The Toyota Yaris is a dependable, reliable small car that should cost you buttons to run and offers plenty of space. However, it’s not necessarily all that cheap to buy and, while it is competent in most measurable areas, it doesn’t really excel in anything in particular. A Ford Fiesta is more fun to drive, for instance, a Volkswagen Polo feels like a more classy product and a Honda Jazz offers even more interior space in a more compact car. Even so, the Toyota is still a hugely appealing small car, and one that’s very easy to live with.

Strengths:

Super-low running costs
Tremendous reliability record
Good safety equipment on later examples

Weaknesses:

Poor infotainment systems
Dull in a variety of areas
High prices compared with rivals

Is the 2012 Toyota Yaris better than the 2012 Volkswagen Polo?

While the Toyota Yaris actually is one of the most reliable and dependable runabouts around, it’s the Volkwagen Polo that actually feels the more invincible, with a grown-up feel and a solidity to its build quality that most small cars can only dream of.