save about 40% by switching to an independent garage.

Even the earliest cars are still covered by the three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, so you should be looking at least a year's worry-free motoring.

Of the four engines available, we reckon the 1.3 petrol is best. You get an average of 47mpg, and it's by far the most popular version sold, so you won't have any trouble picking one up.

The 1.0-litre engine is a bit too small for a car this size, while the range-topping 131bhp 1.8 is fast but pricey to run.

The 1.4-litre diesel is the most fugal at 63mpg, but is far rarer and prices are noticeably higher than those of the others.

The five-door version is much more common on the used market, and is also slightly more expensive to buy second-hand. Other than better access to the rear seats, it's no more practical than the three-door.

The Yaris is fairly well equipped, but the lowest T2 trim comes only with a CD player, remote central locking and two airbags.

The better T3 model has air-con curtain airbags and an upgraded stereo, while T-Spirit gets climate control, alloy wheels, and keyless entry and start. The sporty SR has upgraded suspension and seats.

There is an automatic MMT gearbox option, but its jerky nature means it's generally not well liked by owners.