2001 Toyota Yaris CDX review from UK and Ireland

Small rattle in the dash board.

This is my first car since passing my test last year and I've used it regularly on the short blast between Warwick University and London on weekends and also for short trips around town during the week.

Generally it has coped well with both; on the motorway it is refined although there is some wind noise around the mirrors. However, with the stereo turned down voices don't have to be strained at all and the quality of the CD sound system is great.

Where it really shines is in town where it's fun to chuck around and the tight turning circle makes it easy to park and make short work of u-turns. However, a serious criticism is the notchiness of the gear box; getting into first can be stiff and it sometimes springs out of reverse. But once things get moving it's generally smooth.

So far, in my experience of its fuel economy, the high 40's and 50's other people have been quoting have eluded me. I get an average that's only in the high 30's; and I don't drive in a particularly heavy footed way either.

Build quality and refinement have been great, except that the paintwork scratches really easily; I specified optional metallic paint and there are scuffs and chips in places, seemingly appearing from nowhere!

All in all I've enjoyed my time with the car, more power would be great getting away from the lights, but the interior space, general refinement, looks and low running costs more than compensate for a great all rounder package. A great first car!