If spaciousness were the sole factor by which small hatchbacks were judged, the Yaris would be a serious contender for class leader.
Arguably the biggest change which comes with the facelifted Yaris is inside, updates range far beyond the realm of a usual facelift.
There's a new, cleaner look inside, with much of the fascia given over to Toyota's Touch 2 infotainment system. It's a pleasing design, and worked well on our test route in the German city of Düsseldorf. Maps are displayed clearly and other functions including multimedia are all easily controllable.
Space is ample up front, and although taller passengers should only be confined to the rear bench on short journeys the Yaris' seats are supportive and comfortable.
Toyota insists that it has improved the quality of materials used to dress the new frame, but there’s more economising on display than is apparent in the European or even Korean opposition, and some misjudged experimentation with different grains produces an ugly swathe of eye-catching scratchy plastic.
A new soft-touch strip across the centre of the car is a prime example, because while it does lend a premium air to the Yaris' cabin it also serves to highlight other, cheaper-feeling fixtures and fittings.
