Honda announced the facelifted Fit for the Japanese market, coming with mild visual updates and increased power output from its hybrid powertrain. There is also a new addition to the range – the Honda Fit e:HEV RS, which offers a bit more aggressive styling.
The latest generation of the Honda Fit /
Jazz was introduced in 2019, in both regular and Crosstar guises. The updated
model will debut in Japan in Autumn 2022 with a revised range consisting of the
Basic, Home, Luxe, Crosstar, and RS trims. Each version gets specific styling
cues and small differences compared to the pre-facelift model, although the
most notable changes occur in the sporty RS. The RS will be the sportiest Fit
money can buy, but it’ll most likely be limited to just the angrier visual
styling, as Honda is not planning a proper hot hatch variant of this
generation.
Visually, the Fit e:HEV RS is
distinguished by the new mesh on the grille, the redesigned bumper with
significantly larger intakes, red RS badges, deeper side sills, larger alloy
wheels, and a rear spoiler. Honda didn’t mention anything about a
model-specific suspension setup or any changes on the powertrain over the
lesser variants. Inside, the RS gets contrasting stitching on the leather
steering wheel, a new “deceleration selector” in the form of paddles for
controlling regenerative braking, and a new drive mode selector. The rest of
the interior looks untouched, including the 7-inch digital instrument cluster,
and the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Predictably, the Honda Sensing ADAS
suite is still a part of the standard equipment.
Honda didn’t reveal the detailed
specifications, but said that the e:HEV system in the facelifted Fit provides
“increased motor output and improved accelerator response”. Japanese buyers
also have access to an ICE-powered Fit and AWD variants, unlike in Europe where
the Jazz twin is exclusively available in FWD-only hybrid form.
The current Fit / Jazz e:HEV is fitted
with two electric motors and a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine producing a
combined 107 hp and 253 Nm of torque. In the
mechanically-related HR-V e:HEV, the hybrid system produces a combined output
of 129 hp and 253 Nm of torque. This could also
find its way under the bonnet of the facelifted Fit / Jazz, although nothing
has been confirmed at this point. We will learn more about the updated range of
the Honda Fit in the coming months, as the model will soon launch in Japan.
Besides its home market, it is highly likely that the changes found in the
JDM-spec Fit will be carried over to the EU-spec Honda Jazz in the near future.
