South Africans who want to reduce their fuel consumption as much as possible may want to consider picking up the Honda Fit e.HEV, which boasts a consumption as low as 3.7l/100km.
This is possible thanks to hybrid technology that incorporates an electric motor alongside the combustion engine to drastically reduce the amount of fuel the car burns, especially in low-speed situations like traffic jams.
While it is not the cheapest small car in the country with a starting price of R544,900, it is one of the most affordable hybrids you can buy, only being beaten out by the Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Corolla hatch, and Suzuki Grand Vitara – all of which have a higher average fuel stat.
Cost-saving journeys
The Fit employs a 1.5-litre petrol engine as its primary power source, which receives assistance from an e-motor to produce a combined total of 90kW and 253Nm.
This power is delivered to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission, leading to smoother acceleration and lower rev counts, which in turn leads to even greater fuel-savings.
The result is an incredibly low petrol tab of 3.7l/100km on a combined cycle, allowing the Honda to travel for 1,081km on a single 40-litre tank.
With petrol 95 currently going for R25.49 per litre as of May 2024, you are effectively paying R94.31 for every 100km you drive, which is an astounding figure.
As a reference, the non-hybrid Fit averages a still frugal 5.5l/100km – the equivalent of R140.2 for every 100km.
Looking at the rest of the package, you’ll also be getting automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy rims, keyless entry and start, heated leather seats, a 7-inch driver’s display, a 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and climate control.
The top-spec Fit also gets a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, hill-start assist, a road-departure mitigation system, a collision-mitigation braking system, and six airbags.
Each purchase of the Honda hatch is supported by a 5-year/200,000km warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and an 8-year/200,000km hybrid battery warranty.
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