Should you buy one?

The Toyota Yaris Cross is good to drive, practical, roomy for passengers and luggage and in our extensive road tests, very economical on petrol. It falls short of the character and charm offered by the class-leading Ford Puma, and is somewhat more expensive than the thoroughly sensible Skoda Kamiq, but it’s enjoyable to drive and uses the hybrid technology to great effect, delivering economy and refinement beyond expectations.

Against the popular Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur, the Yaris Cross is well made and generously equipped although that’s reflected in the fact there are no low-priced entry-level models to tempt you into the showroom. But it’s a Toyota, so the reliability is a given, the dealer support is excellent, and the warranty cover is now an unprecedented 10 years if you keep it in the dealer network.

If you’re after a small SUV to buy and keep for a long time, you should opt for a Yaris Cross. If you only want one for three-or-so years, there are better options out there.

What we like

Diverging from the Yaris style quite significantly up front, it’s a good-looking thing, perhaps more so than the hatchback it’s based on. We like the fuel consumption and low emissions, and the fact it’s available as a four-wheel drive in the top-of-the-range version.

Handling and ride are definite plus points, as its refinement and smoothness in town. The driving position is good, the controls and features are all easily managed, and there isn’t an over-reliance on the touchscreen for basic functions that you’ll find in certain rivals.

What we don’t like

It’s a shame that in offering an all-hybrid line-up in the UK (a plus), as it comes at a cost (a minus). With a starting price well above £20,000, there will be buyers who will be put off going for a Yaris Cross, despite it offering good value for money at a higher price point.

The interior, while well made and comfortable, lacks the sort of adventurous materials and colour schemes seen in rivals. This is a class of car that sells on fashion, and it could do with an interior to match the well-detailed and trendy exterior image.