Toyota Yaris YRX 2013 review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

This is Toyota's new generation range-topping YRX five-door, auto-only hatch.

How much?

Goes for $21,390 plus on roads.

What are competitors?

Too many to list but competition in this neighbourhood is stove hot - hotter than that even. Suzuki Swift, Fiesta, Barina, Mazda2, Polo, etc.

What's under the bonnet?

There's a 1.5-litre, twin cam, four cylinder, petrol donk under the bonnet - no direct injection though but variable valve timing for efficiency gains.
It's good for 80kW/141Nm output.

How does it go?

Surprisingly well with plenty of punch across the entire rev range, smooth, quiet(ish), willing little unit.

The four-speed auto teams nicely with the engine - doesn't really need more cogs apart from potential fuel economy gains with a five or six speeder.

Is it economical?

Good for 6.3-litres/100km but using 91 RON - a big plus especially given what many of the competitors use.

Is it green?

OK, only gets a Euro 4 pass - bit old school now, time for a new engine really - based only on emissions.

Is it safe?

Five stars with all that entails - seven air bags, stability control and so on.

Is it comfortable?

Again, surprisingly so, roomy, plenty of kit in the package, excellent SUNA satnav that even warns of school zones, red light and fixed cameras, level crossings and more. Every car should have it. Hard dash.

What's it like to drive?

Nippy, comfortable, plenty of pick-up as needed, easy to park, comfy, sporty(ish) ride. Quick steering but the drum rear brakes look like they came out of the ark, the torsion beam suspension works well but is old, old tech, space saver spare a disappointment. Good for city and country driving.

Is it value for money?

More than $2400 extra value included compared with previous equivalent model. Gets climate control, decent audio, auto headlights, multiple wheel controls, trip computer, large touch screen controller, cruise fog lights.

Would we buy one?

Yes, would be an ideal second car - cheap to buy and run, low fixed price service costs, reliable, plenty of zip, five doors decent load space, four adults can fit, undoubtedly reliable, resale. Like the style too - cheeky and fun. Crash repair costs a real worry though.