Why the Honda Fit appeals to the younger generation

The Honda Jazz has always been a popular city runabout and the recently launches Fit aims to continue that trend, under a new moniker, thanks to a combination of fuel efficient engines and great packaging that make it an extremely popular hatchback.

At the same time, these same attributes and particularly its practical elements make the Honda Fit the ideal choice for younger motorists.

It is like magic

The Honda Fit is equipped with magic rear seats that offer both fold flat or flip up seat flexibility which allows for the loading of bulky items such as bicycles, boogie boards or pot plants. Need to move a washing machine, the Honda Fit has your back.

Luggage capacity with the rear seats in their regular position measures 309 litres, but this can be expanded to an enormous 1210 litres with the rear seats folded away.

The Fit’s magic seats can be adjusted to one of four configurations. The standard position can comfortably accommodate three passengers. The seats can then be folded completely flat for the loading of long or square items. These seats can also be folded upwards for the loading of tall items such s bicycles or pot plants, where they stand on the floor of the vehicle. Lastly, the front seats can fold flat to line up with the rear seats to transform the interior into a luxurious lounging area, perfect for the roadhouse or drive in.

Good for the environment

The eco friendliness of a car is becoming an increasingly important aspect for the younger generation and the Honda Fit ticks this box too. The Fit Hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrid models currently on sale in South Africa. Carrying the e:HEV badge, the Fit utilises two electric motors that work in conjunction with the 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine as well as a lithium battery and innovative fixed gear transmission. This results in a total output of 80kW and 253Nm, which is enough for a rapid 0-100km/h time of 9.4 seconds. The best part is that it will use just 3,7 litres/100km while doing so.

The e:HEV hybrid system seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes to deliver a highly rewarding driving experience. EV mode sees the lithium-ion battery supply power to the electric motor directly while hybrid mode supplies power to the electric generator, which then supplies it to the electric motor. Engine drive mode sees the petrol engine connected directly to the wheels.

The latest generation electronically controlled CVT transmission does a great job of seamlessly transitioning between these modes.

For those look for slightly more affordable offering, the Fit is still available with a traditional powertrain option. Honda’s new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine offers 89kW at 6600rpm and 145Nm at 4300rpm, while using just 5,5 litres per 100km.

Practical yet safe

While the Fit is one of the most practical and economical hatchbacks you can buy today, it is also one of the safest. A comprehensive standard suite of active and passive safety technologies is centred around Honda’s ACE body structure as well as a total of six airbags.

The Hybrid model takes the safety offering one step further with the addition of the Honda Sensing active safety technology that offers a variety of driver assistance and aids. A camera system is able to detect road surfaces and conditions and relays this information to 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 will suit every pocket, Comfort, Elegance and Executive models are paired with a 1.5-litre petrol CVT drivetrain while the Hybrid features the 1.5-litre i-MMD e-CVT hybrid system.