THE Toyota Yaris may not be as cool as some of the other superminis currently on offer but it is still well worth a look.

It has a deserved reputation for reliability, practicality and low running costs which appeals to a wide audience.

Available in a choice of three or five-door bodystyles and in four specification levels - the Yaris also offers petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains.

Now in its third generation, the current model was given a major facelift in the summer of 2014 to make it more competitive.

The improvements introduced a more dynamic design, a new engine, improved ride and handling as well as better insulation to reduce noise levels.

Yaris designs have tended to be on the conservative side up until now but the facelift has certainly made the current car more distinctive and interesting.

Up front the two trapezoidal grilles now merge at the Toyota emblem to form a sharp cross shape - although it's a lot more subtle than on the new Aygo.

There are new headlamp clusters and LED daytime running lights are an option on the Icon grade and standard on higher trim levels.

At the rear a new bumper delivers a broader and sporty look and the lamp clusters feature a new LED graphic, again an option on Icon and standard on higher grades.

The interior is now far more modern. The instrument panel, door panels, centre console and seat trims have all been modified and improved and there is a considerable increase in the quality of materials.

Even the entry level Active models has power front windows, a six-speaker sound system, seven airbags and tyre pressure monitoring. Step up to Icon and you will gain t 15-inch alloys, projector headlights, electrically-adjusted and heated door mirrors, a Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, rearview camera, air conditioning, fog lamps, Bluetooth connectivity and leather trim.

The Sport grade introduces 16-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, rear LED lights, DAB radio, a rear spoiler and a free Piri Piri option pack to add a splash of colour to the interior.

The range-topping Excel adds cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights and climate control.

Buyers can choose from 10 exterior colours along with a range of additional packs that feature the likes of a panoramic roof, rear privacy glass, aluminium scuff plates and the Toyota Touch 2 with GO sat nav system.

The new interior is stylish and features all the latest technology. The soft-touch dashboard and door panels are a huge improvement and there is bags of space for four adults to travel in comfort and room for five on shorter journeys.

The boot can hold 286 litres of luggage and the rear seats fold with a 60:40 split, increasing the space to 768 litres.

The Yaris is a pleasant drive with good grip and composure and the six-speed manual gearbox has a light and positive shift. Opt for the 1.33-litre engine featured in the test car and you get a smooth four-cylinder engine which is quiet and refined.

The Yaris is very manoeuvrable in town and is equally happy munching motorway miles. The 1.33 unit is good for 109mph and takes 11.7 seconds to reach 62mph. The claimed combined figure is 57.6mpg and I averaged just over 50mpg.

With its new exterior and interior styling, great warranty and strong residual values the Yaris is a very sensible buy.