SAFETY

Speaking of safety, Yaris has a reassuring ring of confidence.

Although not yet NCAP tested for crash-worthiness and pedestrian safety, Yaris is said (by Toyota) to perform particularly well, even in relation to larger vehicles. On the pedestrian front, the bonnet is 50mm higher than before and hard points within the engine bay have been lowered or moved to reduce impact severity. Toyota's in-house tests indicate the measures are very effective.

Apart from a body-chassis structure which forms an immensely strong and progressively deformable containment cage, Yaris is the first car in this class, or anywhere near it, offering a driver's knee airbag. Indeed it is the first Toyota of any size to provide the still-rare feature pioneered by Lexus. Admittedly the knee bag is part of an options package, but its availability and the seven-bag total are new benchmarks, especially among small cars.

Besides anti-lock brakes (with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assistance systems) and dual front airbags (with de-selection switch for front cushion occupancy warning), every Yaris has three height-adjustable rear headrests, five lap-sash belts, and load-limiting front belts with pre-tensioners.