World’s fastest growing auto market after China has seen small cars getting launched almost every month sometime even a couple. In this flooded market, we have shortlisted newly hatched Honda Jazz and much admired Toyota Etios Liva. With Toyota Etios Liva having long waiting period, its clear what status does Toyota enjoys in the country. It is the first time that Toyota has come up with a hatchback for the Indian auto market.

On the other hand, another Japanese carmaker Honda first cut down the prices with huge amount from its Jazz and now the company is ready with the face-lifted version of Jazz. Liva was the entry level car while Honda Jazz was the premium car, but now the 2011 Jazz model features low price with similar features.

A quick comparison between the top variants of the two cars will reveal the truth, which one is better in terms of exteriors, interiors, engine, specifications, performance and price?

Exteriors:-

New Honda Jazz has not changed much from its predecessor in terms of looks with cosmetics here and there like scraped up headlamps, front chrome grille and a chrome slat at the rear. Honda knows that Indians go for glittering things thus chrome work would attract them. The hatchback’s bumpers have also been redesigned for better appearance. In addition, the looks of new Honda Jazz boasts of body colored bumpers, alloy wheels, outside rear view turn indicators and fog lamps.

Toyota Etios Liva resembles its sedan counterpart having its boot chopped off to sculpt Liva hatchback. Lot of chrome work can be spotted all over the Liva including chromed grill and aggressive headlamps. Rear end carries corner mounted tail lamps and rear spoiler which are out of the league and bestow the toy car of Toyota an edge over others.

This section depends on ones desire and we personally feel New Honda Jazz to be more charming than its native rival.

Interiors:-

You can once ignore the looks but interior is the part in which you have to spend the time in journey. With more height and lengthier dimensions, Honda Jazz embraces ample of space inside the vehicle. Darker plastics and chromed ringed AC vents are the add-ons in the new Honda Jazz. The top variant Jazz X gets blue-black upholstery and reclining rear seats for better comfort level. There is an option of 60:40 split in the cabin with 10 cupholders included this time.

The Liva on the other hand is endowed with a ting of trendiness in the cabin and good space for front and rear passenger. The car has adjustable steering column also present in the new Jazz. Flat type rear floor and good luggage space add to the list of enchanting features in the Etios Liva. Sporty front headrest and pillow type rear head rest bless the hatchback with cocoon of comfort.

In the interior segment as well, Honda Jazz races ahead of Etios Liva.

Engine, Specification & Performance:-

New Honda Jazz X is endowed with 1.2 litre iVTEC petrol engine which produces 89 bhp of top power and 110 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated with 5 speed manual transmission and accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in mere 11.1 seconds having a top speed of 165 kmph. The hatchback delivers 13 kmpl in city conditions and 16 kmpl on highways.

While Toyota Etios Liva is fitted with 1197 cc 16-valve DOHC petrol engine which is capable of delivering an exceptional power of 78.9 bhp at 5600 rpm and peak torque of 104 Nm at 3100 rpm. Liva is also mated with 5-speed manual gearbox and sprints from 0 to 100 kmph in 11.47 seconds. Luring Liva offers decent mileage of 18.31 kmpl.

Engine assessment does support Etios Liva for its enjoyable riding and more fuel efficiency.

Price:-

As far as buying of the cars goes, new Honda Jazz is tagged in the price bracket of Rs 5.50 lakhs – Rs 6.06 lakhs while the Toyota Etios Liva falls in the range of Rs 3.99 lakhs- Rs 5.99 lakhs (Both the prices are ex-showroom New Delhi). On the price front Liva does gets ahead of the new Honda Jazz.

Verdict:-

If you are tight on your budget than you are left with no option but to go for the base variant of Toyota Etios Liva otherwise, new Honda Jazz is the ultimate choice anytime. From our side, we support Jazz for its wider dimensions, more features and powerful engine.

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