AS a former Yaris owner, it was a pleasant experience to slip into reverse and spend a little time in the company of what is still Toyota's best small car to date.
This former European and Japanese Car of the Year made its UK debut in the spring of 1999. It was revised a couple of years back and, while perhaps now showing its age a little against some of the newer, larger supermini rivals, the Yaris still attracted more than 35,000 new UK owners last year.
In three or five-door form, the Yaris has always had much charisma and plenty of the fun-to-drive factor within its DNA and Toyota is currently offering further driver appeal with its Colour Collection models.
Joining the Yaris specification list, which also includes T2, T3, T Spirit and T Sport, Colour Collection cars have been designed to further stand out with a quintet of attractive paint finishes on offer - Twilight Blue, Carlo Blue, Thunder Grey, Eclipse Black and Crystal Silver.
A brace of Euro IV compliant petrol engines are available - one-litre 64bhp and 1.3-litre 83bhp VVTIs - while added eye-catching items include front fogs, chrome exhaust, 14-inch alloys plus body colour matched door mirrors and bumpers.
Inside, the facilities follow the line of the T3 spec Yaris which includes electric front windows with single shot driver's operation, four-speaker sound system with CD, remote central locking with double lock facility, ISO-FIX child seat fixings and child-proof rear door locks.
Occupant safety aspects include four airbags, plus head impact protection structure while driver's aids include ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The five-door Colour Collection test model included some £1,250-worth of extras in the shape of scuff plates, leather trimmed steering wheel, chrome finished gear knob and steering wheel mounted sound system controls.
However, I was a little disappointed to find that the provision of air con would be a £500 cost option, the door mirrors were only manually adjustable and there were wind-up windows in the rear of the cabin to contend with.
While the overall length is relatively short, Yaris designers have made the most of the space available, with upright seating and a rear seat assembly which splits 60:40, slides fore and aft and folds easily forward via leather straps, providing added flexibility.
Although the boot is a little on the small side with all seats taken, its regular shape and easy access will accommodate the results of an average weekly shop or a couple of weekend cases plus two or three anoraks.
In addition, a removeable rear parcels shelf keeps your belongings covered from unwanted attention, there are a surprising number of stowage areas for your bits and bobs, including a dual glovebox, a drawer under the front passenger seat, driver storage tray, shelf above each sun visor, sunglasses holder plus front and rear cupholders.
There is sufficient movement in the height and tilt adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat height adjust to provide an upright driving position to suit most folk and, from this almost mini-MPV-like spot, overall vision is fine.
The test car was powered by the 1.3-litre petrol engine. Paired with a five-speed manual gear change, this 16-valver revs keenly and although quieter than its one-litre stablemate, the engine does add its presence to a little road noise while doing the motorway cruise.
It will do the 0-62mph dash in a family style 12.1 seconds, boasts a top speed of 109mph, where legally allowable, and promises, depending upon individual driving style, around 50mpg over the combined driving cycle.
In tune with its quite funky looks which were considered pretty futuristic six years back, the Yaris can be fun to drive without being truly driver-involving and it does its best work as a superb urban trawler and school run carrier.
Overall, the Yaris has stood the test of time well thanks to distinctive styling, flexible roominess, competitive pricing, good build quality and Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability.
While the time for change is rapidly approaching, the Yaris still has the credentials to grace many more UK driveways yet.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Yaris Colour Collection 1.3 5dr
Price: £9,595
Mechanical: 86bhp, 1,298cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 12.1 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 133g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust