Honda introduces its new Fit, the little big vehicle with purpose and appeal

I got to drive the little big car for a round trip to Sabie and, yes, like most Hondas, it fits. Whether you will get your head around the price point, is another matter altogether. The Fit range will also include a hybrid derivative called the e:HEV.

Exterior

The Fit is built upon the Japanese notion of “Yoo no bi” which refers to the beauty that exists in everyday objects, perfected over many years to the extent where its simplicity has enhanced the object’s appeal and purpose.

The rebranding of Honda in South Africa has also, at its core, the intention to target a larger and more diverse group of customers,” said the general manager of Honda South Africa, Dinesh Govender. The new design, in my mind, offers soft and smooth design lines and body sculpting without a loss of dynamic form and shape.

The front end with its broad bumper with low air intake, and fog lamps encased within the black of the air intake, confirms the wider impression of the Fit and renders confidence to the somewhat softer exterior edges.

The windscreen and smoother roofline, other than just improving drag coefficiency, allowed the designers to include a small window next to the A-pillar. This, when seated in the driver’s seat, has improved visibility.

Often, with such angled A-pillars, it creates a blind spot for the driver. This design also brings some remanence of the previous Jazz to the new Fit. The C-pillar is wider, though, but it does not interfere with visibility. The rear end is dominated by the large new light clusters within the ultimately quite plain and practical design of the tailgate.

Interior

The interior is uncluttered and practical and the dashboard presents a centrally placed HMI nine-inch touchscreen on the Elegance and Executive derivatives and seven-inch TFT instrument cluster – standard across the range. This presents driving info with clarity and does not distract the driver’s attention from the road.

Seats are wide and comfortable and the chassis design, which accommodates the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis, has allowed the designers to keep the Magic Seat configuration – one of the key drawcard features of the Honda Jazz – as part of the features of the new Fit. This, in combination with the Fit’s new stepless flat floor, makes for easy loading and off-loading, and I am convinced that it will find favour with owners.

Power and performance

The Fit non-hybrid derivatives are fitted with a 1.5-litre engine producing 89kW and 145Nm. This power on my test vehicle (Elegance) was pushed to the wheels via a super-smooth automatic gearbox and this combination indexed a 5,4lt/100km fuel use throughout my drive.

In the hybrid model, this engine is connected to electric motors and a fixed gear (e-CVT) transmission which generates 80kW and 253Nm, taking the car from 0-100km/h in 9,4 seconds and rendering, according to Honda, a 3,7lt/100km fuel index. Power output on the petrol engine is sufficient and allows for comfortable town and open-road driving.

Most impressive, though, is the performance of the suspension. It offers big car comfort to road surface irregularities, precise steering and directional response. ABS, vehicle stability control, brake and hill start assist and six air bags are standard safety features.

Conclusion

The Fit will enhance and improve on the Jazz’s legacy and create its own place within the Honda reputation for durability and quality. Pricing starts at R319 900 with my test model coming in at R359 900 and the hybrid selling for R469 900.

The Fit range comes standard with Honda’s five-year/200 000km warranty, as well as a four-year/ 60 000km Service Plan with 15 000km service intervals. Customers also have the reassurance of three years of AA Roadside Assistance. The Fit hybrid model comes standard with an extended eight[1]year/200 000km warranty specifically covering the battery and related components of the hybrid system.

Photos: QuickPic