With a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and a long list of safety features, the Yaris leads the pack in the safety stakes. In addition to an impressive crash test score, there’s emergency brake assist, which applies extra braking in severe situations, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution on all cars. Entry level T2 models have dual front airbags, while T3 (later TR) models have front side curtain airbags and – a first for this size of car – a driver’s knee bag.

Security-wise, every car has an engine immobiliser (which is concealed in the engine management system to deter thieves) and remote central locking. ‘Smart Entry’ on T Spirit senses you approach and unlocks the doors so there’s no key to put in the ignition – that’s replaced by a start button on the dash.

The best feature in the Yaris are the rear seats. They split, fold totally flat and slide (see gallery) to give a mix of extra legroom or more load space. They are really easy to operate because the design has been adapted from that used in the much larger seven-seat Corolla Verso people carrier. Simply flick a lever and the seats tumble. With them in place there’s up to 363 litres of room and when folded there’s a useful 737 litres on offer.

The tailgate is wide and there is no boot lip which makes loading easy while up front there’s a large storage compartment above the glovebox and two cupholders that double as drawers for spare change and small items.