A center-mounted gauge cluster is nothing new, and neither are our complaints about it. The placement allows the dash to be used in multiple worldwide markets, regardless of whether the steering wheel is on the left or the right. But for the driver, it requires shifting your eyes away from the road ahead; a cluster behind the steering wheel would be preferred. Below the gauges is a narrow center stack that hints at the innovative design used in recent Volvo models, with alloy-colored plastic used as an accent.

Outside, the S body kit and 15-inch wheels worked wonders on our tester, at least implying some sport if not actually delivering it. Overall, the styling is a bit quirky, with the grille and headlights almost creating the automotive equivalent of a grin, but it helps distinguish the Yaris and imparts some personality.