When the fourth-generation Honda Fit (global name Jazz) made its
debut at the Tokyo Motor Show
in 2019,
its design wasn’t that well-received
. Although some markets
quickly implemented their own unique front fascia treatments
, that became moot and academic for ASEAN, where it was
discontinued
in favor of the
City Hatchback
.
Still, for those following the progress of Honda’s feisty sub-compact hatchback, the Fit has just undergone its first refresh, and with it comes a new sporty variant: the Fit RS.
Before talking about the Fit RS itself, it’s important to note that all variants of the Fit benefit from a new grille. Not only does this align itself, design-wise, to the likes of the all-new Civic, but more importantly, it reduces the poked-in-the-ass look that people maligned the hatchback with in the first place.
Of course, the Fit RS goes further by getting the usual accruement of RS styling cues from the exclusive grille, bumpers, and spoiler. Inside, it adds a paddle shifter (officially called a deceleration selector because this is a hybrid) and a drive mode switch.
The Fit RS will come standard with a
electrified 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (e:HEV)
which should give it a peak output of 109 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. It should give it a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 9.4 seconds, and a fuel economy of up to 22.2 km/L.
Like most modern Honda offerings, the Fit will now come as standard with
Honda SENSING
.
The 2023 Fit RS is scheduled for a Japan market release sometime towards the end of the year. With the ASEAN market being served by the City Hatchback, there’s no chance of the Philippines seeing the new Fit here (the Thai plant stopped making it already). That said, its powertrain could make its way since it’s available in the region’s City e:HEV and City Hatchback e:HEV.
Keyword: 2023 Honda Jazz RS Offers More Torque Than A Civic RS Turbo