Honda, although a house-hold name around the world and locally often gets overshadowed by it's Japanese counterpart, I mean rightfully so if you take a look at the NAMSA sales stats for the past 20 years. That's not to say Honda isn't good, it's just that they're different, their cars are made for a different target market, while the one aims for large volume of sales, Honda aims more for quality of product which is why their products tend to have a higher price tag than most. Of recent, the brand has undergone some changes in their cars line-up's with an interesting take on the design language, this transcends onto the interior as well with the cabins getting a more premium feel with better quality materials and ergonomic design making it look modern but with a slight retro touch. The FIT, which I drove when launched 2 years ago really impressed me, hence with the Hybrid model was introduced to the market this year, I was itching to get my hands on it to see how it fared against its Japanese cousins who, in my personal opinion have mastered the technology, so here's my take on Honda's car.
DESIGN
The 2024 Honda Fit Hybrid’s design maintains the Fit’s signature boxy, compact look, maximizing interior space while staying highly maneuverable. The latest model has adopted a more streamlined, modern appearance with updated LED headlights, a refined front grille, and stylish yet subtle lines along the body. The shape is highly functional, designed to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency, while details like aerodynamic mirrors and underbody covers also contribute to the model’s low wind resistance. Colors are typically vibrant yet restrained, with options like Opal White, Lunar Silver, Platinum White, Rose Gold and the colour which I had on test, Crystal Red.
PERFORMANCE
The Honda Fit Hybrid features Honda's e:HEV hybrid system, which combines a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine with two electric motors. The result is a combined power output of approximately 90Kw and 253 Nm of torque, providing ample power for urban driving and light highway cruising.The Fit Hybrid operates primarily as an electric vehicle at lower speeds, switching to hybrid mode when more power is needed. At high speeds, the petrol engine takes over for maximum efficiency. This smart system allows the Fit Hybrid to achieve impressive fuel economy. Unlike traditional transmissions, the Fit Hybrid uses an electronic CVT that minimizes fuel consumption and smoothens the driving experience by matching power output to demand without noticeable shifts.In real-world conditions, drivers can expect to average under 5L per 100km depending on driving habits and road conditions, but Honda claiming 3.7L per 100km which I think is achievable on urban runs. I did take this on a long distance journey thinking I'd get close to 800km on the 40L tank but I think a combination of aggressive driving and not ideal road conditions made me miss this mark by about 120km. The range did seem to drastically drop since showing 100km of range left, so not sure if it's just Honda's way of being extra cautious or it was really dropping that way, either way I had to do some driving on range 0km before making it to a fuel station to fill up.
COMFORT
Honda has maximized the interior space with the Fit Hybrid’s Magic Seat system, allowing for flexible configurations. The seats can be arranged in Utility Mode, Tall Mode, Long Mode, and Refresh Mode, enabling storage for larger items or creating extra passenger space as needed. As mentioned earlier, the quality of materials has definitely gotten an upgrade, soft-touch materials and well-padded seats offer comfort for long drives. The seats themselves are ergonomic, providing good support, and the available leather trim enhances the premium feel. The Fit’s tall roofline provides excellent headroom for both front and rear passengers, while legroom is ample given the car’s compact size. Cargo space is substantial, with 470 liters available with the seats up, and up to 1,145 liters when the rear seats are folded.Honda equips the Fit Hybrid with modern tech, even at entry-level trims. Features like an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen standard, offering smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models feature Bluetooth, USB ports, and an auxiliary input. Honda's app integration and touchscreen interface are user-friendly, it also has wireless charging. On the highway, the Fit Hybrid is stable and composed, though the engine can be noisy when pushed hard. However, it handles road imperfections well, with suspension tuned for a balanced ride. The overall experience is smooth, efficient, and comfortable for both short commutes and longer trip
VERDICT
The Honda Fit Hybrid is a practical, versatile, and highly efficient hatchback ideal for drivers seeking a fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicle without compromising on space and flexibility. It’s particularly well-suited for city dwellers who appreciate compact cars with advanced safety features and versatile interiors. While it may lack the acceleration of some rivals, its balanced ride, ease of use, and standout fuel economy make it a solid choice for daily commuting and light family use. The price point of this car is one that stands out, for what you're paying, it's Japanese competitor offers bigger and cheaper alternatives in their hybrid range, while in the Honda you are getting more features in-terms of tech and safety, I'm not sure if it would be enough to persuade the buyer who is more worried about his pocket than nice to haves.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Engine | 1.5L i-MMD Hybrid |
Gear Box | eCVT Automatic |
Torque | 253Nm |
Power | 90kW |
Fuel Consumption | 3.7L per 100km |
Price | R544,900 |
.jpg)
