By Otsile Kadiege

Honda has refreshed the FIT Hybrid model with new, sportier styling, alongside an increase in both performance and the level of standard equipment available.

Sporty looks and standard equipment

New design elements such as revised bumpers create a more cohesive, characterful aesthetic, which better reflect the car’s dynamic personality, while retaining the iconic shape of the FIT with the clean, crisp horizontal lines first introduced on the fourth-generation model.

The facelifted FIT Hybrid model now also gains a wireless smartphone charger, adding to the model’s already comprehensive list of standard specification.

Performance and efficiency

Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology continues to be specified exclusively on the range-topping FIT Hybrid model – now with a 10kW increase in maximum power output with improved acceleration performance and refinement. The is said to result is an even more dynamic driving experience while retaining its exceptional efficiency.

Total powertrain output is increased to 90kW (from 80kW), with 253 Nm of electric propulsion torque. This increase in the overall system output is achieved through a 10kW increase in power from the traction motor, whilst engine power has also been increased to 78kW (from 72kW) to improve drivability and overall system efficiency.

Even with the increase in power output, the fuel-efficient hybrid system still produces CO2 emissions of 88 g/km, while returning a claimed fuel economy figure of just 3.7 l/100km on a combined cycle.

Pricing and warranty

Honda FIT 1.5 Hybrid eCVT – R544,900

The refreshed FIT Hybrid comes standard with a 5-year / 200,000km Warranty, a 4-year / 60,000km service plan as well as an additional extended warranty of 8-year / 200,000km covering the Lithium-ion battery and other related components of the Hybrid system.