The charming Honda Fit is set to feature a slight aesthetic update along with a new Sport trim for 2018, as detailed in Honda’s announcement. However, don’t be misled by the name; any “sporty” enhancements are purely cosmetic.
The Fit Sport will showcase updated front and rear designs, an aerodynamic kit, a rear diffuser, a chrome exhaust tip, and sleek black 16-inch wheels. While it looks appealing, it’s not dramatically different from the standard trim. Hopefully, the visual distinction will be more pronounced in person compared to the photos.
Under the hood, it retains the same 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower, which is consistent across all third-generation Honda Fits in North America. This engine is well-suited for the Fit; however, an increase in power for the Sport version would be a welcome addition. Buyers will have the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Honda has a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine available in the Civic and CR-V, so it raises the question: why not introduce it in the sporty Fit? Installing this turbo-four with Honda’s well-regarded manual transmission in a subcompact could place the Fit Sport in direct competition with the popular Ford Fiesta ST.
Additional enhancements for the 2018 Fit include the availability of Honda Sensing technology across all trims, which encompasses adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and various other safety features. It’s noteworthy that even the base model will include adaptive cruise control. Moreover, a new seven-inch infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be introduced. The refreshed 2018 Honda Fit is expected to hit showrooms later this year.
.
