2014 Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i Icon first drive review

The facelifted version of Toyota's Yaris hatchback, and a car which must match up to the likes of the Honda Jazz, new Nissan Note and Volkswagen Polo if it's to survive in Europe's supermini battleground. Being able to square up to the class-leading Ford Fiesta would be a bonus, too.

This new model gets a mild styling refresh, adopting themes from the new Aygo including the new X-faced front-end design. The Japanese manufacturer is also promising improved driving dynamics thanks to a revised suspension setup underneath.

Engines are carried over from the current Yaris, meaning the line-up includes a 1.0-litre petrol, a 1.4-litre diesel and a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid, as well as the 1.33-litre petrol tested here.

Our test car came in middle-market Icon trim, which is strongly tipped to be the biggest seller in the range. For £14,095 customers get 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, air conditioning, and Toyota's Touch 2 infotainment system with Bluetooth.

A definite improvement, for sure. The Yaris' updated looks add to its appeal, and from most angles it looks like a smart, modern supermini. The X-face front-end design has carried across well from the Aygo, and the addition of optional LED DRLs give it additional presence on the road.

The same can be said of the interior, the changes to which have gone well beyond the realms of a usual facelift. Almost the entire dashboard has been overhauled, and it now looks more premium than before. Upping the fit and finish has worked wonders, too, especially with a soft-touch strip running the length of the fascia.

There are still some rough edges and hard plastics elsewhere - and, if anything, they're highlighted in contrast to the new furnishings. For the most part, though, the Yaris' cabin remains one of its strongest selling points.

It's relatively spacious up front, too, and adults will be comfortable on the back bench for short journeys. Boot space is unchanged over the outgoing model, meaning there's 286 litres of space available with the rear seats in place. They do also fold forwards - but not flat - to create a decent 768-litre loading bay.