The Honda Fit hatchback has been launched in South Africa, replacing the longstanding Jazz nameplate in the line-up.
The Fit features a complete design, feature, and specification overhaul – with a hybrid drivetrain also available for the first time.
Three trim lines are on offer – Comfort, Elegance, and Executive – at a starting price of R319,900.
Standard features
On the outside, the Fit delivers a unique look that is sure to stand out in the country’s popular hatchback segment.
It was designed in a cabin-forward style – making it 13mm lower than the Jazz, with a short nose and long roofline to retain the recognisable silhouette.
“Sleek styling enhancements, including a refined rear roof spoiler and a premium-look light cluster design, complement the dynamic Fit shape and maintain the well-balanced profile,” said Honda.
On the inside, the Fit sees durable materials and a soft-touch dash applied throughout the range – with a flat dashboard, hidden wipers, and integrated displays fitted to enhance driver visibility.
Every model gets a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, while the more expensive Elegance and Executive trims add a 9-inch infotainment display – enabling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in these variants.
Additional cabin amenities include an air conditioning system, electric windows, and a multifunction steering wheel.
Thanks to the new body style, rear legroom has been improved compared to the previous generation, too, but the reduced height means it now carries 309 litres of cargo with all fives seats up.
Safety systems
The new Fit benefits from Honda’s SENSING suite of technologies, which incorporates a stronger body, a new wide-angle front camera, and six airbags.
This brings class-leading features like an automatic collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and automatic high-beams to the range-topping hybrid trim.
Furthermore, every Fit comes with hill start assist, vehicle stability assist, automatic brake hold, brake assist, and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Power
The current Fit range is powered by a 1.5-litre, i-VTEC petrol engine paired with a CVT transmission.
The unit delivers 89kW and 145Nm to the front wheels, and combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.5l/100km.
A flagship hybrid model will then be launched in October.
This model comes with two electric motors connected to the 1.5-litre engine, a lithium-ion battery, and a fixed-gear transmission.
It generates a total output of 80kW and 253Nm, reaches 100km/h in 9.4 seconds, and uses fuel at a rate of 3.7l/100km.
“To deliver such a highly-rewarding driving experience and exceptional efficiency, the advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes,” said Honda.
These are EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive.
Price
The South African model line-up for the new Honda Fit is as follows:
- Honda Fit 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC Comfort CVT – R319,900
- Honda Fit 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC Elegance CVT – R359,900
- Honda Fit 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC Executive CVT – R389,900
- Honda Fit 1.5 DOHC i-MMD e-CVT Hybrid – R469,900
Every model is sold with a 5-year/200,000km warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and three years of AA roadside assistance.
The Hybrid variant receives an extended 8-year/200,000km warranty specifically covering the battery and related powertrain components.
Honda Fit – Photos
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