2009 Light Car Comparison

By Matt Brogan | January 05th, 2009

2009 CarAdvice Light Hatch Comparison

Honda Jazz vs. Kia Rio vs. Toyota Yaris

Models Tested:

2009 Honda Jazz VTi, 1.5-litre, automatic, five-door hatch – $21,490
2009 Kia Rio LX, 1.4-litre, automatic, five-door hatch – $16,990
2009 Toyota Yaris YRS, 1.5-litre, manual, five-door hatch – $16,990

Options:

Honda: Metallic Paint $300
Kia: Metallic Paint $300 (Fitted)
Toyota: Metallic Paint $300; Safety Pack $750

- words by Matt Brogan pics by Paul Maric

In our first comparison for the new year we have set our focus on the lower end of the scale, those vehicle’s more commonly used as city run-abouts, first cars, or thrifty alternatives to the traditional family sedan.

In particular we aim to test two of the more popular Japanese models against an upcoming Korean brand to see how near, if at all, the difference has become.

All the models selected are five-door, hatch bodied, four-cylinder petrol variants of roughly the same price, power and grade, though we did suffer a mix of transmissions with two automatic and one manual availed to us.

Next page…

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

2009 Honda Jazz VTi

CarAdvice Rating:

First up is Honda’s funky little Jazz. I’ve driven quite a few of these over the past couple years and they never fail to impress for both ease of operation and clever utilisation of available space.

The latest makeover sees Jazz looking much the same as the model it replaced, after all, if it’s not broken why fix it! However, in saying that I do feel it looks a little smarter, sharper and the inside is both contemporary and civilised.

Plenty of space, clever design, obvious and simple controls as well as an excellent build quality all help Jazz feel as though it is a cut above the rest, and I guess given the more weighty price tag that’s probably fair enough.

Up back the cargo area is one of Jazz’s highlights with the “Magic Seat” (click here for animation) versatility allowing an exceptional payload space for all manner of cumbersome or oddly shaped ojects.

Offering 337 litres of volume with the seats up, the Jazz clearly beats the rivals and with seats laid down this area is increased to 848 litres – though it feels greater again.

Comfortable and supportive seating means longer trips aren’t a bother and there’s enough adjustment in the driver’s seat to afford taller occupants a comfortable steer.

Head, shoulder and leg room is also generous in the back meaning you can actually fit three adults across the rear, though perhaps for friendship’s sake this is realistically only an option on short trips.

Feature-wise Jazz offers much the same as the other two cars tested. Air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and an MP3 compatible single CD tuner all make an appearance and all work exceptionally well, especially the stereo.

Under the bonnet the 1.5-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder engine offers more than with 88kW/145Nm providing terrific performance both around town and on the open road.

It loves to rev, as do most Honda VTEC engines, but that’s not to say you need to drive everywhere with your foot to the floor as the five-speed automatic transmission manages the available power exceptionally well to ensure you’re always ready to go.

With a reasonably light 1115kg body fuel economy was consistently lower than the claimed 6.7-litres per 100km (combined) suggested by ADR testing with my week seeing consistent low six-litre returns.

Handling is nimble, and thanks to a strut front/semi-independent rear end and slightly longer wheelbase, the ride is very smooth. In fact, the car rides more like a small sedan than a light hatch which is a very welcome return given the price end of the segment.

ANCAP ratings show the Jazz as a four-star car, due to a lack of ESP, but with four-wheel disc brakes (with ABS, EBA & EBD) and dual front and side airbags the car feels as safe and settled as it reads on paper – quite reassuring really.

In this test at least, the Jazz is a brilliant offering for the money and with the flexibility, reliability and suitability in terms of value for money, this little number is pretty hard to go past.

2009 Kia Rio LX

CarAdvice Rating:

Next in line, Kia’s aging Rio, demonstrates that while perhaps it’s time for a well-earned makeover, this little hatch is still a credible contender in our test and provides simple, honest transport that represents genuine value for money.

The exterior, though perhaps quite familiar, isn’t unattractive and is functional in lending a well-spaced proportional feel to both the cabin and cargo areas.

Inside, the décor is rather plain, but manages a practical feel to all the necessary controls. It’s quite comfortable given the space offered, but is realistically a four seater.

Trim and plastic usage feel appropriate for the price, and all seam lines fit very well showing above average fit and finish through out.

Boot space too is generous, far beyond that offered in the Yaris, and although the Rio offers 60:40 split fold rear seats, which expand the luggage space from 270 litres to 1145 litres, it isn’t quite on the same level from a practicality standpoint as the Jazz.

Despite all this, it is a basic unit, and with the omission of power mirrors Rio’s design age is clearly evident. Front power windows, single MP3 compatible CD tuner, remote central locking and air-conditioning do however come as standard which isn’t too bad for the coin.

Under the bonnet, Rio’s 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol features a twin-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve arrangement that makes for happy mid-range pull, but lacks a little in the lower and upper reaches.

Developing 70kW at 6000rpm, the engine is let down by a lazy automatic gearbox that’s slow to make use of the 125Nm available at 4700rpm. This also affects fuel economy (as does the pudgy 1241kg tare weight), which could be a little better than the 6.8 litres per 100km offered.

Ride is comfortable, though handling is a bit of a let down with a front heavy attitude doing nothing to improve the weak chassis design in pushing a lot of understeer into the equation.

Sharp corners at speed are a definite no-no as Rio will insist on continuing straight ahead. It’s a bit of a let down really considering somewhat archaic braking is of a surprising level that could see this be a fun handler, such as is exhibited bynewer Kia chassis designs.

From a safety stand point the Rio offers what would have been acceptable a few short years back, but by today’s standard is left a little lacking. Surprisingly, dual front airbags offer Rio a four star ANCAP rating, which is very good, however no further safety options or additional airbags are available.

Rio feels solid though, and on paper at least the Rio isn’t too far off the mark, though when you consider just how much the rivals are offering for the money, we just couldn’t score the Rio higher than third given the quality of the competition.

We have to say though, that Kia is on the up-and-up lately and when Rio is replaced next year, this entire comparison could be turned on its head, but until then, this little Korean is lucky last.

2009 Toyota Yaris YRS

CarAdvice Rating:

Our third candidate is the ever popular Toyota Yaris. It seems you can’t travel a single kilometre in a big city without spying at least one of these little beasts, in fact I’ve seen them in just about every big city in the world, and I guess there is good reason for that.

They’re reliable, they get along with minimal fuss, have all the features you could possibly ask for, offer a myriad of nifty storage and seemingly never put a foot wrong – though one could say this all gets a little boring after a while.

The looks are pretty benign. It’s not unattractive after all and inside is reasonably flexible, practical and ergonomic in lay out though the boot space is appallingly limited.

Although Toyota claims the boot space to be 272 litres (seats up) the shallow layout means it is effectively useless – we couldn’t even get our camera gear in there.

It can be expanded as in all our test subjects, through the use of 60:40 split fold rear seats though still doesn’t come close to matching Honda’s “Magic Seats” as offered in Jazz.

Seating is quite well proportioned, and rather comfortable though the front seats can feel a little like you’re sitting on a kitchen chair after longer trips.

The use of a mixture in textures and colour help to lift the budget appearance of the trim and finish is consistently above average through the entire cabin.

Featuring power mirrors and windows, single MP3 compatible CD tuner with steering wheel mounted controls, remote central locking, and air-conditioning the Yaris is – in this comparison – on par with the rivals in offering a good equipment list for your dollar.

Up front a slightly larger 1.5-litre, four-cylinder powers the Yaris though we should point out Toyota does offer a 1.3-litre variant.

The DOHC, 16-valve unit offers variable valve timing and manages a pretty healthy 80kW at 6000rpm. It ‘s happy to rev and manages good pace if you keep busy on the gear stick.

Torque too is rather surprising for a little car and with 141Nm on board from 4200rpm, the Yaris manages to tackle hills and highway cruising comfortably, even with four adults on board.

It’s not a heavy car and at 1030kg the Yaris manages decent fuel economy at 6.1-litres per 100km (combined ADR) – a figure we found to be quite accurate throughout our test.

Suspension set up is a little on the basic side and it shows by comparison to some of the newer rivals on the market, but in this little test, Yaris sits squarely in the middle as being better than Rio but not quite as sharp as the Jazz.

For safety’s sake the four-star ANCAP rated Yaris offers disc/drum combination brakes and offers ABS with EBA and EBD fitted as standard. ESP and Traction Control don’t make an appearance, hence the four star rating.

Dual front airbags are standard fit though for an additional $750 you can option side, curtain and driver’s knee bags. Toyota call this the ‘Enhanced Safety Pack’.

It’s a very good little car, but I’d stop short of saying great, and with the Jazz, Mazda2 and new Fiesta all offering a much more modern approach to this segment the Yaris just doesn’t cut the grade to win this round – second place.

Conclusion

As it stands, each of the three cars tested offer much the same when viewed on paper, but as you’ve just read, the devil is in the detail.

It’s obvious this time round at least the Japanese manufacturers still have the Korean licked, though I dare say not for long. The Rio isn’t far off the mark from a build and equipment perspective, but suffers in the driveability stakes considerably, especially on the open road.

From a performance standpoint, things are neck and neck. They all take about 13 seconds to get to 100km/h and they all max out just shy of 175km/h, even if some perform better in different ranges. Jazz is however noticeably more sprightly around town, brakes better and is noticeably more fuel efficient, despite what ADR tests may have you believe.

Passenger cabin space is probably more generous, if only slightly in both Jazz and Rio, while the “Magic Seat” flexibility does afford Jazz maximum cargo area over the other two, something that Yaris is sorely lacking.

Based on the week I spent jumping between the three light hatches I’ve come to the conclusion that the Jazz rules the roost. OK, it’s slightly dearer, but you do get what you pay for – more room, it’s a better drive and if this week proved anything, it’s cheaper to run as well.

To be fair though, the Yaris isn’t far behind though and were the brakes a little sharper in response, the boot space more ample and the drive more fluid it could have been a different call, but as it stands Toyota is our runner up.

Lucky last is the little Rio. It’s heavy, aged design makes it a quite sluggish by comparison, especially on the open road, and while it does feel very sturdy, the lack of a more modern chassis design is very evident in enthusiastic driving. Once the Rio sees a facelift though, this comparo could have a very different outcome.

Ratings

Honda Jazz VTi:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Kia Rio LX:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Toyota Yaris YRS:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications

Honda Jazz VTi:

Engine: 1459cc OHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 88kW @ 6600rpm
Torque: 145Nm @ 4800rpm
Induction: Multi Point
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
Brakes: Disc with ABS, EBA & EBD
CO2 Emissions: 159g/km
Fuel Consumption: 6.7-litres/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 litres
Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
ANCAP Rating: Four Star
Safety: Dual Front & Side Airbags
Spare Wheel: Full Size Steel
Tow Capacity: 800kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 9.8 metres
Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
Weight: 1115kg (Tare)
Wheels: Steel 15 x 5.5-inch

Kia Rio LX:

Engine: 1399cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 70kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 125Nm @ 4700rpm
Induction: Multi Point
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
Brakes: Disc (F)/Drum (R)
CO2 Emissions: 162g/km
Fuel Consumption: 6.8 litres/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres
Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
ANCAP Rating: four-star
Safety: Dual Front Airbags
Spare Wheel: Full Size Steel
Tow Capacity: 700kg (Tare)
Turning Circle: 10.1 metres
Warranty: Five Year/Unlimited Kilometre
Weight: 1241kg (Tare)
Wheels: Steel 14 x 5.0-inch

Toyota Yaris YRS:

Engine: 1497cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 80kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 141Nm @ 4200rpm
Induction: Multi Point
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Driven Wheels: Front
Brakes: Disc (F)/Drum (R) with ABS, EBA & EBD
CO2 Emissions: 145g/km
Fuel Consumption: 6.1 litres/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 litres
Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
ANCAP Rating: Four star
Safety: Dual Front Airbags
Spare Wheel: Full size steel
Tow Capacity: 1050kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 9.4 metres
Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
Weight: 1030kg (Tare)
Wheels: Steel 15 x 5.5-inch

Martin

Considering the how much older the Rio is compared to the other two, I think despite being third, still hung in pretty well for its age.
Alex

Nicely done CA but the only problem was that I could predict the result before I read a word. It would be nice to see a test with more superminis – Yaris, Jazz, Rio, Micra, Fiesta, Colt, Getz/i20 (don’t know what the release date is over here), Punto, Polo, Barina etc.
Just to see who the real winner is in this size bracket.
http://car.idonomad.com Yiannis

nice job
JasonP

One of the reasons I bought a Mazda 2 over a new Jazz, was the availability of Stability Control.

You didn’t include your Long Term Fiesta in this comparo?????
Andrew

It would have been nice to see the Mazda2 included in this comparison, especially as it is one of the frontrunners in this class. However perhaps a comparison between the new Fiesta and Mazda2 would be interesting..

It’s funny, my supervisor at work corrected me when I said the new Fiesta is based on the new Mazda2 platform, but correct me if I’m wrong, the Mazda2 has been out for approximately a year! Blue tainted, oval-shaped glasses.
Tom

Why is there no Mazda 2 or Fiesta?

I hardly think the Yaris or Kia are class leaders like the Jazz!
Brad

If the photo’s shown on the site are pictures of the actual cars that they’ve tested, it’s a dud test. The photo’s of the Jazz are the VTI, which is a 1.5, not 1.3 as claimed. I can tell you, the Jazz GLI would have to be one of the slowest cars I’ve driven, second to the 1.3 Yaris! I think if the WS Fiesta had have been included in this test it would have aced the competition.
http://www.caradvice.com.au David Twomey

As you would appreciate getting cars together for multi-car tests takes a lot of organising and a number of the cars readers have mentioned above were on our list. However, they either weren’t available, or in the case of the Fiesta had not yet been released.
As this is a very significant section of the Australian car market we do plan to re-visit it in the near future, especially now the Ford Fiesta has been released.
Brad – I can assure you that the car in the photographs is in fact a Honda Jazz GLi, I drove it and arranged its loan from Honda Australia!
David Twomey – Editor
http://www.caradvice.com.au David Twomey

Andrew, as far as i know, and as strange as its seems, your supervisor is correct, the chassis was developed by FORD, then first used by Mazda and subsequently by Ford for the Fiesta, so technically the Mazda2 is built on the Ford Fiesta chassis. Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction!
PaulH

Brad is correct. The Jazz in the photos is a 1.5-litre VTi. The interior photo shows audio controls on the left side of the steering wheel – a feature not available in the GLi.
JasonP

Doesn’t matter who developed what, apparently the Mazda 2 & new Fiesta share approx 55% of their DNA.

They seem to differ in their engines & trim levels.

It’s no fireball, but my “2″ is a great little city car.
Andrew

My bad about the platform, on wikipedia it states that the Mazda2 and upcoming Fiesta are based on the new DE platform which is based on the Mazda D Series platform family, but according to the Fiesta page it references the Ford B3 platform, which is another name for the DY platform.
Stevo the Devo

Engine bays so tight you’d need to take it back to the dealer to re-insert the dipstick. My fairmont on gas is cheaper to run and is much more comfortable. Get a proper car or get a scooter.
http://www.caradvice.com.au David Twomey

Brad,
You win this one and our humble apologies, we actually had two Honda Jazz booked at the same time a GLi and a VTi, the car used in the photography is the VTi and we will make the appropriate corrections to the story. We apologise for any confusion.
David Twomey -Editor
http://skyline The Salesman

Hi guys,
Pricing is incorrect on Rio, it is $15,990.00 drive away, not $16,990.00 as you have listed. Rio is considerably cheaper than the Jazz and Yaris that will still charge on roads from the list prices stated, making Rio cheaper by thousands.I would say it is punching well above its weight group on value for money. Also no mention of Kia’s 5 year warranty?
I did not know Kia had a new Rio comming out next year, it is looking a bit old now.
http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt

Check in the specifications table next to warranty!

As for pricing, we focus on RRP, not drive-away offers that appear from time to time as these can vary state by state.

Cheers.
http://skyline The Salesman

Thanks Matt, i did not read the specifications page. Also I stand corrected on the RRP, although the drive away price has been nation wide for some time it could change any month. I hope the new Rio blows the competition out of the water.
http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt

The way KIA are going mate I am sure they’ll kick goals.

We actually have a KIA as a member of the family here and have been more than happy with its flawless performance over the past two and a half years.
Triton

I have not driven any of these cars, so accept Matt’s views that the Jazz is the clear winner, followed by the Yaris and the Rio.

A couple of points in favour of the Rio, that emphasise its suitability as a daily suburban drive, are:

1. That excellent 5 year warranty, and

2. The all-round rubbing strips, so lacking in current designs, yet so useful in the normal shopping centre car park “demolition derby”.

To top it all off, Kia offer an excellent range of colours.
SamR

Cut it out Triton, the ONLY reason you would buy the Rio is if you could not afford to buy the others or a Mazda etc.

You would have to be a fool otherwise to pay the same amount for an inferior car with poor resale.
JasonP

Must admit, never seriously considered the Rio or the current Barina. They’re both just so anonymous.

On another note, how come nobody on these forums slags off Kia as a failure, having been saved by being bough out a few years back by Hyundai?

Or for that matter, Nissan, who was saved by Renault?
Or Mitsubishi, saved by Daimler-Benz?
Or Mazda, saved by Ford?

Guess the Big 3 US Manufacturers must be a more appealing target…………

Still wish the Mazda 2 & new Fiesta were included in this test.
http://skyline The Salesman

JasonP,
Competition in the market is getting tough, it costs millions to research and develop a new product and get it on the market. It is cheaper to share technology with other manufactures and there are many examples of this today.
http://skyline The Salesman

Matt,
Stupid question maybe, but it has been bugging me. Why are the pictures of Paul and yourself have you in LHD cars?
Dan

Given this Honda Jazz is so expensive, almost 5K above the Yaris, no wonder it won the test. Of course you will make anything much better if you throw money at it. For the same price you can buy a better Corolla. I know which one I’d rather have. Value for money the Jazz is a rip off in my opinion. If you have enough cash for a Jazz, do the smart thing and get a Corolla, for an identical price too!
AAA

Kia Riio 1.4 man $13,990 drive away no more 2 pay.
http://ozmazdaclub.com.au Dave OMC

Its good to see that the other makes get a look in but I’m rapped in my Mazda 2 Genki.
http://Deags.com Deags

Scrap those cars, Mazda 2 wins.
FRUGAL–ONE

[Your comment is awaiting moderation...I THINK NOT!]

You missed a LOT of cheaper vehicles in this comparison, like your loan Fiesta?The base Fiesta would have killed everything, but yeah less room than the jizz.

Nearly every jap/korean brand [and son euros] have a vehicle that should have been included….

In any case a vehicle i am interested in is the new honda city, the PRICE will be the key issue, in other markets its cheaper than sister model jizz, not sure what honda are going to do here?

Another vehicle that could also shake up this test, being bigger but priced in the ballpark is the new 2L Forte/Cerato, once again the PRICE will be the key, they are claiming it will the cheapest in its segment.

And then we have new Getz i20 etc etc, plenty newies coming out in 2009.

Cheers

F-0
Thrax

I used to own a 2006 model VTI manual Jazz…and absolutely loved it! I wanted a small car that got great fuel economy and was large enough to fit me in it (all 196cm and 106kg’s).

I got rid of it becuase I got a new job and “had to” take the car that came with the job (an ’06 E-Gas auto falcon). While the falcon was a nice drive and the gearbox was awesome, it was the hardest car to get into and the fuel consumption was very ordinary – the Jazz on the other hand had sensational room and was very easy to get in and out of.

My Jazz averaged around 6 l/100km (with less than 5k on the odo) and the best I got out of it was 5.7l/100km (from Latrobe Valley to Bright via the City with the a/c on and the Missus driving at 120km/h up the Hume).

If it wasn’t for the work car (now an Auto Camry) I’d buy a new Jazz as I’m smitten – the one looks great!
SteveC

Out of the current lineup in this article, the Jazz would win. As it was mentioned earlier by another reader, it’s worth more…..

Though Honda’s vehicles are always more expensive than their competitors. I personally dislike Honda (coming from a mechanical background – the highest rate of grease monkey deaths come from Honda dealers, both cars and bike/recreation/small vehicle divisions).

Sadly, I understand why these other cars didn’t make it. It is a royal pain trying to have a massive comparo/shootout of anything when doing a review like this. But the Mazda 2 would have to be the best hatch out there according to my experience.

Out of these three, the Jazz would be the best. Best room, best utilisation of seating, best performance and handling. Honda are generally reliable too (I wonder if they have ever fixed their issues with regulator/rectifiers dying, which happens on all their vehicles that have dead batteries because they stopped charging thanks to the reg/rec failing to push out the charge that the alternator is creating. Their cars do it, their bikes do it, their ATV’s do it. Their ride-on lawn mowers even do it.

SteveC
Robbo

Why not compare apples with apples?

The Rio LX 1.4 should be compared with getz and barina. The Rio EX 1.6 (still cheaper than jazz and yaris) should be compared in this article. I have always loved a underdog, and cannot wait to see the day that hyundai / kia overtake the big guys, cause they already sell more cars globally than honda.

Rio EX gets abs brakes, power windows all round, cvvt in the engine making it a much greater performer. Of course the yaris and jazz are going to be favourites.
Keepleft, MotAdv-NSW

THE 2009 KIA RIO no longer has the safety of a rear fog light. (See rear pic of lower bar). It is a deleted item on 2009 models that I’ve seen.

You do get however a plain rear bar, minus the safety light.

Dumb, neigh stupid, but thats a reflection on our backward ADR which opts out of the mandatory International rule, so thank you ADR 13 Part 8.5.1.

This car is therefore off GF’s shopping list (she uses the NSW F3 and does country driving encompassing heavy rain, fog etc).

Above said in principle, don’t take offence dear reader, and I like most of you would permit police to drag F&R fog light offenders from their vehicles for summary roadside execution:-)

Fix that rotten ADR.
fifi

The Rio may be old, but that’s why it’s better looking – cars from 2001-2005 looked better than cars that were drawn in 2006-2010.