The Fit (also called the Jazz) is the Honda family’s smallest member, and it has had a face lift for 2018.

Some much needed pizzazz has been added to the car: it offers a new trim line called the Dynamic, and the front looks more like the Civic now.

Ronny Levstek did a test drive of the Fit, and here's a quick run-through of the features.

Under the hood

The Honda Fit Dynamic features a 1.5 litre 96 kW I-VTEC engine, which is just what the market had been waiting for; a powerful version of the sub-compact. This gasoline powered 4-cylinder was previously available in the sporty trim line only.

Performance

The new front-wheel drive city car’s 96 kW move it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 190 kms.

Honda rates the fuel consumption at 5.9 litres per 100 kms. The power hits the road through a 6-speed manual transmission with gear ratios set low.

The 96 kW engine can achieve 155 N M of torque and 4600 revs.

In the induction phase, some drivers might have to drop their natural inhibitions to get the relatively light weight Fit moving and enjoy the rev happy sound and learn to appreciate the low gear ratios of the 6-speed transmission with every shift.

Exterior

In the Dynamic body kit, the Honda Fit can look quite aggressive, with its front shape taking after the Honda Civic Type R.

Features like the lip spoiler, the sharply defined LED headlights and the red trim front splitter beneath the distinctive grill, along with the Dynamic’s side rocket panels and black 16 inch alloy rims complete the sporty image.

Additionally, the Honda Fit Dynamic’s rear adds to the look of power with a diffuser and a roof spoiler.

Interior

The Fit’s interior is known for its versatility. The Magic seats can be folded down to form a flat surface for additional cargo space, with the seat bottom lowering all the way to the floor.

If you wish to fit large objects inside, such as a table, the seat bottoms can also be folded all the way up. The same goes for both seats, which makes carrying loads that much easier.

The controls are easy to operate and the infotainment system comes with a 7 inch colour touch screen display which is standard in the Honda Fit Dynamic.

Also standard in Dynamic are various drivers assists, including a City Active Brake System, which at speeds up to 32 km/h automatically applies the brakes to prevent accidents, a forward collision warning, a lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition as well as cruise control and a high beam assist.

Verdict

The Fit is a car based on purely practical considerations but in spite of the smart seating concept, not many buyers have been interested.

Now the 1.5 litre I-VTEC engine has put more life into it. The car is nimble and affordable and deserves a test drive.

This content has been published in partnership with Deutsche Welle (DW).