Tokyo, Japan – Honda today introduced the new fourth-generation 2020 Honda Fit, better known as the Jazz in Europe.
Information provided at the press conference for the reveal was limited. Honda provided no details about the regular gas engine versions, but announced that a new hybrid model (for Japan) dubbed e:HEV with two electric motors would see the light of day next year. This Fit hybrid can be driven in electric mode in all situations and the presence of two engines (one at the front and one at the rear) implies an AWD system, but Honda did not provide details regarding the engine performance or the range of the powertrain.
Still as practical as ever
Under its new shell that replaces the somewhat outdated robe of the outgoing model, the 2020 Honda Fit will continue to offer a surprisingly spacious cabin and flexibility of use with the magic seats that will remain on the list of standard equipment.
Honda promises improved sightlines for the driver thanks to new, thinner front pillars giving better visibility without compromising safety in the event of a collision. The wipers are tucked away in a lower position on the windshield when not in use and the dashboard is low and flat. The cabin will also offer more storage space.
There will as well be a new LCD touchscreen interface, complete with Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity. The comfort of the seats has been upgraded, inspired by large sedans like the Accord, with padding added to make them more plush, even in the back.
Five different flavours
The base version for the 2020 Fit is the aptly named Basic. Then there’s Home, which focuses on pastel colours. The cleverly name Ness (as in, Fit Ness) is the sport model, and it sits just below the Crosstar with its 16-inch wheels and the Luxe model with leather seats and chrome accents, which will also be the best-equipped model.
The Honda Sensing system will be standard across the range and will offer a wide vision front camera working with eight sonar sensors. This Fit will be the first model equipped with Honda Connect on-board communications, and owners will be able to activate the Honda Total Care premium (with a paid subscription), which will include remote control (via smartphone) of certain vehicle functions, including emergency assistance services if needed.
The only bad news in all this is that this new Fit will probably not come to Canada, though there’s no official confirmation of this yet yet. Japan and Europe will get the new model as of February 2020.
