Previously, we put a brand-new Perodua Myvi against a used Honda Jazz (GK). This time, we’re substituting the Honda Jazz for its arch-rival – the Toyota Yaris.

Being newer than the Honda Jazz (the Yaris was launched in 2019), selection in the used market isn’t quite as wide and prices are slightly higher as well, averaging in the mid-RM 60k for a 2019 model. 

Which means those shopping for a brand-new Perodua Myvi will need to fork out an additional RM 10k or thereabouts for a used Toyota Yaris. If your budget permits, read on to find out which one suits your preferences.

Same 1.5-litre engines in both?

Both feature a 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine from the NR engine family and both are made in the Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing plant in Negeri Sembilan. 

Despite having slightly different engine codes, 2NR-FE for the Toyota Yaris and 2NR-VE for the Perodua Myvi, they are the same engine. It's just different suffixes for Toyota and Daihatsu. 

Wikipedia might suggest otherwise, but Perodua's own specifications sheet confirms that the Myvi uses a 2NR-VE engine and it’s an aluminium block.

Also read: The 1.5L engine in Perodua Myvi and Toyota Yaris, are they the same?

However, the horsepower figures differ slightly. The 2NR-FE in the Yaris produces 107 PS and 140 Nm of torque while the 2NR-VE in the Myvi produces 103 PS and 137 Nm of torque.

Also, the 2NR-FE is typically mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) whereas the 2NR-VE pairs with a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Which variant should I pick?

Prices range from RM 41,292 to RM 52,697 (SST-exempted) for a brand-new Myvi. If you ask us, we’d say pick at least the 1.5L H variant as it comes with ADAS, or as Perodua calls it – A.S.A. 2.0.

The A.S.A. 2.0 suite of ADAS bundles AEB, Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Mis-operation Control. The former two are particularly useful in this generation of drivers who seem to think they can get away with multitasking, being on the phone whilst driving.

Until they don’t, and that’s when ADAS might just save the day. Though some may argue the dependency on such features, to which we’ve covered that topic here.

Also read: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ADAS, more harm than good?

As for the pre-facelift Toyota Yaris, we’d avoid the base J variant as it appears rather basic with the 15-inch wheels and halogen reflector headlamps. It also uses a basic head unit with a CD player and various ‘traditional’ connections like MP3, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth.

The sweet spot would be the E variant. It adds on quite a bit from the base variant like 16-inch wheels, projector headlamps, LED taillamps, acoustic windshield, and 6.8-inch touchscreen DVD head unit with 360-degree camera.

The range-topping G variant is nice as well with rear disc brakes, automatic air-conditioning, leather steering wheel, and higher speaker count. We think that these items aren’t a must-have in the Yaris, but if you can find one at a good price, why not right?

Having said that, the pre-facelift Toyota Yaris doesn’t feature ADAS in any variants save for the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert it has over the Myvi. But having AEB does give the Myvi a significant advantage.

Interior – Myvi has more space

The Toyota Yaris does not have the most stylish interior, save for a few silver garnishes scattered across the dashboard, the rest of the cabin is finished in generic but practical automotive grey. It has a marginally bigger boot, rated at 286 litres against the Myvi’s 277 litres.

In terms of storage spaces and practicality, the Myvi lacks a centre armrest with a storage compartment and the drawer underneath the miscellaneous buttons on the driver side is occupied by the Smart Tag reader. So the Yaris has a tad more options for storing your items.

Also, the seats in the Myvi are rather small with short seat base and backrest, which means they aren’t particularly comfortable nor supportive. The seats in the Yaris however, are noticeably larger and more comfortable.

The Myvi claws back some brownie points in space and its unique features. From the novel anti-snatch hook that also works for conventional plastic/paper bags, to the built-in Smart Tag reader. It’s also more spacious than the Yaris with more legroom.

On the move – Yaris is more polished

Combine the CVT and the superior cabin insulation, the Toyota Yaris is significantly more refined than the Perodua Myvi. Overall cabin noise level is lower in Yaris with less tyre and powertrain noises.

The Toyota Yaris has a more matured character as it feels less light-footed than the Perodua Myvi, and it doesn’t leap off the line as eagerly from a standstill. The CVT is seamless and suits the relaxed nature of the Yaris quite well, whereas the 4-speeder in the Myvi provides an experience most Malaysians are familiar with.

The Yaris’ suspension is superbly tuned to be supple yet controllable through the bends. It’s able to gloss over most of our sub-optimal roads without losing composure. In the Myvi however, it can be rather crashy at times, and does have the hollow sensation.

Which is cheaper to own?

In terms of fuel consumption, both should return fairly similar numbers, though we’d give the edge to the Perodua Myvi in town driving as it’s over 100 kg lighter. Owners of the Perodua Myvis have been reporting figures close to 6.0-litre/100 km on a mixed cycle.

On highways, we’d expect the Toyota Yaris to be more fuel-efficient as it cruises at just under 2,000 rpm at 110 km/h, compared to 2,500 rpm in the Myvi. During our test with the Yaris, we averaged 7.0-litre/100 km in mixed driving conditions.

Also read: Ratings: 2019 Toyota Yaris 1.5G - High marks in comfort, 164/250 score overall

Maintenance cost will be higher for the Toyota Yaris. It wears larger 16-inch wheels on 195/50 profile tyres which costs, on average, about 50% higher than the 15-inch units wrapped with 185/55 in the Myvi.

Comparing prices in official service centres, a minor service for the Myvi will cost RM 213 with fully-synthetic engine oil. Meanwhile, a minor service for the Yaris sets you back RM 266 with mineral engine oil and can cost up to RM 416 if you opt for fully-synthetic.

Conclusion

As always with these used versus new segment, the new option which in case is the Perodua Myvi, will give you the peace-of-mind from the 5 years warranty. It’s also more spacious than the Toyota Yaris, features ADAS, unique Malaysian touches like the built-in toll reader and anti-snatch hook, and is slightly cheaper to run than the Yaris. 

On the other hand, a used 2019 Toyota Yaris will still have about 3 years left in the warranty period and being a Toyota, there should be no doubt about its reliability. It’s way more refined and comfortable compared to the Myvi and it has a few tricks up its sleeves like the 360-degree camera, BSM and RCTA.

If you prioritise space over refinement, then the Perodua Myvi fits your bill. But if you’re willing to pay a little more for that polished driving experience and comfort, then the choice is obvious - Toyota Yaris.

Also read: 

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

Pros and Cons: Toyota Yaris – this over the Honda Jazz?

Pros and cons, 2018 Perodua Myvi: Why is it the best-selling car in Malaysia?