Ford Fiesta vs Honda Jazz


When buyers compare cars they're normally look at the differences and similarities to see if they can find some advantage, something better, an improvement in one over the other.


One popular type of comparison is to evaluate cars known to be built on the same platform. Fiesta vs Mazda2 is one. Comparing cars in the VW group is common - Audi A1 vs Seat Ibiza vs Skoda Fabia vs VW polo. Many buyers are concerned about value as much as they are about brand equity. They want the best small car for their purpose and purse. If the cars are on the same platform engines and all, and do the same job in the same way, they want to know what they're getting for their money in the price differences.


Another frequent type of comparison is with cars of the same standing. So if you're doing a Ford Fiesta Review you might compare - Fiesta vs Corsa vs Polo vs Clio vs 207 - all have great street cred'.


So it seems odd to compare Ford Fiesta vs Honda Jazz. Both manufacturers make super cars but somehow I just see the image of these two small cars as being different and imagine their buyers to be very different types of people. Anyway, how do the Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz compare? It's a very popular comparison on carbuyersinfo.co.uk.

The Fiesta has a lower sleeker style which is why I'd put it against a Corsa or Clio. The Jazz has a boxier rear end and could be compared with small MPVs like the Note, Modus, Splash or Agila. The Jazz has better rear visibility and is therefore easier to park.

There's only a couple of inches difference in their overall length. Although the Fiesta is slightly longer the Jazz has a larger boot with all five seats up - 281 vs 379 (l) - a whole suitcase difference. The Fiesta has more space with the rear seats folded.

The Fiesta has a lower entry price with a sluggish 60 PS 1.25 engine and a basic trim. Comparing other like engines with like there's little difference in fuel economy, emissions or performance. As the cars rank so closely in lab tests there's unlikely to be any significant difference when driven or real roads.

The 1.4 automatic Jazz is significantly more efficient than the Fiesta 1.4 automatic. However it's highly likely Ford will update this transmission sometime soon given the more efficient autos available with other makes.

The big difference is Ford offer a diesel engine option and Honda don't. Ford also offer a relatively higher performance Fiesta with single figure acceleration.

Ford may be seen to be offering choice with diesel engines with better fuel economy, lower emissions and therefore VED cost. The argument against diesel is that diesel cars and diesel fuel cost more than petrol and you'd have to clock up a considerable mileage before you break even on the cost let alone benefit financially from savings in mpg. Ford do have a huge share of the business market which may have higher mileage use.

For the private buyer who does say 10-12000 miles per year it will take some time before pay-back day arrives if they buy diesel.

A Fiesta 1.4 petrol engine with a combined 48.7 mpg costs £12800 in Zetec trim. A Zetec 1.6 diesel with similar performance returns 67.2 but costs £14150. A difference of £1360 to buy new. With petrol at £6.22 and diesel £6.45 per gallon you'd need to do about 45,000 miles before you recover that cost with mpg savings. Then you start saving money.

You might also consider diesel is noisier than petrol and it's more difficult to isolate their vibration in a small car. Also diesel may have low CO2s but diesel particle emissions are not town or child friendly. Diesel works much better in larger cars.

To sum up:

• The Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz are a similar size.
• More boot space in a Jazz and better rear visibility.
• Ford have a less than their best entry model at a low price.
• Otherwise similar engine efficiency.
• Today's Jazz automatic is more efficient.
• Ford offer a diesel engine option.
• There's a fairly quick Fiesta option.
• Style and comfort are matters for your personal taste.
• Both the Fiesta and Jazz are highly regarded and successful in the UK.

Regards
Ralph