Hatchbacks have always been popular as convenient and easy-to-use cars and the purchase decision is as simple as it used to be. People used to make buying decisions by simply looking at their exterior beauty, interior, engine size, and fuel consumption. Now, two Hatchbacks can look almost similar but their specs can be quite different. A head-to-head study of Toyota Vitz vs Nissan March will make it clear that these two cars have a lot of differences despite both being Hatchbacks manufactured by Toyota and Nissan.
(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricings as of February 2021.)
Toyota Vitz Nissan March
Capacity/Doors 3-5 doors/5 seating 3/5 doors/5 seating
Torque 121 Nm / 89 ft.lb / 12.3 kgm @ 4000 rpm 108 Nm (80 ft·lb ) (11 kgm ) at 4400 rpm
Top Speed 180 km/h 180 km/h
0-100 km/h 14.5 secs 13.9 sec.
Max Power 95 PS / 94 bhp / 70 kW @ 6000 rpm 76 Bhp / 6000 rpm
Engine 1.0L – 1.5L 1.0L – 1.6L
Fuel Tank Capacity 42L 41L
Key Features Dual airbags, ABS, power steering, central locking system,
front fog light, steering adjustment, USB connection,
AC, power door locks3 Point seat belts with ELR, ABS, EBD,
SRS Airbags
Gearbox CVT CVT
Fuel Consumption 20.6 Km/L 26.0 Km/L
Length x Width x Height 3.88×1.69×1.51 m 3.78×1.66×1.51 m
BE FORWARD PRICE USD 1,420 – 20,290 USD 1,170 – 27,450
Interior and Exterior Comparison
Toyota Vitz
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Presently in its third generation, the Toyota Vitz was produced in 1999 and the market was exclusively for Japan only. In other markets, it was rebadged as the Toyota Yaris. The first generation identified as the XP10 was in production from 1999 – 2005, the second generation recognized as the XP90 was in production from 2005 – 2010, and the third generation well-known as the XP130 has been in production from 2011 to present. Toyota Vitz won the “Car of the Year 1999-2000” in Japan due to its dependability, versatile hatchback design, and exceptional fuel economy.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA VITZ MODELS
Toyota Vitz was built with the economic features of small Toyota cars but also with the agility of coupe cars. Some variants of Toyota IST have some decent sporty looks that appeal to the adult and young as well. Space is not one of its strengths. In the first row, the space is ok for the passenger’s seat but a tall driver will find it small.
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In the second row, space can be best defined as practical. It has a seating capacity of up to 5 passengers.
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The exterior design combined the elements of an old school stylish and sporty looking. Moreover, by attaining a design that was uniform all the way to the back doors, an advanced exterior was achieved.
(a) Cabin Storage
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Even with the inadequate space, the Vitz still offers some ingenious storage sections that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, and documents. At the first row, there is a door panel storage, 4 cup-holders, a glovebox, and a center dish that stretches to the back. For the second row, the storage is on the front seat jacket pockets and door pockets are only on the U and RS grades. For the seat framework, thanks to the flat floor, the second-row seat could be creased down, giving more luggage space.
(b) Cargo Space
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For such a small-sized car, the cargo space is actually useful and can carry some sizable cargo. If more space is required, the back seats can be folded flat.
Nissan March
BROWSE LOW COST USED NISSAN MARCH MODELS
The Nissan March (also known as Nissan Micra in Latin America) is a hatchback produced by Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan since 1983. Nissan March has been in production for 5 generations since 1983. The seating capacity is the same as the Toyota Vitz.
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(a) Cabin Storage
BROWSE LOW COST USED NISSAN MARCH MODELS
The Nissan March is also a spacious car. It is best suitable for town trip use where shuttle times are short. At the front row, the driver’s seat offers negligible horizontal movement and is not ideal for tall people. The passenger seat offers better space and can seat a tall person.
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At the back, the seats have ample space as well.
BROWSE LOW COST USED NISSAN MARCH MODELS
There are several storage sections in the cabin that are valuable for storing items such as beverages, smartphones, goggles, handbags, etc. In the first row, there are door panel storage, 2 cup-holders, and a glovebox. For the second row, there are front seat jacket pockets (only on the 12G) and one cup holder.
(b) Cargo Space
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The boot is quite small but when extra space is required, the back seats can be folded flat.
Engine, Performance & Fuel Consumption
Toyota Vitz
(a) Engine & Performance
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The Vitz is accessible with 3 engine options. These are the 1.0-liter 1KR engine, the 1.3-liter 1NR engine, and the 1.5-liter 1NZ engine. These are connected to either a 4-speed automatic, a 5 – Speed manual transmission, or a CVT. It is available in both 2WD and 4WD.
(b) Fuel Consumption
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Toyota Vitz has an average fuel consumption of 20.6 Km/L.
Nissan March
(a) Engine & Performance
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On the other side, the Nissan March comes with a 1.0-liter CR10DE I4 engine, 1.2-L CR12DE I4, 1.4 L CR14DE I4, 1.5 L HR15DE I4, and a 1.6 L HR16DE I4 cylinder gasoline engine that produces 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp). These are powered to either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
(b) Fuel Consumption
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Nissan March equipped with 1.2L consumes 26.0 Km/L.
Final Verdict
We have compared the 2013 Toyota Vitz and Nissan March with focus on the interior and exterior designs as well as the engine size but the question remains, which car should one go for? Both are outstanding cars but Toyota Vitz remains top at the markets with no doubt, while the Nissan March is a simple car with significant technology changes that came at a rationally affordable price. Moreover, the Toyota Vitz RS is an attractive car suitable for city and sporty cruising but comes at a higher price. If you’re planning to buy either of the two, be sure to visit BE FORWARD.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA VITZ MODELS
BROWSE LOW COST USED NISSAN MARCH MODELS
Written by: Josephat Lukaza