You said that yaris is not even all that of a car, i am sure you might not be knowing but Yaris (2000 model) was CAR OF THE YEAR 2000 in europe, and that means it has got something.
You say it is not fast, in Pakistan, even the 1.0 litre engine can challenge up withsome of the larger cars in initial pickup, because the power to weight ratio is good, although in top speed larger engine takes over. When it comes to 1.3 litre yaris, then its even better.
You are compring speed of a 1.0 Litre VVT-I car with 1.6 Litre VTEC Civic. Inital pick of both cars is comparable, although Civic will take over at high speed. And if you want racing, go for T-Sport Yaris (1.5 litre Engine,sporty suspension) it rightly out classes Civic 1.6 DOHC.
Regards
Deloy