Refreshed 2023 Honda Jazz/Fit previewed in Japan

Less than three years since it first debuted at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, the fourth generation Honda Jazz/Fit compact hybrid hatchback has received a nip-tuck. The refreshed model was previewed by Honda in its Japanese home market recently where it also revealed a sporty new RS variant too.

The RS variant now sit as the new range-topper and replaces the previous ‘Ness’ variant that Honda initially launched the model with. The other four variants – the Basic, Home, Luxe and crossover-like Crosstar – have all been retained, each sporting minor changes all around to match their respective themes.

Like the recently launched new generation Civic Type-R, Honda hasn’t revealed any power and performance data surrounding the new Jazz/Fit RS variant, but the firm did promise that it gets a peppier state-of-tune from its hybrid powertrain setup compared to its stablemates.

In its pre-facelift form, the fourth-gen Jazz/Fit sees Honda employ both an Atkinson cycle 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol engine, plus a front-mounted electric motor and batteries, the former acting as a generator to the latter for the most parts.

Brimmed with Honda’s i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) tech, the motor drives the front wheels with its claimed 109 hp and 253 Nm outputs. Additionally, the system can also provide direct drive via a lock-up clutch at higher speeds.

Setting  RS apart from its stablemates, this variant sports a diamond mesh grille, a redesigned front bumper with large lower intake and prominent side inlets, red RS badging, deeper side sills, plus a set of aggressively-styled wheels.

On board, the RS also sports contrast stitching on its leather steering wheel, paddle shifters that control the regenerative braking levels, as well as a drive mode selector (Normal, Sport and Econ. Apart from this, there are no other changes to report, with this variant sharing the same 7-inch digital instrument display panel and 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit as seen in the rest of the range.

Sporty RS aside, the Basic, Home and Luxe variants also sports new and rather simplified front bumper designs. Chrome grille accents have also been added in the Basic variant whilst the Luxe gets chrome rocker panels and side mirror caps too.

With the Crosstar, this variant gets a host of revision to bolster its SUV-inspired theme. Highlights include a mesh grille insert ala the new HR-V, newly added lower grille coloured frame, plus more prominent side sills to contrast the SUV-like black body cladding it retained. This Crosstar also continues to be the sole variant dressed in two-tone colourway options.

In Japan, all variants of the fourth-gen Honda Jazz/Fit come standard-equipped with the Honda Sensing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite. This consists of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), false start suppression, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition and auto high beam features.

Honda appears likely to continue offering that, as well as the options for non-hybrid powertrains and all-wheel-drive when it puts this refreshed 2023 model year Jazz/Fit on sale in Japan later this year.

What do you folks think of this refreshed Jazz/Fit? Would you have preferred this instead of the City Hatchback that Honda currently offers in place of the now discontinued third-gen Jazz?