• Yaris running costs are low across the board
• Hybrid is the hero though with up to 58.8mpg
• Diesel engines dropped from 2017

Toyota claims that the Yaris with the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol engine an average of 44.8-48.7mpg is possible under the latest, more rigourous WLTP fuel efficiency tests, but this assumes you’re going to drive it with a feather-light touch on the accelerator. Even so, a real-world figure around the 45mpg mark should be possible. Emissions are quoted at 131-142g/km of CO2.

If you spend most of your time dealing with the stop-start trudge of urban driving then the 1.5-litre petrol-electric Hybrid may suit your needs even better, especially if you specify the smaller 15-inch alloy wheel option.

Do so and officially the Yaris will return 56.4-58.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 108-114g/km. Drive more aggressively out of town and that fuel economy will suffer, though.

The 1.5-litre petrol – the most powerful Yaris – still offers reasonably low fuel economy of 43.4-47.0mpg when specified with the six-speed manual gearbox. Choose the CVT and it improves slightly to 44.8-47.0mpg.

In reality, you do need to work the Yaris’s engines quite hard, meaning you’re unlikely to get near to the claimed figures. Still, at least 40mpg should be easily achievable for most.

Further reinforcing the Yaris’s inexpensive running costs are cheap servicing and the lengthy five-year warranty, protecting against any unexpected bills.

Yaris GRMN running costs

Small hot hatchbacks particularly appeal because they’re able to combine strong performance with reasonable running costs On the face of it, the Yaris GRMN fits this bill with an official economy rating of 37mpg, but note that this is on the more generous NEDC method that’s been replaced by WLTP. It won’t be reassessed under the newer system having already gone off sale.

Still, it features a powerful engine in a lightweight body, so reasonable fuel economy should be achievable, so long as you resist the urge to pin the throttle constantly. Note that CO2 emissions are rated at 170g/km.

How reliable is the Yaris?

• Toyota has a positive reputation for reliability…
• But the Yaris has had 12 recalls since 2011
• Build quality at least feels like a strong point

Considering that Toyota has a reputation for bulletproof reliability, it’s quite an eye-opener to discover that that this generation of Yaris has been the subject of 12 recalls by the vehicle inspectorate, the DVSA. Curiously, only one of those relates to hybrid-powered Yarises, and that was for a seatbelt malfunction. Check with a Toyota dealer, but all outstanding work on used models should have been undertaken by now.

It’s surprising given how well-made the Yaris appears to be, and that many of the mechanical and electronic components are shared with other Toyotas and, in a handful of examples, Lexus models too.

Of the recalls, there have been issues with bodywork, wheel hubs and overall vehicle stability with multiple problems related to potential fire risks, airbag deployment and rupturing, brakes, steering and seats.

Conversely, Yaris drivers who have submitted an owner’s review are broadly very complimentary about their small Toyotas.