The Honda Fit III, produced from 2013 to 2020, is a compact five door hatchback from Japan. A four wheel drive version exists. If sold in Europe, it would carry the Honda Jazz name. The Fit can be found with left hand drive, drawing from the US market. A 2016 restyling refined the look and interior, addressing several minor issues.
Advantages
- Highly reliable and economical
- Generous equipment list
- Excellent handling and driving feel
- Strong security features
Honda Fit
Defects
- Right-hand drive configuration for some markets
- Repair costs can be high when needed
- Ground clearance about 135 mm
- Sound insulation is not especially strong
engines
All engines are naturally aspirated with an aluminum block and direct or sequential fuel delivery. The cooling and ignition systems require periodic attention around every fifty thousand kilometers.
The L13B 1.3 (100 hp) comes with either a manual transmission or a CVT. Smart ignition and a compression ratio around 13.5 influence fuel quality requirements, making low-octane AI-92 fuel unsuitable. The timing chain is designed to endure beyond 200 thousand kilometers. The engine is known for reliability, though ignition coil failures can occur and are sometimes non-repairable. There was a market recall for models up to 2016, though it did not impact this particular market.
The L15B 1.5 engine (130 hp) shares a similar design with the younger unit, with comparable ignition coil issues. The compression ratio is lower at 11.5, and a realistic mileage expectation sits near 300 thousand kilometers.
The hybrid variant makes up a significant portion of secondary-market activity. It pairs a 1.5-liter petrol engine (LEB) with a 30 hp electric motor. An “intelligent battery” (IPU) can move the vehicle without relying on the internal combustion engine. Weighing about 42 kg, the IPU sits under the cargo floor, and Honda normally offers only a complete IPU spare part through official channels.
All engines demonstrate sensitivity to oil quality. Many owners opt to shorten the recommended oil-change interval from 10 thousand kilometers to 5–7 thousand kilometers to preserve reliability.
Transfer
All wheel drive is available on hybrids and 1.3-liter variants, with the rear axle engaged via a viscous coupling. There are no hydraulic systems in the drive; the most dependable option is a constant, maintenance-heavy manual component, though those are increasingly rare—often only a handful exist nationwide.
More than half of the transmissions are Honda CVTs, offered in three configurations for different engines and drive types. These units show strong durability, capable of reaching around 200,000 kilometers with regular oil changes every 40,000 kilometers. The working fluid is Honda’s HCF-2; substitutes are not recommended. CVT repair can be expensive, and in many cases contract units are purchased instead of rebuilding.
In the hybrid version, the drive is managed by a seven-speed robotic gearbox with two dry clutches. This setup shares common issues found in similar units, with a typical lifespan of 200–250 thousand kilometers. Rebuilds are often necessary mid-life, which can be costly. In some cases, replacements with a contract variator are possible.
The trunk capacity hovers around 300 liters, which is respectable for a hatch. The interior is well known for its flexible layout: every seat can be folded flat or reconfigured, offering substantial cargo versatility.
Operational ulcers
- The suspension tends to be stiff, leading to quicker wear on components. On rough roads, stabilizer struts, bushings, wheel bearings, and tie rods can fail earlier than expected.
- Brakes are sometimes described as too soft by owners, requiring a firmer push for effective deceleration. Brake-pad life can be as short as 15,000 kilometers, with rear pads wearing faster.
- Under-hood access is tight, and servicing some components can be awkward. Replacing front lights may require removing the fender liner with the wheel turned outward.
Euro NCAP rating for 2015: five stars (LHD Honda Jazz). Driver and passenger 93%, child 83%, pedestrian 80%, safety assistance 76%.
Most common resale pick: Fit 1.3 CVT
Best value: Fits 1.5 manual or CVT
In the same price bracket: Ford Focus, Kia Rio, Nissan Note, Toyota Aqua