Holden Barina CDX vs Toyota Yaris YRS

The first Holden to get MyLink for smartphones, the Korean-built CDX has access to Bluetooth, Siri, some apps and audio functions via the helm and voice control. There are aircon, auto locking and headlights, 17-inch alloys, USB input, heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.  

Slides in beneath Barina on price but lacks full smartphone integration for its touchscreen. There are Bluetooth and USB input, cloth trim, leather-wrapped helm, 15-inch steel wheels, airconditioning, trip computer, central locking but no auto headlights.

App access and smartphone integration is fuss-free but, touchscreen apart, the tech-score is light. The 1.6-litre engine with variable intake manifold claims mid-6.0L fuel economy. Six-speed auto wins on a ratio count but loses for smarts and smoothness.

The app-based stuff is always off. Power comes from a feisty 1.5-litre four-cylinder (80kW/141Nm), which is hauling much less weight. The four-speed auto might not be low on ratios but it's smoother and a little better at using what it's got.

A handsome snout but the rest is straightforward. Boxy exterior endows decent interior space for the segment, with good-sized boot and split-fold rear seats. Digital instruments are easy enough to decipher but some still conventional dials.

Toyota no longer makes whitegoods on wheels . . . apparently. The Yaris is inoffensive outside and effective within. Storage and occupant space and packaging are also good -- the double-decker boot is useful if loads need to be split.

Stability and traction control, six airbags (front, front-side and curtain) and ABS contribute to a five-star ANCAP rating. Brakes are front discs and rear drums. Rear parking sensors (but no camera) and optional full-size spare -- puncture kit is standard.

Five stars from ANCAP head a list that includes stability and traction control and ABS (also on front discs and rear drums). Seven airbags (front, front-side, curtain and knee) also contribute to the safety features list.

Passenger room is useful, ride quality is decent and features list is punchy. That's where the fun ends -- engine feels lacklustre at low revs and thrashy higher up, the transmission is slow and can be rough. Strictly A to B transport.

Lacking smartphone bits (for now) and two ratios in the auto, Yaris still has better quality feel in the cabin and a more pleasant drivetrain. Weighs 200kg less than the rival which gives it extra pep. Conventional instruments are easy to read.