[Auto brawl 101] Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Which is the better subcompact in the Philippines?

Updated Feb 27, 2023

Another set of “Auto brawl 101: Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2” going mano-y-mano, who shall come up on top!

In this article...

  1. 1. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Sub-compact options are getting better!
  2. 2. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Size Comparison
  3. 3. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Performance
  4. 4. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Safety Features
  5. 5. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Comfort Features
  6. 6. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Exterior Features
  7. 7. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Conclusion

1. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Sub-compact options are getting better!

In this set of auto brawl, two of the finest sub-compacts by Mazda and Honda will be run through their specs to find out, which is better!

When buying sub-compacts, most buyers are deluged with options that aren’t worth the expense. It’s just right that this Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2 will cover these two excellent options. Normally, most sub-compacts are “budget lunches”; but these two have broken the price and quality barrier, even surpassing the compact options too.

It would be apt to note that Mazda and Honda have listened and delivered cars setting trends over just “passable compacts and sub-compacts”! These options have gone above, and beyond has given options that are worth every cent spent on it! Even if put on financing, these cars are worth the extra expense as well.

If there are other cheaper options compared to this, is it worth it? Before committing to a car that will probably be expensive with fewer features. Philkotse.com notes here some things to ponder on before deciding.

  1. These options have better comfort features than most sub-compacts.
  2. Both units have a 1.5L engine compared to piddly options, like some compacts that cheap out with 1.2 or 1.3L engines.
  3. Safety is prioritized by these cars and has at least a 4-star safety ranking from ANCAP.
  4. Though not full compacts, they come with more elbow room too. Most sub-compacts are sardine can affairs, but these two options, especially the Jazz is roomy!
  5. Styling is one-upped over other “cheaper looking sub-compacts”, this is perfect for starter families too!

One of the better-appointed sub-compacts that can go head to head with a compact car. There are some factors that need to be clarified though.

1. Honda Jazz

One of the most consistent sub-compacts that get better with each successive model. A best seller of Honda that caters to the younger set or those wanting sleek and stylish small car.

Honda Jazz 2018 facelift

2. Mazda 2

Just like the Jazz, the Mazda 2 is cheaper than the Mazda 3 but is one of the best looking sub-compacts in the market today. It does have higher cost like the Jazz but a bang for the buck! No regrets on this car and with a good reputation as well.

New Hatchback Mazda 2 2018

2. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Size Comparison

It true that sub-compacts are small cars but these options are raising the bar, by the way. They are nearly as big as compact cars and have improved elbow room too!

1. Honda Jazz

Overall, the Honda Jazz is a well-sized sub-compact with more than enough room for five adults. But, it is a bit smaller by -267 mm than the Mazda 2. It has a high roof compared to the other option.

honda jazz 2018 dimensions

The Honda Jazz is a well-sized sub-compact with more than enough room for five adults

2. Mazda 2

Now, the Mazda 2 wins with a difference of +267 mm that translates to more elbow room. Generally, the bigger car that nearly comes up to compact car’s size too.

mazda 2 hatchback dimensions

Now, the Mazda 2 wins with a difference of +267 mm

The Mazda 2 makes the cut over the Jazz because it is a bit bigger. More room will mean space for people and cargo too!

Mazda 2 vs Honda Jazz: Dimensions
  Mazda 2  Honda Jazz
Length 4,060 mm 4,035 mm
Width 1,965 mm 1,694 mm
Heigth 1,495 mm 1,524 mm

3. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Performance

Things get more intense in this auto brawl 101: Mazda 2 vs Honda Jazz when it becomes a performance spec war for closely match options. The numbers will tell and win by the slightest lead, to point out the better performance specs between the two.

1. Honda Jazz

The Jazz muscles it out with better torque and horsepower, and it wins by a mile! Too bad that the rear brakes could be better than drum brakes. Another is the suspension which could have been upgraded better compared to the other.

honda jazz engine

The Jazz muscles it out with better torque and horsepower, and it wins by a mile

2. Mazda 2

Too bad that the Mazda 2 was walloped by not adding CVT or the SRP could be a deal-breaker too. Still a great option with other quality features too.

mazda 2 engine bay

Too bad that the Mazda 2 was walloped by not adding CVT or the SRP could be a deal-breaker too

Honda gets the ring this time because of extras that are coveted for more expensive cars. Mazda just dropped the ball when it shouldn’t have.

Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Performance
  Honda Jazz  Mazda 2
Engine SOHC i-VTEC SkyActiv G inline-4
Displacement 1,497 cc 1,496 cc
Horsepower 120 108
Torque 145 139 
Transmission CVT 6-Speed AT
Drivetrain FWD FWD
Brake

- Front: Ventilated disk
- Rear: Drum

- Front: Ventilated disk
- Rear: Solid disc

Suspension

- Front: Independent, MacPherson Struts
- Rear: Torsion Beam Axle

- Front: MacPherson Strut
- Rear: Multi-Link

Capacity 5 5
Green Technology No No
Tire size 185 / 55 R16 185 / 60R16

For detailed information about the ride and handling of these two models, you can have a look at:

4. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Safety Features

All the options in this Mazda 2 vs Honda Jazz car comprison are all safe and will keep the passengers intact! Safety is important for both children and adults equally!

1. Honda Jazz

This option has more safety features than the Mazda 2 and the addition of a full set airbag, improved passenger safety in a collision. Complete with the necessary seatbelts and Isofix mounts which improves safety for children in cars.

2. Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 is a mixed bag of safety features and even has a tire pressure sensor! This is rare in a sub-compact, and it isn’t even equipped with popular cars. But Mazda has not neglected safety though and is seen in the layout of equipment.

Winning this phase by a narrow margin of one is the Honda Jazz. It should be realized that some small details can make a difference and some TLC on the side!

Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Safety Features
  Honda Jazz Mazda 2
Vehicle Stability Control Yes Yes
Traction Control - -
Dual airbags Yes Yes
Side airbags Yes Yes
Curtain airbags Yes -
ABS Yes Yes
BA - -
Tire Pressure Sensor - Yes
AEB (Emergency Brake) - -
Sonar - -
Auto Adjust Headlights - -
ISOFIX & Holder Mounts Yes -
3-pt. ELR seatbelts Yes Yes

5. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Comfort Features

Cars should relax and pamper those inside with everything for a relaxing drive, and for a road trip too. Simple, but these simple features allow more comfort for the passengers and driver as well.

1. Honda Jazz

All the needed amenities is here and succeeds with the addition of leather seats. Sometimes, the simplest touch is all that’s needed for a great option.

honda jazz interior

Sometimes, the simplest touch is all that’s needed for a great option

2. Mazda 2

Comfort is vital, but the omission of features like leather seats and speed sensing auto lock is not good.

mazda 2 interior

Comfort is vital, but the omission of features like leather seats and speed sensing auto lock is not good

Honda Jazz has more complete with safety features and wins this round easily. Omitting any feature can backfire, so it’s best to be avoided!

Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Comfort Features
  Honda Jazz Mazda 2
Power Features Yes Yes
Touchscreen Yes Yes
Cup Holders Yes Yes
Cabin lights Yes Yes
AC Yes Yes
Speed Sensing Auto Lock Yes No
Auto Lock Yes Yes
Steering Wheel Controls Yes Yes
Adjustable Seats Yes Yes
Leather Seats Yes No

6. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Exterior Features

These are the equipment installed on the outer car shell and helps in interacting with the environment.

1. Honda Jazz

The Jazz should have made a tie, but it has no rain sensor which is helpful for rainy days!

honda jazz on the road

The Jazz should have made a tie, but it has no rain sensor which is helpful for rainy days

2. Mazda 2

This car goes zoom, zoom anywhere because of its excellent outer equipment. This makes the difference because of a few extra touches!

mazda 2 hatchback exterior

This car goes zoom, zoom anywhere because of its excellent outer equipment

Mazda is ruling the show, and a single rain sensor makes a point over another option.

Mazda 2 vs Honda Jazz: Exterior Features
  Mazda 2  Honda Jazz
Headlights Halogen LED
Foglamps Yes Yes
Rain sensor Yes -
Third brake light Yes Yes
Rear camera Yes Yes

7. Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Conclusion

To end it, “Auto brawl 101: Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2”, lets tally all the results. It’s a tie, and both are on equal footing with no clear-cut leader. Both are decent options but leads to personal preference. Both the Jazz and Mazda 2 is right and worth it, no doubt! Until the next “Auto brawl 101”.

honda jazz vs mazda 2

Both the Jazz and Mazda 2 is right and worth it, no doubt

Honda Jazz vs Mazda 2: Who wins?
  Honda Jazz  Mazda 2
Size - 267 mm Winner
Performance Draw Draw
Safety Winner  
Comfort Winner - 2
Exterior   Winner
SRP P1,078,000 P1,035,000

Find Honda Jazz and Mazda 2 cars for sale on Philkotse.com? Check out:

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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