Honda Fit (2021) Review
The all-new Honda Fit (previously known as the Jazz) has arrived in South Africa. The Japanese brand has high hopes for its new compact hatchback; can it shake up a highly competitive segment of the market… or is it destined to fade into obscurity?
We like: Fresh styling, smart interior packaging, good fit-and-finish, comfortable and refined.
We don’t like: Uninvolving to drive, middling engine
Fast Facts:
- Model Tested: Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance
- List Price: R359 900
- Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
- Power/Torque: 89 kW/145 Nm
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel efficiency: 5.5 L/100 km (claimed)
- Performance: NA
- Load capacity: 309-849-1210 litres
What is the Honda Fit?
Most of us know this car as the Jazz, but interestingly, that name is only used in a handful of markets. In most countries where Honda’s compact hatchback is offered, including its home market (Japan), it’s called the Fit. Why has Honda chosen to change the model’s moniker in Mzansi? Yuishi Fukuda – the president of Honda Motor Southern Africa – reckons it’s time to recognise the “vast improvements made over the previous model”. In Honda SA’s opinion, this 4th-gen model represents a quantum leap over its predecessor; it incorporates changes that are significant enough to merit a name change.
The all-new Honda Fit is built in Japan (its predecessor was made in India). It’s 88-mm longer than before; while that may not sound like much, it can make a big difference in terms of rear legroom. The styling has been given a complete makeover too: compared with its precursors, which erred on the side of conservatism, the new Fit appears striking and fresh, even youthful. Those LED headlights really look the part and there are some exciting colour options, such as Crystal Red (shown here) and a smart Rose Gold. Honda is trying its utmost to break the Fit’s “meant for older buyers/retirees” stereotype.
Honda SA offers the Jazz with 2 engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol motor mated with an automatic transmission (in 3 levels of trim), a well as a 1.5-litre petrol-electric power unit (in the flagship derivative).
Which models are rivals to the Honda Fit?
The compact hatchback market remains dominated by the Volkswagen Polo, with the rest of the brands fighting it out among themselves for the scraps. Despite the Polo’s overwhelming dominance, there are still plenty of newer rivals duking it out (although a facelifted version of the Polo will be introduced early in 2021). The new Honda Fit will have to see off a fresh Hyundai i20, the brand-new Opel Corsa and its Peugeot 208 cousin, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, facelifted Mazda2, Citroen C3 and Nissan Micra, the Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Starlet. An all-new Renault Clio is due towards the end of 2021.
In the interest of fairness, we think the Honda Fit should be compared with 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated rivals. Most of the segment has moved to turbocharged small-capacity 3-cylinder engines, so that narrows things down. Our choice rivals for the Honda Fit include the Mazda2 and Kia Rio. The top-of-the-range Toyota Starlet 1.4 XR auto is also quite a spacious offering at under R300k (August 2021).
What is the Fit like to drive?
The Fit is powered by an updated 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that is said to produce a better spread of torque and be more economical than before, even if it’s not the most potent version of the motor we’ve experienced. It delivers 89 kW/145 Nm, compared with the 97 kW/155 Nm of the Jazz 1.5 Sport, which we reviewed in April 2018. Would you be able to feel the difference? Probably not.
The motor drives the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This type of transmission offers a smoother (disarmingly casual) driving experience and better consumption than a traditional automatic ‘box, but it does not engender driver engagement. Like all CVTs, you need to learn to work with the powertrain and module your accelerator inputs. If you simply push the throttle pedal to the floor, the Fit will produce a loud, unpleasant noise and, admittedly, some acceleration. However, if you use the accelerator circumspectly, the driving experience is quite pleasant. Anything but mild acceleration will result in the stereotypical droning noise associated with these transmissions, but once you’re up to speed, the car quietens down dramatically and “the drive” becomes very refined.
While Honda SA claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.5 L/100 km, we could not match that figure. Still, the indicated 6.9 L/100 km was acceptable; returns of closer to 6.0 are certainly attainable.
Speaking of refinement, we think the all-new Honda Fit has one of the quietest cabins in the segment and rides pliantly irrespective of road speed or -surface. The combination of forgiving suspension tuning and generously shod 16-inch alloy wheels allows the newcomer to soak up road imperfections admirably (for a compact hatchback!). The steering setup is worth a mention too – it’s responsive and direct, which makes up for the unspectacular powertrain. If you want a hatchback that offers a more hands-on driving experience, you’d be better off with the aforementioned Fiesta, i20 and Polo.
What’s the interior of the Honda Fit like?
The outgoing Honda Jazz had quite a pleasant cabin, even if it was more functional than upmarket. To put it another way: it was perfectly serviceable (ergonomically speaking) and, in terms of features, it covered the basics, but it felt staid and utilitarian. The Honda Fit, by contrast, introduces a raft of technologies and the interior feels advanced. The redesigned cabin is smartly laid out and you get a sense of spaciousness thanks to the thin A-pillars, which increase exterior visibility. This is a compact city car, but you could be fooled into thinking you’re driving something larger… and much more spacious.
We really like the minimalist look and feel from behind the ‘wheel, with a compact monitor serving as the instrument cluster. It may be a small screen, but it displays every relevant bit of information clearly.
The cabin’s fit-and-finish looks and feels like a big step forward in quality. The previous-generation Honda Jazz always had a couple of cheap-feeling plastics, but this all-new model brings a new level of premium and hard-wearing materials to the segment. We really liked the steering wheel with its white inserts too. Not only do these buttons look cool, but there’s luxurious, tactile pleasantness to them.
As far as features go, the Honda Jazz comes well-appointed, depending on the trim level that you select, of course. We think the 1.5 Elegance derivative, as tested here, is the pick of the range when you look at price versus the level of specification. You miss out on the 1.5 Executive‘s leather trim, keyless entry, heated seats, parking sensors and some chrome bits, but those are just nice-to-haves.
Elegance spec incorporates 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head-, tail- and fog lights, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth/2x USB ports/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a reverse-view camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, cruise control, push-button start, auto aircon, as well as a front armrest.
Safety features include ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist and 6 airbags. If you want semi-autonomous driver assistance features, consider the Fit Hybrid, which costs R110k more.
Honda’s celebrated Magic Seats make it easy to turn the Fit’s load bay into a completely flat extended luggage floor.
Is the Fit practical?
The Honda Jazz was always the most practical offering in its segment and the great news is that the all-new Fit retains the Magic Seats configuration. To be fair, there’d probably be a riot outside Honda HQ if the Japanese firm dared to discontinue those “clever chairs”. Here’s why: In most cars, only the backrest of the rear bench folds forward – the squab remains fixed, which is why you rarely get a truly flat extended luggage floor. In the Fit’s case, however, the entire seat bottom can move forward and be tilted into the footwell. The backrest then folds perfectly flat, turning the Honda into a pseudo panel van.
We’ve had lots of experience with utilising Magic Seats through the years, but it’s still remarkable how much stuff you can cram into the Fit. During the test unit’s tenure in our fleet, we squeezed an unused coffee machine and a big box of crockery into the Honda’s load bay… and there was enough space left for a pair of passengers. We tried to load the same items into an Audi RS Q3, which we also had on test at the time; its tailgate wouldn’t close unless we strategically repositioned things. As far as the official figures go, Honda claims a 309-litre luggage capacity, with up to 1 210 litres available with the seats folded flat.
It was easier to load these items into the Fit than the back of the family-car-sized Audi RS Q3, for example.
From the driver’s seat, there are a few well-positioned storage bins for your phone, keys etc. When your mobile phone is connected to the car via a cable, you can place your phone in a convenient tunnel right next to the USB ports. Rear legroom is also very good for the segment – Honda claims it’s class-leading. This compact hatchback can genuinely seat 4 adults in comfort, we tested that extensively.
How much does the Honda cost in South Africa?
The Honda Fit range starts at R319 900, with this 1.5 Elegance derivative retailing for R359 900. The top-spec model retails for R389 900 and the flagship Hybrid costs R469 900.
The new Honda Fit is sold with a 5-year/200 000 warranty, as well as a 4-year/60 000 km service plan with 15 000 km service intervals. You’ll also get 3 years’ worth of AA Roadside Assistance.
Competition is incredibly tough in the compact hatchback segment, but the Honda Fit certainly has its strengths.
Verdict
To use pop-music parlance, Honda SA has not had a hit in a while. Sales of budget-oriented products such as the WR-V small crossover and the Amaze and Ballade sedans have not met expectations, while the brand’s Civic and CR-V mainstays have been priced out of contention and Civic Type R is a low-volume model. The HR-V is getting on in years and its replacement model does not appear to be destined for SA. There are some glimmers of positivity though, the BR-V is a ride-sharing favourite and, while there’s still stock available, Honda SA will sell as many as it can. Finally, there’s the new Fit.
It’s not the most keenly-priced compact hatchback and its driving experience fails to excite, but the arrival of the Japanese-made Fit is a great statement of intent by Honda SA; it’s a way to reassure the brand’s customers that the Japanese firm is committed to our market. What’s more, the Fit is a well-made quality product that retains all the classic traits that made its Jazz predecessor a popular choice over the years (especially nifty interior packaging), while the newcomer’s eye-catching (dare we say… youthful) exterior styling and latest connectivity features should help build it build a wider fan base.
Given its asking price of R359 900, the 1.5 Elegance is not a bargain, but its value proposition is quite good.
Should you buy one? If you prioritise comfort, refinement and practicality over performance and an engaging driving experience, the Honda Fit is worth considering. If you want the advanced Fit Hybrid with its semi-autonomous safety tech and its (claimed) impressive fuel economy, that’s only arriving in a few months’ time (October 2021). Right now, we think the 1.5 Elegance is the pick of the range, so if day-to-day comfort, practicality and modern conveniences are more important to you than driving engagement, then the Fit is well worth a look – indeed, even if you’re too young to need reading glasses.
Article by David Taylor and originally appeared in Cars.co.za