Honda revealed the design of its upcoming car, which is aimed at the Chinese market, and it’s drawing significant attention. The company is fully redesigning its popular subcompact hatchback, the Fit, moving from its previous soft and approachable look to a sleeker and aggressive design. This new version goes beyond a simple facelift, signaling a major transformation.
The vehicle’s combination of practicality and efficiency, coupled with an affordable starting price of 73,800 CNY (approximately 10,200 USD), makes it an attractive option for those seeking an economical second car for commuting or errands.
A Design Revolution
Cute No More
The latest version of the Honda Fit, unveiled through China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), marks a complete departure from its previous friendly image. The redesigned front now features separate LED headlights and large air intakes, with the nose section sculpted more dynamically to evoke a sports car-like presence. This change led to some comments that it resembles the Toyota Yaris.
At the rear, the overall silhouette is retained, but the lower bumper is enhanced with plastic inserts, giving it a diffuser-style look. The overall length has increased slightly to 4,196mm (165.2 inches), with a more dynamic body ratio to match the aggressive design changes. As a result, the car has a stronger presence in the urban hatchback market, projecting a sense of being small yet bold.
The GAC-Honda joint venture led this design transformation, reflecting the trends of the Chinese market with a more daring approach. However, the discrepancy in design with the Honda Life, produced by Dongfeng Honda based on the Fit platform, has raised internal concerns regarding brand design consistency in China.
Value and Practicality in a Small Package
The powertrain remains unchanged, mainly, with a 1.5L naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine delivering a modest 120 horsepower, slightly improved from before. The front-wheel-drive system and CVT transmission continue to provide a setup optimized for efficiency and quietness, appealing to consumers who prioritize these aspects. The addition of Crosstar or Sport trims has not yet been confirmed.
It aims to position the car as the best value hatchback. It’ll be ideal for urban dwellers with short commutes or families looking for an affordable second car for school runs. However, details about interior upgrades have not been revealed, so the whole product appeal will be assessed after the launch.
The new Honda Fit is designed specifically for the Chinese market. Honda focuses on SUVs and crossovers rather than hatchbacks as part of its evolving strategy.
