2017 Honda Fit Review

Detailed Review

The first generation of the Honda Fit designated GD launched its production in 2001 and continued up to 2007. The second generation of the Fit which was known as GE was in production from 2007 to 2013. From 2013 to 2020, the fourth generation of the Fit codenamed GK was manufactured. The GR marks the fourth iteration of the Honda Fit whose production is currently ongoing.

The 2017 Honda Fit comes with two engine options, a 1.3 L (Petrol), and a 1.5 L (Hybrid) connected to a Continiously Variable Transmission (CVT). Click here to purchase the 2017 Honda Fit Buyer’s Guide. 

2017 Honda Fit Grades

1. Honda Fit 13G F- This grade comes with an air conditioner, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and power windows.
2. Honda Fit 13G L Honda Sensing- This grade has an anti-lock braking system, power mirrors, halogen headlights, and a CD player.
3. Honda Fit 13G S Honda Sensing- This grade is fitted with a USB port, electronic brake force distribution, and an AM/FM Radio.
4. Honda Fit 15XL Honda Sensing- This grade boasts a power-assisted steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, and power mirrors.
5. Honda Fit RS Honda Sensing- This grade has multiple airbags, a six-speaker audio system, a CD player, an air conditioner, and a navigation system.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Honda Fit has a spacious plain cabin with soft plastic touches. It has a five-seat configuration. First-row passengers enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom and its seats can be reclined to fit a desired position. The second row surprisingly offers sufficient knee room and headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Honda Fit encompasses multiple storage compartments that are used to store or hold items like paperwork, beverages, key fobs, soft drinks, and other staff. A glove box compartment, a small center console, door panel storage, and two cupholders are included in the first row. The second row has jacket pockets, and door pockets only.

Boot Space

The 2017 Honda Fit boasts a spacious cargo area that can accommodate small and medium-sized luggage. It is one of the biggest boot spaces in the hatchback category. The rear seats can be folded to create more space.

Exterior

The 2017 Honda Fit has a dynamic and modern exterior design. The front end is distinguished through the Honda’s emblem which is used to assert its presence as well as angular headlights that lend it an upscale look. Some owners have after-market LED daytime running lights incorporated to add some refinement. Passengers have excellent visibility and command of the oncoming traffic owing to its slanting bonnet that bears sculpted lines which helps in improving aerodynamics. Fog lights are well-positioned in the lower fascia and they come in very handy especially when driving in dusty roads or mist-prone areas.

The side profile is very conservative but you can spot nicely done contours. The alloy wheels are eye-catching and the mirror caps as well as the door handles are body-colored. The rear has tail lights and turn signals. A roof spoiler perfectly complements the roof line hence improving the overall aesthetics of this hatchback.

2017 Honda Fit Safety Features

The 2017 Honda Fit features multiple airbags, stability control, brake assist, and an anti-lock braking system.

2017 Honda Fit Fuel Consumption

2017 Honda Fit 1.3 L petrol engine consumption- 16.3 km/l on average

2017 Honda Fit 1.5 L hybrid engine consumption- 27.2  km/l on average

2017 Honda Fit Acceleration

2017 Honda Fit 1.3 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.4 secs

2017 Honda Fit 1.5 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.7 secs

The 2017 Honda Fit Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2017 Honda Fit has a ground clearance of 5.3 inches which is below the required standard of 6.5 inches on Kenyan roads.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts such as plugs, filters, brake pads, and shocks are widely available in Kenya. Body parts are available in major towns. Its spare parts are fairly priced and are comparable in price to Toyota Vitz.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Honda Fit has a sturdy and pleasant ride. Owing to its light chassis and compactness, it has an agile handling as it can adapt very well to road curvature. The suspension system provides a firm ride when driving on highways and cushions occupants from unstable motions when traversing on rough surfaces. It has a composed ride and because of its low center of gravity, it experiences minimal to zero body rolls. Unlike its competitors, its cabin is not well-insulated as you can hear outside noises picked from the road surface. The driver has excellent visibility because of the slanting bonnet hence he or she has a good command of the oncoming traffic.

The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration. Anti-locking brakes and electronic brake force distribution play a big role in bringing this car to a complete stop in a matter of seconds to avoid any kind of collision.

Reliability

The 2017 Honda Fit is a reliable car. Because of its low ground clearance, it is advisable not to drive it in off-road terrains. Transmission issues are the most commonly reported problem in this car. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such problems.

Click here to purchase the 2017 Honda Fit Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Good

Honda Fit Competitors: Toyota Vitz, Suzuki Swift, Mazda Demio, and Nissan Note.

What we like about the 2017 Honda Fit

Surprisingly spacious cabin for a hatchback

Stellar fuel economy

Good visibility

Impressive cargo room

What we don’t

The engine is not very powerful

Low ground clearance

Conclusion

The 2017 Honda Fit makes a perfect choice for city dwellers as it boasts excellent fuel economy that is ideal for commuting and its compactness allows it to maneuver in traffic. For a hatchback of its size, it surprisingly has a spacious cabin that will be appreciated by people with small families. The icing in the cake is that its acquisition cost as well as service and maintenance are reasonable and can be purchased by people on a tight budget. Click here to download the 2017 Honda Fit Owner’s Manual.