THE Toyota Yaris produced a hatful of bright, modern ideas when it was launched six years ago to create a very distinctive identity.
Now the next generation of the supermini has arrived - it went on sale on January 1 - and Toyota has kept the faith in the original concept.
Of course, there are lots of advances. The car has grown considerably on its new platform and there are telling engineering and design ideas, but the car still presents that clear Yaris image.
Inside or out, there's hardly a straight line to be found; curves rule, even the belt line being bowed.
But it's the underpinnings that make the new Yaris a cheerful little one to drive.
The new platform is 50 per cent stiffer than its predecessor and, with new suspension set-ups front and rear, the car demonstrates admirable balance and sure-footedness. Add in the electric power steering system used in the Avensis and the handling quality is a delight.
The quite sporty settings do, however, produce a firm ride and bumps are readily felt. Get on a good surface though and cruising is smooth.
In fact, the new Yaris is generally kind to its occupants. With an extra 110mm of length and wheels in corners, there's a fair amount of cabin room and six inch sliding seats allow for good legroom for those at the back.
In addition, the exhaust pipe has been rerouted so that the floor is near-flat, thus providing more comfort than usual for the central passenger.
Those rear seats, incidentally, also recline and there's a simple, clever mechnanism for folding them down should you want extra luggage space.
The car is also 30mm taller than the original Yaris, so space is generous in that direction, even with the high-set seats employed to give good visibility.
As for other comforts, Toyota has continued its policy of going up-market, both in terms of finish and gadgets included.
Consequently, the Yaris is not a cheap car among superminis. The entry level 1.0 T2 trim starts at nigh on £9,000, the T3 being a grade up and carrying price tags at £10,000 plus.
But at this level you get front, side, curtain and knee airbags, air conditioning, reach and rake steering column adjustment, driver's seat height adjustment, leather trimmed steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central and double locking and a most impressive six-speaker sound system with a facility to play MP3 and WMA music files on disc, as well as steering wheel remote controls.
Other standard Yaris features include ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, the central digital multi-information display with trip computer and a goodly number of storage points, including a tray under the front passenger seat and an underfloor boot stowage area.
I've talked about the sporty inclinations of the handling and the ride, but don't expect thrills from the three-cylinder 998cc engine in this version of the Yaris.
Acceleration is yawn-inducing and the engine is taxed by long upward hauls. The compensation is a very healthy economy, but if you like some verve in your motoring the 1.3-litre petrol or the 1.4-litre diesel alternatives would be a better bet.
But once it gets up to pace the one-litre unit pushes you along nicely, and the initial three-cylinder burble fades. Indeed, the all-round sound-absorbtion of the new Yaris is pretty good.
That's just one indication of a quality car and after that price-tag jolt the new Yaris is pretty kind to your pocket, with good fuel returns, low emissions rates, some on-the-floor insurance grades and reduced service costs. The warranty includes 12 years anti-rust, as well, and value-retention should be good.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Yaris T3 1.0 3dr
Price: £10,195
Mechanical: 68bhp, 998cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 96mph
0-62mph: 15.7 secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 2
CO2 emissions: 127g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust