Used vs new: For RM 60k or less, Honda Jazz (GK) or Perodua Myvi?

There is a reason why the Perodua Myvi is nicknamed "King of Malaysia". It's immensely popular with the carbuying public, be it as a first-time purchase, or just anyone looking for a nippy little runabout vehicle. Did I mention that it's also attractively priced and generously specced?

However, in today's Used vs New segment, there is a very compelling used alternative to a brand-new Perodua Myvi in the B-segment hatchback marketplace.

What car is that you ask? It's none other than the GK-generation Honda Jazz. At RM 60k (price of a range-topping Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV, with spare change) or less, is Honda's ubiquitious hatchback a better buy than the Myvi? We find out.

Which variant to go for?

When it was launched in 2014, the GK Honda Jazz came in three variants, S, E and V. These are mostly equipment differences, but there was only one powertrain option, a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine (120 PS, 145 Nm) with a CVT-type transmission. 

In 2017, the facelifted Jazz received the regular cosmetic and equipment upgrades, along with an additional Sport Hybrid i-DCD variant.

The hybrid Jazz came with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery (137 PS, 170 Nm combined).

Other than the additional Sport Hybrid i-DCD variant, the facelift carried the same S, E, and V line up. Today, you can pick a 2015 model from RM 45k to RM 52k (price of a new Myvi 1.5L AV), spec and condition dependent. You can also still buy one of these new, as listed on Honda Malaysia's website.

With the current Perodua Myvi, there are six variants to choose from (1.3L G to 1.5L AV). Prices range from RM 41,292 to RM RM 52,697. On top of the equipment differences in the six variants, there are also three powertrain options. 

First is the 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder engine (95 PS, 121 Nm) which can be had with either a 4-speed automatic, or a 5-speed manual. Then comes the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit (103 PS, 137 Nm) which is only available with a 4-speed automatic.

For the Jazz, I'd pick the the Sport Hybrid i-DCD variant (for reasons I'll detail below). As for the Myvi, it has to be the range-topping 1.5L AV, because that's the one that comes with all the goodies.

Also read: Spied: First look at the 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift

Interior - Jazz has the Myvi licked 

Starting with the Honda Jazz, regardless of which variant, you will find a well-executed cabin that is well-built, with faultless ergonomics. It feels airy, spacious, with plenty of usable cubbies, spaces and pockets. We've said this about many modern Hondas, and the Jazz just reinforces this belief.

That's before we even get to the party piece of the Jazz, the Ultra seats. This solution affords the Jazz multiple seating and storage configurations that the Myvi can only dream of. Additionally, the Jazz has 363 litres (Hybrid is 314 litres) of boot space, which is pretty impressive for a B-segment hatchback.

The Myvi too, possesses a solid, well-built interior that wouldn't invite much complaints with its target audience. Features like the built-in SmartTag reader, USB charging port on driver's seat, and handbag hook stand out, as it shows Perodua knows what its buyers want. 

Where the Myvi loses out to the Jazz is interior packaging (there's that word again). Sure, the Myvi's seats fold down to unlock more storage, but is nowhere near as flexible as the Ultra seats in the Jazz. At 277 litres of boot space, the Myvi trails behind in the practicality stakes. 

Features and gadgets - The Myvi strikes back with more advanced features

This is where the Perodua Myvi will show the Honda Jazz a clean pair of heels, right? It is, after all, the newer car. 

We detail in the table below, a comparison of the range-topping Jazz (1.5L V) and Myvi (1.5L AV), to see which one has more toys and gadgetry.

As the table shows, the Perodua Myvi has the edge when it comes to features and equipment. Personally, having some ADAS functions for the kind of money the Myvi is asking for, is incredible value. Remember, this is in a B-segment hatchback. 

What are the costs of owning one?

Having asked feedback from friends who have owned a Honda Jazz, the general feedback is that they've not encountered anything major or remotely concerning about their cars. It's reliable, fuel-efficient and easy to maintain.

That extends to the i-DCD Hybrid powertrain as well, which has proven critics wrong. Many owners have little to no faults to find with the ownership experience. Battery replacement costs? Read on here.

Also read: Used hybrids are really cheap, so should you buy a used Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid or Honda Insight?

However, while new Honda Jazz models came with a five year/unlimited mileage warranty, you'd be on your own if you purchase a used unit that is out of the warranty range. Do keep that in mind. 

Posing the same ownership questions to Perodua Myvi owners, the answers are largely similar. No major issues or complaints. Moreover, because they bought the car new, these owners have a five year/150,000 km factory warranty in case anything goes awry. 

In any case, here are some ownership costs that you should be aware of for either model.

As you can see, the cost of maintaining either model is nothing exhorbitant. Road taxes don't cost much as both models are powered by relatively small engines. The same goes for the tyre replacements, because the sizes range from 175/65 R14 to 185/55 R16. 

Driving experience - Jazz more polished, Myvi less so

Of the two, the Honda Jazz is the more polished car, both to drive and to sit in. The suspension tuning is the right balance between comfort and nippiness. Steering feel is quite natural and as a result, the ride and handling is pretty cohesive. 

In the regular 1.5-litre petrol versions, the CVT is responsive enough for your daily driving needs. But the Sport Hybrid i-DCD takes it up a notch. Because of the way the powertrain is calibrated, the hybrid Jazz serves up its performance in a very vibrant, energetic manner. 

Squeeze the throttle and the hybrid Jazz just responds instantly, its dual clutch transmission dropping a cog or two. The suspension tuning on this variant does feel a tad firmer, but nothing too jarring. Fun to drive? Oh yes.

Conversely, the Perodua Myvi can be a bit harsh-riding, especially for the rear occupants. The rear suspension just hops and skips when asked to absorb harsher bumps and ruts. Coupled with seats that lack support, you won't call it comfortable. 

Power delivery of the Myvi is fairly responsive, regardless of engine choice. The 4-speed auto shifts cleanly and with reasonable speed, but it can't match the smoothness of the Jazz's CVT (then again, not many can). 

Also read: Selling cars with a 4-speed automatic, in 2021, should be illegal

Either way, you'd not call one or the other a true driver's car, but the Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD is closer to delivering a sporty drive.

Conclusion

Were it my money to be spent, the Honda Jazz would edge this one for me as a contest, simply because of it's ingenious interior packaging, and the fact that I prefer a CVT (or the Sport Hybrid set up) over a 4-speed automatic transmission. 

In saying that, a brand new Perodua Myvi will give you years and years of trouble-free motoring. It's laden with the latest ADAS technologies and modern features, comes with a factory-backed warranty, so it definitely holds the sensible appeal. 

It's just that, the GK Honda Jazz does everything a little bit better in most aspects - new car warranty notwithstanding - and for someone who prefers a non-national B-segment hatchback, that might just swing it.