The Yaris boasts a distinctive interior and all the instruments are located in the centre of the dashboard, which might seem odd, but they are clear and easy to read. Green LED readouts replace the traditional dials – anyone with a 1990s stereo system will be familiar with the look. That’s not to say that the stereo system in the Yaris is old fashioned – the new built-in system includes the facility to play MP3s CDs and newer models come with an auxiliary input for iPods and the like.

The driving position should suit most drivers as the steering wheel adjusts for height (and reach from mid-spec models upwards). The 1.8 SR does away with the unconventional LED instruments on the rest of the Yaris range in favour of analogue dials mounted at the base of the windscreen in the centre of the dashboard.

The extra length and a wider stance of the second-generation model means there’s better head, shoulder and legroom and as a result it’s a bright, attractive and comfortable car to be in. There’s no central transmission tunnel so the floor is totally flat, meaning that passengers in the back have plenty of foot room. Unfortunately the rough ride compromises comfort.