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.
