Toyota Yaris Hybrid 2011-2020 verdict

Toyota’s real achievement here is in having made a petrol-electric supermini that doesn’t look particularly expensive.

Our fully loaded test car disguised this somewhat, but you can buy an entry-level Yaris Hybrid for less than a mid-spec 1.4-litre Vauxhall Corsa. We doff our cap to that – just as we do to the excellent packaging, practicality and good driving manners.

The practical small hybrid is well priced but has its limitations

Matt Saunders

Road test editor

However, the Yaris is a one-dimensional machine slow enough to make a diesel Chevrolet Aveo seem thrilling. More to the point, it’s only particularly economical in low-speed urban traffic.

For urban motorists who feel that that’s exactly where a supermini should be economical, and who are less interested in how they get around than how much it costs and how much they can carry, then this could be a perfect second car.

But those of us who regularly venture out of town – and who enjoy the trip when we do – would find better economy and a lot more fun elsewhere.