Is Honda Fit the same as a Jazz?
Mzansi officially ditched the Jazz name in favour of the international Fit moniker a few years ago, and the updated Honda Fit e:HEV is here to prove that small can still be clever, and a bit stylish. The sub-compact hatch looks attractive with its clean lines and that sporty black-and-silver wheel combo giving it a bit of attitude on the road. It’s not trying to be a crossover; it just gets on with being a proper hatch-cum-MPV.
First impressions behind the wheel?
Excellent front visibility thanks to the large windscreen, low dashboard and those clever extra windows in the A-pillars. You feel connected to the road without straining your neck, which is a godsend when you’re dodging taxis and double cabs, or squeezing into tight parking spots at the mall. The interior build quality feels solid as always, with decent storage spaces everywhere you look and manually adjustable leather seats that are comfortable enough for long stints. You get a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start, plus that old-school gear lever that still feels intuitive.
Is the tech up to date?
Tech-wise, there’s a touchscreen infotainment system. Android Auto is there but still needs a USB cable. Wireless charger up front, electric windows all round, only the driver’s is one-touch, and central air con with front seat heating. The USB ports are a bit mixed: C-type at the rear, but old-school up front. Not sure why the front occupants are not supplied newer C-type ports. The electromagnetic handbrake with its very useful “brake hold” function is a lifesaver on those steep hills, meaning no more rolling back when the light turns green.
What about the old Honda party trick? Honda’s Magic Seats.
Oh yes. Flip them up, down or into all sorts of configurations and suddenly this little car swallows way more than it has any right to. The boot is surprisingly spacious for something this size, making it perfect for the weekly grocery run, weekend braai gear or even a quick airport run with luggage. It’s the kind of practicality that makes daily life easier without you even noticing. Honda “ate” with this feature.
What about the driving aspect?
On the move, like most Honda products, the Fit e:HEV is genuinely fun to drive. It feels nippy around town, darting through gaps in traffic with that instant electric torque. The handling has a sportier edge than you’d expect from a humble hybrid hatch, and the CVT is smooth most of the time. Yes, the 1.5-litre petrol engine can get loud when you push it for overtaking, but in normal driving the hybrid system takes over beautifully and you glide along in near silence. The self-charging e:HEV setup is the star here, as it returns really amazing fuel consumption. Real-world testing in Gauteng stretched a full tank to almost around 1 000km during our 7 days with the car. That’s the kind of range that makes you forget about these extremely high petrol prices for weeks.
What powertrain are we on here exactly?
It’s a smart update of the popular Fit/Jazz platform, but the hybrid system has been refined further, with a total system output of 90kW and a healthy 253Nm of torque, delivered mostly through the electric motor for that responsive feel. The styling tweaks, better materials inside and upgraded features give it a fresher, more premium vibe without losing the car’s core character.
Better than before?
Definitely. While some rivals have gone bigger and bulkier, the Fit stays true to its roots as a clever, efficient runabout that punches well above its weight in lifestyle versatility. It’s ideal for young professionals, small families or anyone who wants to save on fuel without sacrificing fun or space.
QUICK STATS
HONDA FIT e:HEV
ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol, naturally aspirated, + electric motor
POWER: 90kW
TORQUE: 253Nm
0 – 100KM/H: 9.4 seconds
GEARBOX: e-CVT
DRIVE: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
TOP SPEED: 175km/h
FUEL AVERAGE: 4.4 L/100km
CO₂: 88 g/km
TESTED RANGE: Around 1 081km
PRICE: R544 900
NATURAL RIVALS: BYD Dolphin Surf, MG3 Hybrid
FOR A SIMILAR PRICE: Jetour T1 Aspire, Peugeot 2008 Allure, Renault Duster Intens, Tata Curvvy, Opel Corsa, Omoda C7, Volkswagen Taigo Life
BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Medium