If you look at European crash test results (which are considered more severe) the Yaris does better than the Fit. I would say both are fairly safe cars for their size and weight.

 

jeeeeezmahneez. yaris crash tests not a pretty sight. Fit, for safety in a small car!

 

did they use the yaris sedan or hatchback? LoL

 

Driving defensively is the best policy regardless of the size of your vehicle. The Fit's nimble handling and braking, along with ABS, will help avoid accidents. The great crash test results and airbags are a plus.

 

I'd prefer to go by the crash tests on the North American version -- the Fit, not the Jazz. They had to meet different specs here. The Fit did better, but I'm sure Toyota will be working on bringing the Yaris rating up from 4 to 5 star on the next model year.

 

for some reason, a lot of people think because the gastank is under the front seat, it would be more dangerous than placed somewhere else. when you consider the center of the car, would be the safest place to put it, why not place it, along with the passengers, both there?
the "X" structure of the chassis frame, is centralized in the fit, not offset.
so it seems having it somewhere else, would be the problem.
I would guess, the consideration would be, "wow, its under me", like having it a foot or 2 away from you, would be better in a catastrophic accident?
http://automobiles.honda.com/info/ne...y=currenthonda

 

Yaris in Japanese crash test - 6stars/6stars (perfect)
Fit in Japanese crash test - 4stars/5stars

Yaris in European crash test - 5 stars (perfect)
Fit in European crash test - 4 stars

 

Just FYI: US/Canada Fit has all kinds of extra safty stuff. Such as the extended bumpers that some people replace with the Japanese bumpers. (Heard someone here say that the extended bumper was just for 5mph impact testing and I'm no bumper expert)

[where does that muffin_man live again:o I keep forgetting how that song goes :D ]

 

My Muffin Man name is a Frank Zappa reference, but I wish I could remember the lyrics to the song you are talking about, or would it get stuck in my head for the next 3 years?

I also thought the bumpers were just the 5mph bumpers, which wouldn't have a big effect on the crash tests, but I would love to know more about the differences between the US/CA/JP/EU models, safety wise, that would be very cool.

 

do you know the muffin man? LoL

 

Muffin man nursery tune lyrics.

The USDM Fit has a much larger crumple zone in front of the engine than the JDM Fit due to the longer front end. That's almost certain to help front impact crash ratings.

 

:*(

 

The JDM Fit (and at least the UK Jazz) don't have side curtain airbags like our counterparts here in North America. That would influence crash test results, and most definitely lessen passenger injury.

 

^ I'm impressed with the crash image of the Fit... the passenger door isn't even touched! You could not only survive, but open your door and walk away. Still a sad pic, though :(

 

Problem with Yaris is they nickel and dime ya on the air bags and such.