Facelifted Honda Fit Debuts In Japan With More Power And Sporty RS Trim

Honda launched the updated Fit range in Japan featuring mild visual tweaks, a new trim structure, and increased power output for both the gasoline and the e:HEV hybrid variants. The Honda Fit e:HEV RS is a new addition to the lineup bringing more aggressive looks and a sportier suspension setup.

Wider Range, More Visual Differentiation Between Trims, New RS Model

The fourth-generation Honda Fit / Jazz was introduced in 2019 in regular and Crosstar guises. The facelifted model which was previewed in Japan last August before its market launch this October gets a wider lineup, including the Basic, Home, Luxe, Crosstar, and RS trims.

Also Read: The Honda Jazz Crosstar e:HEV Is A Supermini In Crossover MPV Clothing

More specifically, the Basic and Home trims introduce small differences with the pre-facelifted Fit, focused on the front end with a unified look for the bumper intakes, and a cleaner shape for the grille. The Luxe benefits from a more stylish set of alloy wheels and the addition of chrome elements on the intakes, side sills, and mirror caps making it look more premium. The adventurous Crosstar boasts a new aluminum-style look for the lower bumper trim and the side sills, alongside a new pattern for the grille enhancing its crossover stance.

Last but not least, the all-new RS trim is the sportiest of the bunch thanks to the more aggressive bodykit. This includes a larger grille, sharper intakes in the dark-finished front apron, five-spoke alloy wheels, side sill extensions, a rear spoiler, sporty rear apron with chrome tailpipe, and of course the red RS badges on both ends. The sporty theme is less obvious inside, with orange stitching on the leather steering wheel, “deceleration selector” paddles for controlling the regenerative braking, and a new drive mode selector making it easier to change between the Normal / Sport / Econ setting. More importantly, there is an RS-specific suspension setup for improved handling, justifying the spicier looks.

The Fit is available in 13 different shades, although some of them are trim-specific, like the duo-tone treatment of the Crosstar. Likewise, each variant of the facelifted model has its own interior touches in terms of upholstery and color combinations, although the 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen are carried over from the pre-facelifted model. The Honda Sensing ADAS suite comes standard and has been improved with the addition of blind spot information, reversing assist, traffic jam assist, and sudden acceleration control.

Power Boost For The e:HEV, New Engine For The ICE Model

Honda upgraded the e:HEV two-motor hybrid system in the Fit / Jazz increasing the power output to 121 hp (90 kW / 123 PS) and 253 Nm (187 lb-ft) of torque, while improving the throttle response. This makes it 13 hp (10 kW / 14 PS) more powerful than the outgoing model.

Unlike the EU-spec Jazz which is exclusively available in e:HEV form, the JDM-spec Fit is also offered with a combustion engine. The facelift replaces the old 1.3-liter engine with the more powerful 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC that is also used in the hybrid. Thus, the Fit now produces a more respectable 116 hp (87 kW / 118 PS) and 142 Nm (104.7 lb-ft) of torque in its non-electrified form.

Honda said there will be an ICE-powered variant of the Fit RS that will be announced on November 10, making us wonder if it will get more power than the rest of the lineup. No matter the powertrain choice, Honda has stopped offering a manual gearbox option since the reveal of the fourth generation, with the Fit being auto-only. Interestingly, both the e:HEV and petrol variants of the Fit are available in FWD and in 4WD guises, the latter being another Japanese market exclusive.

Pricing for the facelifted Honda Fit in Japan starts from as low as ¥1,592,800 ($11,011) for the entry-level Basic in petrol-powered FWD form, all the way up to ¥2,664,200 ($18,417) for the flagship Luxe in hybrid e:HEV 4WD form. The new Honda Fit RS is only available in e:HEV FWD flavor for the time being, with a price tag of ¥2,346,300 ($16,220).

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