The Honda Fit III (2013–2020) is a compact five-door hatchback from Japan. There is a four-wheel drive version. If it were officially sold here, it would be called Honda Jazz in European terms.
Fit is also found with left-hand drive – from the US market. Restyling (2016) touched up the design and interior, healed some minor sores.
Advantages
- Very reliable and economical.
- Generous equipment.
- Excellent handling.
- Excellent security level.
Honda Fit
Defects
- Sent right.
- Expensive repair.
- Clearance 135 mm.
- Weak sound.
engines
All engines are atmospheric: aluminum block, distributed injection, thermal vents must be adjusted every 50 thousand km.
The basic L13B 1.3 (100 hp) is combined with mechanics or a CVT. “Smart” ignition system and a compression ratio of 13.5 make the AI‑92 unacceptable. The timing chain will last more than 200 thousand km. Engine – about 250 thousand km. Very reliable, but malfunctions of non-repairable ignition coils are common. There was a recall for cars until 2016, but it didn’t affect our market.
The L15B 1.5 engine (130 hp) is structurally similar to the younger one, the same problems with ignition coils, AI-92 is highly undesirable, although the compression ratio here is lower (11.5). Mileage of 300 thousand km is realistic.
The hybrid version accounts for more than a third of the secondary market supply. It has a 110 hp 1.5 petrol engine (LEB) in combination with a 30 hp electric motor. An “intelligent battery” (IPU) can move a car without the aid of an internal combustion engine. Weighs 42 kg, is located under the boot floor. Honda officially only sells one spare part for it – the complete IPU.
All engines are very sensitive to the quality of the oil. It is better to reduce the prescribed replacement interval from 10 thousand km to 5-7 thousand.
Transfer
All-wheel drive is possible for hybrids and cars with a 1.3 engine – the rear axle is automatically connected by a viscous coupling.
There is no hydraulics. MCP is the most reliable and resourceful option, but it happens so rarely that you get tired of looking – ten pieces for the whole country.
More than half of the offerings are with CVTs of Honda’s own design in three modifications (for different engines and drive types). The viability is commendable – they can travel up to 200,000 km without any intervention, subject to regular oil changes every 40,000 km. The working fluid is original (HCF-2), any “similar” is not suitable. Repair of Honda CVTs is sometimes unprofitable – with serious breakdowns, contract units are more often purchased.
In the hybrid, the moment is transmitted by a 7-speed robot with two “dry” clutches. Problems are typical for similar boxes, the resource is about 200-250 thousand, but restoration repairs are inevitable in the middle. It is also very expensive – sometimes the robot is replaced … with a contract variator such a change is possible.
The trunk volume of about 300 liters is not bad for a hatchback. The salon is known for its wide transformation possibilities: all seats can be folded, moved back and forth and up and down.
Operational ulcers
- The suspension is stiff and shaky, which depletes the resource of many elements. In addition to the stabilizer struts and bushings, wheel bearings and tie rods die quickly on bad roads.
- According to many owners, the brakes are too “soft” – you have to “push” to slow down effectively. The resource of brake pads is often developed by 15 thousand km, wear is faster on the rear.
- It’s tight under the hood, access is difficult, even to candles. To replace the front lights, remove the fender liner in the arches with the wheel turned out.
EuroNCAP: 2015: five stars (LHD Honda Jazz). Driver/passenger 93%, child 83%, pedestrian 80%, safety assistance systems 76%.
The largest resale offer: Fit 1.3 CVT
Optimal choice: Fits 1.5 manual or CVT
For the same money: Ford Focus, Kia Rio, Nissan Note, Toyota Aqua