If I were to drive from my home in a neighbourhood that is in close proximity to the city centre of Cape Town’s CBD to let's say another suburb that’s a few kilometres away, there a few things that are certain, from a perspective of the motoring world. One, it’s certain that I’ll cross paths with a Volkswagen Polo. Second, I’d come across a Honda Jazz for sure, the B-segment hatchback that roams the urban streets of my city. The nameplate in the present day, however, has changed since 2021.
In the early period of the decade, the Honda Jazz adopted the FIT moniker, and with the name came an almost complete design overhaul. In the present day, in 2025, the Honda Fit has already had a facelift that now creeps into premium territory. I spent time behind the wheel of the updated e:HEV hybrid powertrain option in the Fit lineup to see how it blends efficiency with everyday usability in a competitive segment.
Power and efficiency
Because it’s a hybrid, my daily commuting in traffic meant I consumed far less fuel. That’s the upside of a hybrid: you get the best of both worlds. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, the FIT ran purely on its electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery.
The electric propulsion motor produces 90 kW of total system output and 253 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via a smooth e-CVT. The result? The fuel tank lasted longer than usual, with fuel consumption consistently hovering between 3.5L/100km and 5L/100km, as shown on the digital cockpit.
When the hybrid Fit is required to use its combustion engine, such as when more power is required after the initial electric motor kicks in from a standstill, a noticeable roar emits from the engine bay into the cabin. The transition between should be a lot more subtle and less startling. In the end, a smoother transition would help the Fit come off a bit premium, which is somewhat important considering its asking price.
The transition between electric motor and ICE is the only standout issue in this department. Its combined power of 90kW and 253Nm allows it to do its job of urban commuting efficiently, despite not being the most enthralling.
Design and exterior
I’ve always liked the shape of the Honda Jazz. The Fit nameplate and its facelifted version carry over that shape whilst improving in areas to make it sportier and up to date. The facelifted version has new bumpers, a new honeycomb grille, matte black window frames, and black headlight surrounds. Most importantly, the monoform silhouette of the old Jazz is retained.
Interior and tech
Inside, the FIT is surprisingly airy. The facelift doesn’t radically change the cabin layout, but small updates make it feel fresher. What really stands out is the driver’s view of the road; it’s great. Thanks to the ultra-thin A-pillars, panoramic windscreen, and thoughtfully positioned mirrors, you sit high and see more of the road than in most cars in this segment. I’d argue that for city driving, the FIT offers one of the most commanding views of the road around.
The dashboard is clean and minimalist, dominated by a nine-inch touchscreen HMI system and a seven-inch TFT digital cluster. The Fit still has physical buttons for climate settings, which is something to appreciate in today’s digital world.
Space is a strong point. The Fit has rear Magic Seats that offer multiple configurations for optimal space, and even with the battery underneath the floor, rear legroom is generous for a small family.
Safety
The Fit offers peace of mind for families with Honda Sensing, which includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking (pedestrian and cyclist detection at night)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Auto High Beam
Add the six airbags, ACE body structure, and all-disc brakes, and the FIT definitely gives an extra peace of mind.
Verdict
The facelifted FIT e:HEV is not about thrilling performance; it’s about efficiency, practicality, and comfort.
For city commuters in Cape Town or anywhere with frequent stop-start traffic, it’s a solid choice. The electric motor lets you glide silently through congestion, while the petrol engine is there when you need a bit of extra push.
At R544,900, it sits at the higher end of the B-segment, but the combination of hybrid efficiency, advanced safety features, and practical interior space makes it a compelling option for small families, hybrid enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a smart urban hatchback.
Compared to rivals like the Polo or Yaris, the FIT’s unique blend of flexible interior, smooth hybrid system, and updated styling gives it a niche appeal that’s hard to ignore despite its price tag.
