Toyota’s compact SUV challenger gets a seven-day grilling from our man.

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Toyota Yaris Cross Excel: List price (BiK): £28,380 (27%) CO2: 112g/km MPG: 56.5mpg Test efficiency: 66.7mpg

Monday

The Toyota Yaris Cross is not, perhaps, the most obvious choice in the small SUV class, which is why it makes for an interesting drive. Always keen to try something new and different, I’m intrigued by this Toyota as a modern interpretation of the hugely successful and influential original RAV4. Of course, back when the RAV4 was launched, Toyota was all but unchallenged in the sector. Not anymore.

Tuesday

Looks-wise, the Yaris Cross definitely stands out in a class where too many of the contenders are a bit too bland and amorphous. The sharp lines, contours, blistered wheel arches and seemingly high-riding stance all give the Toyota a stand-out look. Pretty? Not to my eyes, but I don’t have a problem with that and the Yaris Cross’ build quality inside and out is second to none.

Wednesday

All Yaris Cross models come with a self-charging hybrid, teaming up a 91hp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol motor with an 80hp motor, giving a combined 116hp of power. It’s a formula Toyota is noted for and it works well in this Excel front-wheel-drive model. It’s not nearly as fun or exciting to drive as a Ford Puma – not much is in the segment – but the Toyota nips along with sufficiently lively pace for town use and to be relaxed on the motorway. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) inhibits fun a bit, but not as a Nissan Juke’s.

Thursday

On to some favourite back roads and the Yaris Cross’ size means it can make the most of the available road space. The ride is fine and the handling safe but unremarkable, which means the Toyota is a car for just getting on with the job. It’s also more refined than the majority of cars in the same class, which counts for a lot in daily driving.

Friday

Rear seat space in the Yaris Cross is never going to be vast due to the car’s size and the class it sits in, but it does a good job of fitting in adults with a bit of comfort. The only demerit is the slip of the upper rear pillar that means you have to stoop a bit to avoid bashing your head on the door seal. Still, kids fit with no issues and the window line is lower than the exterior styling suggests, so rear passengers get a good view out.

Saturday

All credit to Toyota for fitting a 40-20-40 split and tumble rear seat in most trim levels of Yaris Cross, including this Excel model. It makes the car that bit more versatile and easy to use when cramming in the kids and paraphernalia. The boot is also short enough that you can just reach in to unlatch the rear seats when tipping them forwards. The split- and height-adjustable load floor is another neat touch.

Sunday

Over a variety of roads, the Toyota Yaris Cross has the distinction of delivering a better combined economy than the official claimed figure. Where Toyota says 56.5mpg for the Excel in this spec, I achieved 66.7mpg with no effort at all and I’m sure a little conscientious driving could see that top 70mpg. It’s impressive for an SUV-styled car and means the Yaris Cross deserves to be a more common choice for fleet drivers.