It’s no secret that the Honda Jazz enjoyed great popularity in SA. All three generations wonder local roads in droves, their dependability, reliability and sheer practicality proving too hard to ignore for myriad buyers. While called the Jazz locally, numerous other markets knew it as the Fit.
Now, Honda SA has chosen to bring that nameplate here, with the Fit now taking the place of the Jazz. Just four models are being made available in SA, all equipped with Honda’s CVT automatic transmission.
Honda Fit range:
Comfort - R319 900
Elegance - R359 900
Executive - R389 900
Hybrid - R469 900
The Comfort, Elegance and Executive trim levels are all powered by an 89 kW/145 Nm 1.5-litre, four-cylinder powertrain. The Hybrid makes use of the same engine, with the addition of a battery providing extra motivation. Interestingly, power is down to 80 kW but a significant torque increase is given to the Hybrid, with 253 Nm of torque on offer. Honda claims the Hybrid model can average just 3.7 L/100 km, making a theoretical fuel range of over 1000 km.
A highlight of the Jazz/Fit has always been the incredible practicality and space hidden in a relatively compact bodyshell. The new model is no different, with increased legroom for passengers in the front and rear.
Spec wise, all Fit trim levels receive a comprehensive safety suite, with six airbags, stability control and ABS with EBD and brake assist standard on all models. The range-topping Hybrid receives lane-keep assist as standard. Comfort models receive cloth trim, Elegance partial leather/cloth and the Executive and Hybrid full leather trim.
Often a weak spot on Honda models, the company has upgraded the infotainment system to make it more user-friendly. Depending on which trim level you opt for, the Fit has either a 7 or 9-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth capabilities.
An impressive five-year/200 000 km warranty is standard, while a four-year/60 000 km service plan adds further peace of mind.
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA.
FAQ
Q: What does the Honda Fit cost in South Africa?
The Honda Fit range starts at R319,900 for the Comfort model and goes up to R469,900 for the Hybrid variant, with the Elegance at R359,900 and Executive at R389,900.
Q: Is the Honda Fit better than the Jazz it replaces?
The Honda Fit offers increased legroom front and rear compared to the Jazz, plus an upgraded infotainment system with 7 or 9-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, making it a clear improvement over its predecessor.
Q: What engine does the Honda Fit have?
All Honda Fit models use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 89 kW and 145 Nm, except the Hybrid which makes 80 kW but jumps to 253 Nm of torque thanks to its electric motor assistance.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Honda Fit Hybrid?
Honda claims the Fit Hybrid averages just 3.7 L/100 km, giving it a theoretical fuel range of over 1000 km on a single tank.
Q: What warranty does the Honda Fit come with?
The Honda Fit includes an impressive five-year/200,000 km warranty plus a four-year/60,000 km service plan as standard across the entire range.
Should You Buy It?
The Honda Fit is absolutely worth buying if you need a practical, reliable small car with excellent fuel economy. The sweet spot is the Elegance at R359,900, which gives you partial leather trim and decent kit without the premium of the Executive. However, if you do serious kilometres, the Hybrid at R469,900 is the pick thanks to its incredible 3.7 L/100 km fuel consumption and 253 Nm of torque. The Fit continues the Jazz's legacy of being one of the most sensible small cars you can buy in SA, with Honda's legendary reliability and that five-year warranty sealing the deal.
