Third-generation Honda Fit (GK2/3/4/5) and Fit Hybrid (GP5)

2014 Honda Fit

For over a decade, the Honda Fit (or Jazz in other markets) has been the mainstay of the Honda lineup and it has been favored for being one of the most notable hatchbacks to be seen on the roads today. It has been quite a commoner's car, even in Japan, and since the death of the Civic in Japan since 2010, the Honda Fit became every Japanese's Honda car for its costs and fuel consumptions. With so much new stuff changing hands, the Honda Fit is now regenerated for the third-generation and for the new look, it looks rather bizarre rather than the last two generations.

2014 Honda Fit

When I said bizarre, I mean take a look at this rather unpleasant look for the new model and there's a hint of nostalgia here because I just noticed that the new headlamp design looks like it came from the previous generation Accord or Acura TSX. Looks like there's a hint of cost-cutting here or maybe a fair bit of parts-sharing around here. However, the controversial exterior design is not the least of the problems here because for the new model, there are several grades available, made for every personal tastes. On the top, that's the one with the 1.3L i-VTEC engine while here is the one with the 1.5L i-VTEC engine on it. Below, is the speedo-boy favorite RS model offered with the same 1.5L i-VTEC but available gearbox options is either the 6-speed manual or the CVT gearbox, and the main attraction was the Hybrid model, which has its engine size increased from the previous model's 1.3 to 1.5L and the CVT's been thrown away in favor of the new SPORT HYBRID IDCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive).

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid

2014 Honda Fit RS

But first, what is SPORT HYBRID IDCD? This is the second out of third part of Honda's new SPORT HYBRID powertrain and like I said in the past, this significantly advanced lightweight and compact one-motor system developed for Honda's next generation of compact cars combines a 1.5L engine with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries. When going and high speeds, both the electric motor and the engine kicks in for combined power while in low speeds, the batteries are in charge. For the all new Fit Hybrid powered with this new kind of hybrid technology, manufacturers claimed that the fuel economy is now bumped up to 36.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. It maybe 30% more than the old one but apparently, that's a higher number than the Toyota Aqua. Just to let you know, the Aqua has a CVT gearbox and the same 1.5L hybrid as this but because the new Fit has a 7-speed double clutch gearbox at hand, this is more engaging to drive than the Aqua.

If you opted for the S Package, you'll receive a couple of rather nice paddle shifters on it so you can let your Toyota Aqua rival do the complaining, saying why can't it be as engaging as the new Fit? Sorry, Toyota, but it seems that Honda's got the upper hand now. However, there are a couple of drawbacks for this one because while the new Fit Hybrid tries to be a better compact than the Aqua, I am struggling to say that having a double-clutch gearbox on a hybrid car is as nonsense as a bunch of pictures of bystanders looking up for no reason. Yeah, you can blame that on your Aling Maliit but be warned, chances are this is just like the whole Ang Joke Ko segment from Eat Bulaga. You got the joke but you almost had it.

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid interior

2014 Honda Fit interior

2014 Honda Fit RS interior

But still, it is as shocking as shocking a nerdy majorette twirler, because apart from its bizarre looks, nooks, and crannies, the Fit tries to be more of a commoner's car. For many, it doesn't matter if this new model has horrendous looks, but what matters most is this. The only reason why they would buy this car is because they want to drive this car. That's it. No ifs and buts. Just the simple reasons. Anyway, while I'd had the talk about the hybrid model, what about the rest of it? For the 1.3L model, you can have either a 5-speed manual, a CVT, or a CVT with a paddle shifters on the steering wheel. On the normal 1.5L model, only the CVT gearbox was offered. On the RS model, both the CVT and the 6MT were offered I'd suggest that an RS model with the 6-speed manual is worth the try if you're a speedo boy.

Oh yeah, for the 1.3L, what you may didn't know that idling stop was offered and with this feature, it shuts the engine off when stopped and then start again when you set off, to save petrol. What a unsuspecting catch though and as for the fuel economy, it reaches about 26km/L. That's about more than the March, more than the Vitz, and more than the Demio but annoyingly less than the Mirage.

For some 1.5L models, the fuel economy can get through 21.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards.

Surprisingly, the brand new "FIT3" now comes with a clever safety feature called the City Brake Active System and for this one, the radar detects incoming vehicles at about 30kph or less. Also, City Brake Active System has an ability to prevent unintended acceleration, so for this one, safety is now the top priority for the Fit. Just to let you know, sometimes, the City Brake Active System doesn't work at some scenarios so...drive safely. Another safety feature is the Emergency Stop Signal which triggers hazard lights when drivers behind you are approaching and in the case of sudden braking when the vehicle is moving.

So, there you have it. The new Fit maybe as weird as a botched eye operation and as obvious to drive as the whole Ang Joke Ko segment but I think this is how its money well spent. The 1.3L model costs around 1.265 million yen, less than the Vitz's 1.3L model, while the HYBRID model costs less than the Aqua by almost 40,000 Yen. The commoner's car in Japan is now turned to be even more interesting than before and as for the HYBRID model, well, I don't care about it.

Available colors: Vivid Sky Blue Pearl, Attract Yellow Pearl, Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic, Tainted Silver Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sunset Orange II.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.