The new sharper, smarter Toyota Yaris MY2012 will go on sale in the UK in September, starting at £11,700.

The Yaris has always been considered as a nice and well-rounded city car, but there was no getting away from the fact that it had boring styling. That issue has been addressed with the new model. It benefits from a more dynamic design and improved quality.

The car also features the new Toyota Touch and Go multimedia system, including touchscreen controls, which is fitted as standard to all but the entry level new Yaris model in the UK to appeal to the younger buyers. The Yaris comes in four trims of T2, TR, SR and T Spirit.

You have three choices for the engine. First there is the three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol with 68bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 93Nm at 3,600rpm. It does 58.9mpg. Then there’s the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i engine with 98bhp at 6,000rpm and, at the peak of a gentle torque curve, 125Nm, rated at 56.5mpg. And finally the 1.4-litre D-4D engine fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and with output of 89bhp at 3,800rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm between 1,800 and 2,800rpm, and fuel consumption of 72.4 mpg.

UK range and prices
New Yaris will be offered in the UK in four grades – T2, TR, SR and T Spirit – which deliver an emphatic combination of high specification, quality and great value for money. Cars are available to order now, with first deliveries to customers from mid-September.

The heart of the range is the TR. Expected to command two thirds of new Yaris sales, it is available with all engine and transmission combinations, in three and five-door bodystyles. Key features of the TR include15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Toyota Touch with touchscreen audio controls, Bluetooth and rear parking camera

The SR, available exclusively with the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine, has a sportier profile with a range of interior and exterior styling elements. Equipment highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler, front fog lamps, part-leather upholstery, rear privacy glass and lowered suspension.

T Spirit focuses on premium features and is available in five-door format with the 1.33- litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine. Principal equipment of the T Spirit grade includes a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and smart entry and start.

On-the-road prices for new Yaris start at £11,170. Insurance groups will be announced in August.