2021 Toyota Yaris vs Honda Jazz - Ageing Jazz still worth buying?
Arif · Nov 3, 2020 09:00 AM
Set to launch at the end of 2020, the facelifted Toyota Yaris is already generating tremendous interest among new car buyers. Available in three colours, the facelifted Yaris sports a more aggressive bumper with the black accents now extending to the grill. As of most Toyota-Honda rivalry, this segment sees the Toyota Yaris going up against the Honda Jazz.
How do they stack up against each other? Let’s a have a showdown of these two B-segment hatchbacks.
Prices of the Toyota Yaris are only estimates for the time being. Both Yaris and Jazz come in three variants. In their respective mid and range-topping trims, the Honda Jazz is cheaper than the Yaris.
Toyota Yaris Price (est.)
Toyota Yaris
1.5 J (AT)
1.5 E (AT)
1.5 G (AT)
Price (est.)
RM 71,688
RM 80,591
RM 85,587
Do take note that these prices are without SST and are only applicable until the end of 2020.
Honda Jazz Price
Honda Jazz
1.5 S (AT)
1.5 E (AT)
1.5 V (AT)
Price
RM 72,511
RM 78,161
RM 84,955
Price wise, the Jazz wins.
Specs - Both 1.5-litre and CVT; Jazz has more power
Both cars are equipped with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT transmission. The Yaris retains the good old 2NR-FE engine. They are very similar in the powertrain department although the Honda Jazz records a higher maximum power and torque output.
Further specifications of the Yaris are yet to be known, so we’ll keep things until here first.
If you’re interested in the performance numbers, they are as such:
Spec & performance comparison
Toyota Yaris
Honda Jazz
Engine
1.5-L 4-cylinder NA
1.5-L 4-cylinder NA
Transmission
CVT auto
CVT auto
Maximum power
107 PS @ 6,000 rpm
120 PS @ 6,600 rpm
Maximum torque
140 Nm @ 4,200rpm
145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Brakes (F/R)
Disc/Disc
Disc/Drum
Front suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Dimensions - The Yaris is bigger and has more presence
*Dimensions estimated from pre-facelift Toyota Yaris
Looks wise the Toyota Yaris exudes more presence due to its larger size. Dimensions of the facelifted Yaris are yet to be confirmed but they shouldn’t deviate that much from the current one. If bigger is better for you, the Yaris is an obvious win over the Jazz.
Dimensions comparison
Toyota Yaris*
Honda Jazz
Length
4,145 mm
3,989 mm
Width
1,730 mm
1,694 mm
Height
1,475 mm
1,524 mm
Wheelbase
2,550 mm
2,530 mm
Weight
1,140 kg
1,099 kg
Turning radius
5.7 m
5.4 m
*pre-facelift Toyota Yaris
And advantage of the Jazz is the tighter turning radius which is perfect for urban driving.
Features - Yaris has Android Auto
Better mobile connectivity in the Toyota Yaris
Being a car from 2018, the Honda Jazz lacks in this department. Not only is the Yaris equipped with LED Headlights, it also has phone connectivity features (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay). Both cars are equipped with ECO mode for fuel efficient driving but the Yaris has a fancy "Sport" mode for those looking for a little thrill.
Features comparison
Toyota Yaris
Honda Jazz
Headlights
LED
Halogen
DRL
LED
LED
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Yes
No
Eco mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
No
Hill-start assist
Yes
Yes
Honda Jazz head unit
Safety - The Jazz is in need of an urgent update
This department is also where the Jazz shows signs of age. The Yaris comes with Toyota's TSS, albeit, a simpler version compared to the one in the Toyota Camry. An added convenience is the 360° camera for easier parking and reversing. Like most new cars, the Yaris also comes with a Digital Video Recorder which is useful for settling disputes.
Safety comparison
Toyota Yaris
Honda Jazz
Airbags
7
6
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
ADAS
TSS
No
360° camera
Yes
No
DVR
Yes
No
RCTA
Yes
No
Blindspot assist
Yes
No
ASEAN NCAP
5-star (2017;Vios)
5-star (2014)
Interior Space - Interior space is the Honda Jazz's strength
Interior space is where the Jazz trumps the Yaris. With the Ultra seat feature, various interior space configurations can be achieved including a "tall mode" that folds the second-row bench up. The Toyota Yaris has a tighter cabin space and doesn't offer as much practicality.
Rear seats of the Honda Jazz can be folded up
Based on the information we know so far, that is how these 2 cars stack up against each other. The current Honda Jazz is from 2018 and that is rather apparent in it slack of features especially concerning ADAS. With a fresh facelift, the Yaris is an appealing option to those looking for a B-segment hatchback.
Previously an engineer in an automotive manufacturing company and a highway concessionaire. A part-time research student on biofuels and diesel engines. Obsessed with vehicle electrification and the future of transportation.
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