Toyota’s most basic car is being remodelled in 2009 to improve fuel efficiency, looks and handling, it’s called the Yaris. The best thing about the 2009 Toyota Yaris though, is that it’s now available as a 4 door hatchback, too. The hatchback increases roof height, and provides some much needed boot space.

The Yaris has always been cheap and cheerful. The 106-hp 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine is modest, at best, and is teamed with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The light frame of the Yaris means that it’s still rather nippy even with this low power, but highway driving becomes a bit of an ordeal.

Luckily there are plenty of safety features, like curtain side airbags, ABS and front side airbags to ensure some modicum of safety in the small car, but it’s obviously not designed for family or long distance travel.

The basic model is also starved for interior features, so much so that the mp3 playback function is worth mentioning. It’s also got a digital clock! Not the greatest family or distance car then, but who expected it to be? Anyone looking for a decent city runabout with excellent fuel economy and good parking prospects will do well with a 2009 Toyota Yaris.