We review the reimagined Honda FIT Hybrid

The 2023 Honda Fit Hybrid comes with an advanced hybrid powertrain, modern design, class-leading interior space, suspension improvements, and a comprehensive suite of the latest safety tech. Replacing the Jazz nameplate in South Africa, the new Fit is reimagined from the ground up to improve its everyday usability and readiness.

The powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery, and an advanced fixed-gear transmission. The hybrid powertrain creates a maximum of 80kW and 253Nm of torque, enabling the small city car to hit 100 km/h in only 9.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175 km/h.

Honda created a new electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio, offering smooth acceleration. There are three interchangeable drive modes: EV, Hybrid, and Engine.

EV drive mode: The battery immediately delivers power to the electric propulsion motor.

Hybrid drive mode: The powerplant provides power to the electric generator motor, which delivers it to the electric propulsion motor.

Engine drive mode: The petrol mill directly delivers power to the wheels using a lock-up clutch.

The redesigned Fit Hybrid has a clean and well-balanced profile with a reduced height of 13mm and a 50% drop in the A-pillar's thickness. Honda offers a range of new paints, comprising Opal White (Pearl), Crystal Red (Metal

The uncluttered design theme continues inside as designers have changed the position of physical controls for main functions. There is a 7-inch TFT digital driver display and a highly intuitive 9-inch LCD touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Adding to the utilities are the updated Honda Magic Seats that let you fold the back seats in various ways – four to be exact (Refresh, Tall, Long, and Utility). The idea here is to rearrange the seats vertically or horizontally to maximize the storage.

The boot space (with rear seats up) for the HEV is 298 litres, which can boost to an inspiring 1199 litres to the roof with back seats down.

The Honda Fit Hybrid features advanced active and passive safety features that include Honda’s patented Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure tech and six airbags offering improved crash protection in the event of an accident.

The new Honda SENSING active safety technology, exclusive for the FIT Hybrid, boasts a newly created wider-angle, higher definition front camera, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with boosted night-time pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, and Auto High-Beam (AHB). 

The range-topping Fit Hybrid starts at R 509,600, which makes it one of the cheapest hybrids in South Africa. It comes with an 8-year / 200,000km warranty (covering the hybrid parts like battery, PCU, and electric system), and three years of AA roadside assistance. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

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Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.honda.co.za