Honda has confirmed plans to roll out an RS version of the Fit, releasing a few images of the upgraded variant but stopping short of revealing power figures…

Honda has announced its Fit range will gain a sportier RS derivative in some markets when the hatchback receives its upcoming facelift.

Revealed in October 2019 before arriving in South Africa in June 2021, the fourth-generation version of Honda’s versatile supermini ditched the Jazz nameplate locally in favour of the Fit badge. And it seems the hatchback is already in line for a minor refresh.

Announced via Honda’s Japanese media portal, the facelift will include the launch of a new Fit RS that will have a focus on “sporty design and driving quality”. However, it’s unlikely to be an out-and-out hot hatch.

In fact, in its domestic market, the RS-badged variant will be offered exclusively with an uprated version of Honda’s 1.5-litre, two-motor hybrid system, which the automaker promises will deliver “increased output” and “improved accelerator response”, bringing “exhilaration to daily driving”.

The new Fit RS will use Honda’s e:HEV powertrain in Japan.

While the company has yet to detail the peak power and torque figures, we do know the front-wheel-drive RS model – yes, wearing the same badge as the new Civic RS sedan that has just arrived in South Africa – will offer a trio of drive modes (Econ, Normal and Sport), paddle shifters (to adjust the aggressiveness of the e:HEV system’s regenerative braking) with a raft of design updates.

For example, the RS derivative will gain a model-specific grille, along with sportier front and rear bumpers as well as a subtle rear spoiler and two-tone alloy wheels. Judging by the single image of the cabin released thus far, the Fit RS will furthermore feature yellow stitching on elements such as the steering wheel, seats, centre console and interior door trim.

Whether or not Honda Southern Africa will add this new RS variant to its local Fit line-up remains to be seen, but we should keep in mind our market gained a slightly warmer version of the automaker’s supermini before. Yes, back in February 2018, the Jazz Sport touched down in South Africa, boasting Type R-inspired styling (including an aero package), an upgraded cabin, reworked suspension and a unique engine tune (97 kW and 155 Nm) for its naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol heart…

The SA market received the similarly executed Jazz Sport back in early2018…