The two compact hatchback rivals, the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit, are now on their fourth generation, and even though they have differences, these two Japanese compacts are redesigned to be more advanced, more efficient, and more enjoyable for drivers who want to take them for either work or play.
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| 2020 Toyota Yaris |
We start with the Toyota Yaris, an all-new model from Toyota, and the long-awaited replacement for the Vitz hatchback. With prices starting at 1,395,000 Japanese Yen, the Yaris is a reasonably-priced hatchback that is designed from the ground up and promises to be a revolution rather than an evolution for this freshman favorite.
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| 2020 Toyota Yaris |
Unlike the last-generation Vitz it replaces, the Yaris’s exterior design is like a Toyota Aqua getting mashed up by any European hatchback you know, meaning this new model looks and feels like a European city car and that design really is worth having.
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| 2020 Toyota Yaris interior |
On the interior, the Yaris is nicer to live with than the Vitz it replaces. Spacious as well thanks to its wider stance and the TNGA platform it uses. Whether it can be used for work or for play, the Yaris is a do-all compact that does any tasks like a real yuppie on city life.
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| 2020 Toyota Yaris |
Because of its TNGA platform, as well as its clever suspension setup, the Yaris is more fun to drive than the Vitz at all corners of the city or on the open road, meaning such dynamics got the Europeans stunned at first sight.
In terms of performance, the Yaris is a city car in its own right that is powered by a choice of two petrol engines, a Dynamic Force 1.5L, and a 1.0L, and the hybrid variant is powered by a brand new 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain (engine + electric motor + li-ion battery) that promises up to 36kmpl on the combined WLTP scale. It is the first Toyota compact to have an E-Four hybrid four-wheel-drive system that sure is coming in handy in case of weather change. While the hybrid is mated exclusively with a CVT, the normal ones can be fitted with either a CVT or a 6-speed manual, something speedo boys are looking for.
Aside from that, the Yaris boasts class-leading safety features that translate to serious business when it comes to keeping the occupants safe.
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| 2020 Honda Fit |
Now it’s the turn of the fourth-generation Honda Fit, which starts at 1,557,600 Japanese Yen, slightly more costly than the Yaris.
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| 2020 Honda Fit |
Whereas the Yaris has evolved from being blunt to sharp, the new Fit is the exact opposite. What do you mean? Well, the previous Fit is sharp-looking even as years pass by but the new model shies away from being edgy and instead of looking round, clean, and simple. For this new version, the Fit is offered in various variants such as the Basic, Home, Ness, Luxe, and the outdoor-oriented Crosstar. Sadly, no sporty variant is in sight. Shame.
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| 2020 Honda Fit interior |
Although the new look is just okay, which is not okay for some because like they said, just okay is not okay, the new interior is anything but basic and because of its better visibility, you can really see things clearly while driving. Space? Well, the Fit has better space than the previous model, meaning this new model doesn’t matter whether it is an all-work, all-play simpleton that loves to stretch itself.
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| 2020 Honda Fit |
The old model’s hybrid powertrain had a nice double-clutch gearbox, making it more engaging to drive on a normal basis. The new model, sadly, no longer bears such enjoyment because it is now mated to a CVT and the compact version of the dual-motor hybrid powertrain derived from the Accord. Now called e:HEV, Honda’s dual-motor hybrid system is going to be the future of Honda’s electrification ambition, and expect future Honda hybrids bearing the e:HEV powertrain soon.
The 1.5L e:HEV powertrain delivers 38.6kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTP standards, meaning it’s more fuel-efficient than the Yaris, meaning it’s the lesser of the two naughties, and with that kind of efficiency, the new Fit can do all of the deliveries and TNVS stuff while leaving room for its day out at the mall and back home, especially when it lets its highly advanced safety features do the talking.
Of course, there’s a 1.3L i-VTEC petrol variant as well but because it's mated only with a CVT gearbox, it’s just okay, which is not for some because again, just okay is not okay.
So there you have it; the Yaris and the new Fit are compact hatches with different ways and means to satisfy yuppies across Japan. The Yaris is all about being sporty and enjoyable while the new Fit is all about being a basic necessity for the normal driver. In the end, it’s hard to decide which one is best and in the end, it’s everybody’s guess.
Photo: Toyota/Honda
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