All new Honda Fit ticks many boxes

The new Honda Fit, which replaced the Jazz nameplate in South Africa, sees Honda focus on revolutionising the essence of its compact city car.

The rebranding strategy of the all-new Fit aims to alter the image of the model from one that has always appealed to customers rational side due to its space and practicality, to one that appeals more to customers emotional side with an exquisite design, exceptional drive and cutting edge technology.

Fresh design

The new seamless contemporary design evolution introduced sees smooth contours follow the short nose, long roofline and cabin forward style of previous generations to form the instantly recognisable monoform silhouette. 

A smooth exterior surface treatment and sleek front face are key elements towards achieving a sophisticated visual balance, with all the different exterior surfaces, including the C-pillars and rear combination lamps, blended together, devoid of any lines. A thinner A-pillar and hidden windscreen wipers ensure an unobstructed, almost panoramic field of vision.

The overall height has been reduced by 13mm, which combines with a forward-leaning tailgate design to create a more compact-looking, well-balanced cabin and a reassuringly surefooted stance. Styling enhancements include a refined rear roof spoiler and a premium look light cluster design.

Inside story

A clean minimalist interior combines utility, practicality and functionality. Durable, soft touch, materials are applied throughout the cabin.

An uncluttered, user-focused, dashboard incorporates a slim instrument panel. The central HMI 9-inch touchscreen (standard on Elegance and Executive grades) and the seven-inch full TFT instrument cluster, which is standard across the range, are simple and easy to read. Manipulation of the system interface is similar to that of a smartphone, with swipe controls to scroll through pages and lists. Smartphone mirroring is enabled by Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Convenience features and controls are intuitive by design while the wide centre console armrest is height-aligned with the door armrest, echoing the interior comfort levels of larger, premium cars.

The Fit retains the exceptionally versatile Magic Seat configuration that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility, offering optimum versatility to accommodate cargo of various shapes and sizes.
Luggage capacity with the rear seats in their upright position measures 309 litres, which can be expanded to an impressive 1210 litres when the seats are stowed away.

A hybrid offering once more

Along with the introduction of the Fit, Honda have re-entered the local hybrid market. Carrying Honda’s new e:HEV badge, the all-new Fit Hybrid utilises two powerful, electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit. The total output of 80kW and 253Nm can propel the Fit from standstill to 100km/h in 9,4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175km/h. The fuel efficient systems uses just 3,7litres/100km.

In order to deliver a highly rewarding driving experience and exceptional efficiency the advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive models. EV Drive sees the lithium-ion battery supply power to the electric propulsion motor directly. In hybrid mode the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor. In engine drive mode the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels.

The Fit does a great job of seamlessly transitioning between these three modes, depending on the driving conditions. A latest generation Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission results in a smooth and reassuring transfer of torque with a linear feel, regardless of the drive mode.

Traditional powertrains

The Fit is also available with Honda’s new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine that offers 89kW at 6600rpm and 145Nm at 4300rpm while using 5,5 litres per 100km.

Big on safety

The Fit comes standard with a comprehensive standard suite of active and passive safety technologies. This technology is centred around Honda’s ACE body structure that utilises a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy throughout the vehicle. In the event of an accident passengers are protected by six airbags comprising front, side and curtain SRS airbags.

Enhanced Honda Sensing active safety technology, available exclusively on the Fit Hybrid models offers a variety of driver assistance and driver aids. A newly developed camera is able to detect a comprehensive range of road surfaces and traffic conditions, which in turn sends inputs the Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation and Auto High-Beam systems.

Model line up

The new Fit range comprises four models that include the Comfort, Elegance and Executive models paired with a 1.5-litre petrol CVT drivetrain as well as the Hybrid featuring the 1.5-litre i-MMD e-CVT hybrid system.