The Car Expert

Updated BMW X1 SUV gets the big grille treatment

Model update

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30 May 2019

Updated BMW X1 SUV gets the big grille treatment

BMW has revamped its X1 SUV, based around an updated exterior look and more interior design choices.

The X1’s first major revision since the firm’s entry-level SUV was introduced in 2015 is dominated by the major exterior change, the significantly larger and more dominant ‘kidney’ grille. A redesigned bumper and new LED headlights are also fitted while at the back of the car, larger exhaust pipes are introduced with redesigned rear lights.

For the first time the X1 is available with puddle lights — projecting an X1 logo onto the ground from the driver-side mirror when the car is unlocked. these are now options on SE and Sport models and standard equipment for xLine and M Sport variants.

Inside the car, new upholstery options have been introduced to the range. Anthracite with grey contrast stitching (or orange optionally) is now available on Sport models, while M Sport variants gain a new black leather trim as standard.

The powertrain line-up offers the same choice of petrol and diesel engines as previously, though BMW has confirmed a plug-in hybrid variant will be joining the X1 range in March 2020. The xDrive25e is claimed to be capable of more than 31 miles on electric power alone on a single charge.

Dealers are now taking orders for updated BMW X1 models at prices starting from £28,795. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in July.

More BMW news, reviews, features and offers

New Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a 1,000hp plug-in hybrid

New model

Andrew Charman

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29 May 2019

0

New Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a 1,000hp plug-in hybrid

Ferrari has unveiled the new SF90 Stradale, the Italian brand’s most powerful road car to date.

Named to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Scuderia Ferrari racing team, which pre-dated the road-car side of the business by nearly 20 years, the SF90 Stradale is Ferrari’s second electrified car after the LaFerrari hypercar from 2013. It also shares its name with the Ferrari SF90 Formula One racing car being campaigned by the Scuderia this year.

More significantly, it is both Ferrari’s first plug-in machine and the brand’s first hybrid production car. The SF90’s powertrain mates a redesigned 3.9-litre V8 of 780hp to an electric motor that adds a further 220hp.

Power from the V8 is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – another first for Ferrari – while the electric motor powers the front axle.

This all-wheel-drive system incorporates Ferrari’s new ‘RAC-E’ technology on the electrified axle, too. Ferrari likens it to ‘a hand guiding the car into corners’, using torque vectoring technology to optimise the percentage of power sent to each wheel at any one time.

All of this adds up to a 0-60mph time of 2.3 seconds (Ferrari’s quickest car to date) and a top speed of 211mph. Although lap times have not yet been announced, the SF90 Stradale is also likely to be the fastest Ferrari to ever lap its historic Fiorano test track.

Being a plug-in hybrid, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is also capable of running solely on electric power, Ferrari claiming that it can cover just over 15 miles between charges when in EV mode.

The major technical innovations on the car may be underneath the skin but there is also visible technology, including a drag reduction system (DRS) on the SF90’s rear wing.

1905 Ferrari SF90 Stradale The Car Expert

Ferrari has abandoned the large rear wing format employed by many supercars in favour of a system that lowers a segment of bodywork in front of the wing to increase downforce under braking and hard cornering, before raising it again to minimise drag. In total, the SF90 can produce 390kg of downforce.

Inside the car, an overhauled steering wheel features touch-sensitive buttons to put most of the car’s functions at the driver’s fingertips. Behind it sits a new 16-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as a new head-up display.

Even the key is new – the SF90 is entirely ‘keyless’, allowing it to be locked, unlocked and started with the fob in the driver’s pocket. This fob has been designed to look identical to the Ferrari badge at the front of the car.

Ferrari expects many owners to use their SF90 Stradale on the track and for them the ‘Assetto Fiorano’ package is available. This adds carbon fibre door panels and underbody elements, plus titanium springs and exhaust components to shave 30kg off the weight of the standard car, while its 20-inch forged alloy wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres for increased grip.

Ferrari is yet to announce the price of the SF90 Stradale. As the firm’s new range-topper, it is expected expect it to surpass the £260,000 of the previous flagship model, the 812 Superfast. First deliveries of the SF90 Stradale are scheduled for 2020.

More Ferrari news, reviews and features

All-new BMW 1 Series revealed

New model

Stuart Masson

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29 May 2019

0

BMW has pulled the covers off its eagerly-awaited new 1 Series hatchback – the third-generation version of the German firm’s best-selling model in the UK.

The new 1 Series is slightly smaller in length than the outgoing model, but increased width and a longer wheelbase ensures improved interior space – most notably for rear passengers – alongside a 380-litre boot, which is now 20 litres more spacious.

A new look has also been introduced, with BMW’s evolved kidney grille featuring alongside sharp LED lights and alloy wheels up to 19 inches.

The previous two versions of the 1 Series have all been rear-wheel drive (minus the all-wheel xDrive option on selected diesel engines) but the new model is strictly front-wheel drive as standard, while the M135i and 120d engines are both all-wheel drive.

Some have mourned the loss of the fantastic 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine of the hot hatch version, with the new M135i sporty variant coming with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 306hp, which allows for a 0-60mph time of just 4.6 seconds.

The hot M135i has been unveiled alongside the standard hatch, and it comes with sportier styling and chassis improvements for an improved drive, along with bigger brakes and retuned steering.

There’s only one other petrol unit available – the 140hp 1.5-litre 118i. The diesel options consist of a 1.5-litre 116d producing 115hp, a 150hp 2.0-litre 118i and a 120d xDrive that utilises a 190hp 2.0-litre diesel.

The options list is also awash with innovative tech, such as features that can reverse you out of tight parking spaces, your own ‘personal assistant’ to tell you about traffic jams and find nearby cafes – operated using the command ‘Hey BMW’ – and a Digital Key that can unlock and start the car using just a smartphone.

Unlike the last 1 Series, no three-door variant is being offered this time around. Prices start from £24,430 – a slight increase over the outgoing hatch’s £23,605 tag – and rise to £36,430 for the range-topping M135i xDrive.

Order books are now open, with first deliveries expected in September.

More BMW news, reviews, features and offers

Honda e to offer standard-fit cameras in place of door mirrors

Andrew Charman

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29 May 2019

0

Honda e to offer standard-fit cameras in place of door mirrors

The Honda e electric car will be the first production model to fit door cameras in place of wing mirrors as standard.

Launching in 2020, the Honda will not be the first car fitted with cameras – Audi now offers them on its e-tron. But the Honda will be the first to provide them as standard equipment.

Cameras can offer a superior view of the scene behind the car compared to traditional door mirrors, but the major advantage in electric cars is their size. A camera pod is much smaller than a door mirror pod, causing significantly less drag and helping to increase the range between charges of an EV.

According to Honda, the side cameras reduce drag by 90%, compared with conventional door mirrors. That results in around a 4% improvement for the whole vehicle.

The Japanese manufacturer adds that the side camera mirror system helps the e retain its modern and clean design, as the small camera pods hug close to the doors and add little disruption to the smooth A-pillars and doors, which have flush pop-out handles.

1905 Audi e-tron — Audi camera system mounts screens in door pockets close to view of traditional wing mirror.

Audi and Honda have developed the camera technology in differing ways. Audi has incorporated the screens for the rear view image into the inside top corner of the door, close to where a driver would usually look towards the wing mirrors. However, Honda’s screens display a much larger view as part of the dashboard.

The Honda side camera mirror system also lets users switch between a ‘normal’ and ‘wide’ view, for improved visibility.

Honda’s new electric city car claims more than 125 miles of range, and will include a fast-charge function that will restore battery power to 80% in 30 minutes.

UK buyers can now reserve a Honda e online by putting down an £800 deposit. The total purchase price is expected to be around £28,000.

More Honda news, reviews, features and offers

Honda e Prototype 2019 The Car Expert — First seen at Geneva show, Honda e goes on sale in 2020. Photo: Andrew Charman

Volvo S60 review

Andrew Charman

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29 May 2019

0

60-second summary

What is it?
The Volvo S60 is the Swedish brand’s latest mid-sized saloon, competing against premium-badged heavyweights.

Key features
Two plug-in hybrids in range, front or all-wheel drive, striking looks.

Our view
The Volvo S60 maintains the Swedish brand’s recent record of top-quality build and plenty of tech in a striking visual package.

While it can’t quite match some rivals for its on-the-road dynamics, it’s a pretty efficient all-round alternative to the traditional premium rivals.

Full review

Introduction

On the face of it, there is not a lot to write about the all-new Volvo S60 – because to Volvo fans, most of this car will already be familiar.

The arrival of the S60 completes the renewal of the Swedish brand’s mid-sized model line and the two other members – the V60 estate and off-road themed V60 Cross-Country, have been with us for some time. This car is effectively the V60 in four-door saloon form, save for one major difference, under the bonnet.

This is the first modern Volvo to come to market without the option of a diesel engine – Volvo delivering on its promise to move away from oil burners. And that fact is far more important than this being the first Volvo to be built in the brand’s state-of-the-art new factory in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Why? Because the Volvo S60 is the car that the brand expects to take on the biggest hitters in the most competitive part of the premium sector. Volvo wants to steal sales from the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as well as the likes of Jaguar’s XE and Alfa Romeo’s Giulia.

Such cars are all dominant players in the fleet sector where until now diesel’s benefit-in-kind tax advantages have kept it the preferred choice. Yes the picture is changing but Volvo clearly hopes to accelerate that change – not through the T5 petrol engine in the launch cars, but a choice of not one but two plug-in hybrid variants that will soon join the range. Is the brand focusing on electric too early? Time will tell…

Visually the new S60 paints a rather more distinctive picture in the company car park than do its over numerous and oh so conventional rivals such as the 3 Series. This Volvo boasts the same sculpted panels as its V60 sister, the same clever details cascading down from the 90 Series cars, such as the concave grilles and ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlamp signature. The rear works well too, the strong curves along the flanks meeting at the top of the boot to produce a slightly nose-down, purposeful appearance.

Buying and owning the Volvo S60

As mentioned, the S60 does not get the two diesel options that are expected to take the majority of sales in its V60 estate sister. In fact, the launch choice is very simple – one petrol engine through a front-wheel-drive transmission.

The engine in question is the 2.0-litre ‘Drive-E’ unit and it puts out 250hp. Combined with 350Nm of torque, the result is a 6.5-second sprint to 62mph, fuel economy between 35 and 40mpg and CO₂ emissions between 152 and 155g/km (WLTP measuring method).

Even when the two plug-in hybrids join the range Volvo still expects 85% of UK buyers to go for the straight petrol option, so the S60 is clearly not being pitched as an entry to premium saloon ownership.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine will also be the basis of the two plug-in hybrid variants, both of which will be all-wheel-drive. The T8 Twin Engine will offer a total of 390hp and a 4.6-second 0-62mph time, while expected to return official emissions figures of 39g/km – fuel economy is yet to be revealed.

This drivetrain will also be offered as a version ‘breathed upon’ by Volvo’s Polestar performance sub-brand, adding another 15 horses and an extra 30Nm of torque and cutting the 0-62mph time to 4.4 seconds.

All this will cause company car buyers to crunch numbers – the BIK tax rate on the petrol S60 is 34-35% but the T8 plug-in version cuts this to just 16%. There could, however, be an argument for holding on as Volvo is hinting at range expansion – a T6 petrol engine in both normal and traditional hybrid variants.

S60 trim levels number four, sort of, and curiously they don’t match those of the V60. Entry is the R-Design Plus, but for the launch this is being offered as ‘R-Design Edition’ boasting extra useful tech. This includes a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control with the pilot-assist semi-autonomous steering aid, blindspot information system and that vital bit of software in today’s connected market, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The £37,935 price tag also provides 19-inch wheels, a 14-speaker premium sound system and heated steering wheel.

When the mainstream range goes on sale, at the same starting price of £37,935, all of the above will be extra-cost options best bought as part of a ‘Value Pack’ – the Smartphone integration for example, disappointing to see on an options list, will cost £300 to add.

The other two trim levels, still to come at the time of writing, are the performance-pitched ‘Polestar Engineered’ cars primarily featuring uprated engine, transmission, suspension and brakes, and the range-topping Inscription Plus. The latter gets Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, driftwood interior inlays… but you still have to pay £300 more to plug in your Smartphone…

We should add that the general equipment levels on the entry models are quite impressive – you don’t expect to find such niceties as a head-up display and hands-free boot opening on a base car.

Finally as one would expect from a Volvo, the S60 really scores on safety. The blind-spot warning might be an option (also including a rear cross-traffic alert) but the standard kit is extensive, including an autonomous emergency braking system that monitors the behaviour of oncoming traffic as well as that moving in the same direction as the car. A five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating was no surprise, the car scoring maximum possible points in some areas.

Inside the Volvo S60

When we reviewed the V60 around nine months ago, we argued that the interiors of current Volvos could beat the exteriors for the most visible evidence of the brand’s transformation. Of course, we are dealing with a basically identical interior here, and it still impresses with its immediate feeling of premium quality when one steps inside. This is thanks to the quality of the surfaces, their fit and detailing.

Like most recent Volvos, the new S60 is built on the brand’s latest SPA modular platform, and what that means for buyers coming out of the previous car is a wheelbase stretched by 10cm and more interior space as a result.

The car certainly feels roomy whether seated in front or back. Luggage space is reasonable – the 442 litres is slightly bigger than that in a C-Class but a little less than in a 3 Series or an A4. It is easily accessed – the loading space is wide, the loading lip low and hands-free opening standard on all variants.

The driver’s environment remains efficient and functional, dominated by the portrait-format Sensus touchscreen infotainment screen on the centre console. We stand by our previous comments on this – you need a day or so to get used to the tablet-style swipe operation and it could benefit from one or two of the most basic car functions moving onto separate buttons.

Driving the Volvo S60

As mentioned, at this early stage we only get to drive S60s fitted with the 2.0-litre T5 petrol engine – quite a powerful unit for an everyday premium saloon.

Over a launch test route that takes in many miles of reasonably challenging roads in the Scottish Highlands it does not disappoint, wafting along in supreme comfort but with no shortage of poke when needed – for example dispatching another car in a rapid overtaking move.

Part of the recipe for this latest S60 model is all-new suspension front and rear, the leading end benefiting from a double-wishbone setup. Additionally, the launch cars (and all R-Design Plus versions) come as standard with a sports suspension setup, which means stiffer springs, faster-reacting dampers, thicker roll bars and a ride height shaved by just over a centimetre.

These mods do not affect the general comfort of the Volvo, and one gets the impression that the company car staple of munching hundreds of motorway miles will hold no qualms for an S60 driver.

Having said that, the launch R-Design Edition spec does include 20-inch, rather than 19-inch, wheels and these do add a slight harshness to the ride, with the bumps of less than quality road surfaces not completely filtered out before reaching the cabin occupants.

The sports suspension mods do add a certain confidence when one wants to enjoy the car through a series of challenging high-speed bends (of which the Scottish Highlands boast plenty). As such, the S60 becomes quite fun to drive – but not to the finely-honed standards of a rear-wheel-drive BMW 3 Series…

Summary

The S60 is another quality car from Volvo, but it’s also a slightly curious thing. It boasts elements of comfortable cruiser and elements of sporty plaything, but not enough to be principally one or the other.

There are some rational reasons to choose the Audi or the BMW over Volvo’s latest – but in the S60 you do get quite a lot of high quality car for your £38,000 outlay. And with this car not boasting a confusing line-up of lots of different engines, you will be guaranteed to be driving something a little more exclusive than the general herd.

Good points

Strong safety package
Interior space
Tech surprises in entry-level spec

Bad points

Some rivals offer bigger boot
Touchscreen needs some getting used to
After launch, tech such as Apple CarPlay option only

Key specifications

Make & Model	Volvo S60	Jaguar XE	Alfa Romeo Giulia
Specification	T5 R Design Plus	SE P250 Auto RWD	2.0 Veloce
Price (on-road)	£37,935	£35,385	£39,690
Engine	2.0-litre petrol	2.0-litre petrol	2.0-litre petrol
Transmission	8-speed auto	8-speed auto	8-speed auto
Power	250 hp	250 hp	280 hp
Torque	350 Nm	365 Nm	400 Nm
0-62mph	6.5 sec	6.5 sec	5.7 sec
Top speed	145 mph	155 mph	149 mph
Fuel economy (combined)	35.3-39.3 mpg (WLTP)	39.2 mpg (NEDC)	46.3 mpg (NEDC)
CO₂ emissions	152 g/km (WLTP	159 g/km (NEDC)	158 g/km (NEDC)
Insurance Group	TBC	30E	34E
Euro NCAP rating	5 stars (2018)	5 stars (2015)	5 stars (2016)

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Stuart Masson

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28 May 2019

0

Summary

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a large luxury SUV and the newest model in the Rolls-Royce family. It has been a controversial addition to the line-up, although initial sales have been reported to be very strong.

Like all Rolls-Royce models, the Cullinan is built in the UK at the company’s facility in Goodwood.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan has received mostly positive scores from the UK motoring media. It has received particular praise for its comfort and interior quality, but has been criticised for its poor cabin proportions and very high fuel consumption.

As of March 2026, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan holds a low New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 52%. While the car has a positive media reception, the Cullinan has pretty terrible Eco and Running Cost Ratings, like much of the Rolls-Royce range.

More Rolls-Royce ratings, reviews, news and features

The Car Expert Best of British horizontal banner

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engine: petrol
Price: From £185,500 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2018
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the most luxurious SUV (lots of) money can buy.”
Read review

Score: 9 / 10
“The Cullinan offers an incredible insight into the lives of the super-rich, and deserves its place at the very top of the SUV tree. Audacious, awesome, luxuriously practical and beautifully crafted: if you’ve got the cash, there’s nothing quite like it.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Series II
Score: 8 / 10
“In the cold, hard light of objective reality, Series II isn’t drastically different from the Series I, but with a new dash, new wheels, some slight visual changes and a handsome price rise. If you weren’t interested in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan before, you likely won’t be now either. The new tech and suspension changes improve an already refined and user-friendly car, but many of the Cullinan’s base attributes happily remain untouched.”
Author: Colin Overland, Jake Groves
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the brand’s first SUV, redefining the upper reaches of the market for luxury and bespoke craftsmanship.”
Read review

Daily Mail

“The Rolls-Royce Cullinan certainly delivers the traditionally smooth ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ on and off the road thanks to its sophisticated self-levelling air suspension designed to make it ‘effortless anywhere.’ But it’s a real gas-guzzler with fuel consumption a mere 18.8mpg and hefty CO2 emissions of 341g/km.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 7 / 10
“A Rolls-Royce that’s fun to drive? Almost – the Cullinan will surprise with its speed and agility, but not its quality and refinement.”
Read review

Parkers

Score: 8.4 / 10
“The world’s ultimate luxury SUV”
Read review

The Telegraph

Score: 6 / 10
“The craft and engineering skills are self-evident and it does a passable ‘waft’ in the great tradition of the marque, but the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is ugly, its cabin proportions are not particularly appealing and, my goodness, it loves fuel.”
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 8 / 10
“Even if you struggle with the concept of the big, fast, heavy SUV, you can’t argue with the execution here. Rolls-Royce’s cars are always vastly greater than the sum of their parts, and the Cullinan is part of a fascinating engineering continuum.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of March 2026, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has not been tested by Euro NCAP, and due to its price and exclusivity, we think it is unlikely to ever happen. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Rolls-Royce to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Cullinan, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	18 mpg	E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	365 g/km	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is – unsurprisingly – a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

We currently only have limited information about the Cullinan, but the very poor CO₂ output is an indication of similarly poor fuel consumption. Mind you, that’s exactly what you’d expect from a three-tonne SUV powered by an enormous V12 petrol engine.

Similarly, we don’t have servicing costs for the Cullinan at the moment, but as the saying goes: if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it…

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has received

2019

UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Luxury Car
Golden Steering Awards – Best Ultra Luxury SUV

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Rolls-Royce SUV breaks cover

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Toyota Yaris Y20 test drive

The Car Expert staff

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26 May 2019

0

How time flies. This year marks 20 years since the original Toyota Yaris first went on sale – a model that increased the Japanese manufacturer’s European presence significantly, with the French-built hatchback offering buyers a compact and likeable hatchback that also proved to be safe and reliable.

Not a lot has changed in that respect, as the Yaris still frequently ranks near the top of the reliability charts, although further strings have been added to the car’s bow with a hybrid powertrain that now accounts for the majority of the model’s sales. That’s even more remarkable considering the hybrid costs over £2,000 more than the standard petrol model.

The Yaris received mild updates in 2017, with revised styling and a bundle of standard safety kit representing the highlights.

And now to mark 20 years of the Yaris, we have this – the celebratory Toyota Yaris Y20.

Toyota Yaris – new car ratings and reviews from across the UK media

What’s new about the Toyota Yaris Y20?

At its release, the Toyota Yaris Y20 there was a limited-edition model of 1,998 units. Just 100 of these were destined for the UK, each painted in bright gold to match the shade of the original 1999 launch car.

However, Toyota then made the Y20 a permanent fixture in the Yaris brochure. Offered in a choice of gold, white, silver or black, the trim is complimented by a bi-tone finish to the roof, grille, side sills and fog light surrounds.

Grey detailing also extends to the cabin, which features a grey centre console and further detailing to the steering wheel. It also receives revised upholstery, and in typical special edition fashion, plenty of badges.

How does it look?

The Yaris itself isn’t a bad-looking model, with the X-shaped design signature first seen on the smaller Aygo working its way over to the Yaris. It’s certainly not going to get the heart racing, but is inoffensively styled and not fussy.

The Y20 adds an extra dose of glamour, too, even if it’s no more than a few option boxes being ticked on the standard car.

The bi-tone roof is a nice touch, while the machined 16-inch alloy wheels and grey accents help to differentiate the model from the standard Yaris, too. The swathes of Y20 badges might be a bit unnecessary though, as it’s little more than a glorified trim level.

What’s the spec like?

Designed to sit second from the top of the Yaris range, the Y20 does come with plenty of kit for the money – although it should for a model that costs nearly £20,000, and with the optional satellite navigation fitted to our test car, it pushes the price up to £20,470.

However, the standard equipment list of the Y20 is generous, with features such as front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist and road sign recognition all thrown in from the off.

In short, unless you’re sold on the appeal of the Y20’s special edition nature, models further down the trim list make far more sense.

What’s the Toyota Yaris Y20 like inside?

While past superminis could get away with having cheap-feeling interiors, this is no longer the case, with buyers expecting so much more from their small cars – particularly on the inside.

Sadly, Toyota doesn’t seem to have got this memo, and the Yaris’s interior feels decidedly backward compared to rivals.

Toyota Yaris Y20 review 2019 - dashboard | The Car Expert

The layout itself is good, and Toyota has been reserved with the number of interior buttons to leave a fuss-free look, but the quality falls short of the mark. Cheap and scratchy plastics litter the cabin, and little attempt has been made to integrate soft-touch materials to the dash.

The touchscreen is yet another disappointment. Not only can be difficult to use, but it’s lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the way of smartphone connectivity, and those things are not even offered on the options list.

It’s also not particularly practical, with its 286-litre boot falling behind rivals, and with minimal rear seat space for adults. But then again, it sits in the supermini segment, so you can’t expect estate car levels of roominess.

What’s under the bonnet?

With the Y20, buyers have the option of choosing a standard 1.5-litre petrol engine or the hybrid tested here.

Powered by a 110bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor, the Yaris Hybrid offers reserved performance, rather than anything sprightly.

Toyota claims a 0-60mph time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 109mph, although the lacklustre CVT automatic gearbox does a poor job of offering those figures in the real world.

On the plus side, it will deliver where efficiency is concerned. Toyota’s claimed fuel economy figures are, unusually, quite underestimated. The firm claims 48mpg and CO₂ emissions of 118g/km, but drive the Yaris Hybrid steadily and there’s nothing stopping you seeing fuel economy figures in the 60s around town. However, harsher driving will have the opposite effect, and motorway driving will leave you stopping at the pumps more than you would hope.

What’s the Toyota Yaris Y20 like to drive?

The Yaris Y20 is an odd car to drive, largely because it’s capable of so much more but is fundamentally flawed because of its hybrid powertrain.

As evidenced in 2017’s Yaris GRMN hot hatch, the supermini’s chassis is superb. The Y20 is grippy and offers minimal body roll, and once up to speed, can be quite pleasing to drive. The initial shove of torque from the electric motor is also welcome, but it’s short-lived and stunted by the CVT transmission, because any attempt at harsh acceleration results in unrefined revving with minimal performance gain.

But drive it steadily around town, and the Yaris proves to be far more pleasant. It’s nippy, relatively comfortable and providing you are gentle with the accelerator pedal, not too unrefined, either.

Verdict

Twenty years since its arrival and the Toyota Yaris is still a hugely successful model, and one of the UK’s best-selling models. It’s easy to admire its relaxed nature, credible safety record and, should you opt for the hybrid, impressively low running costs.

However, it’s not short of flaws. The interior is decidedly low rent for a car costing £20,000, and its lack of connectivity and disappointing CVT automatic gearbox model makes the Y20 a tough car to recommend.

Yes, the Toyota Yaris Y20 aims to celebrate 20 years of the model, but choosing a lower-spec car and saving yourself thousands of pounds feels like a much better cause for celebration than this average effort at reigniting the Yaris’s initial spark.

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