Yes a Yaris is better than a 20yr old commodore, Having said this, I learnt to drive on a a Yaris and a Subaru Outback...whilst the yaris was so much easier to park (and i did my test on the yaris), I much prefer the subaru to drive, better handling, abs, traction control (that i can turn off), I can take it off-road but i'm not a nuisance to other road users!
Would never buy a Yaris or drive another one if i could avoid it.....If the did a rear wheel drive it would be a diffferent story.
Also, saw a ford sportka the other day, they are so ugly