It was October 2019 when Honda unveiled the fourth-generation Fit/Jazz and it’s already previewing a pinch and tuck for the cute supermini. Seen here is the JDM-spec model ahead of its fall release with a restructured lineup as buyers will be able to choose from the following trim levels: Basic, Home, Luxury, Crosstar and RS. Yes, the pint-sized city car gets the RS treatment, but don’t go thinking it’s going to be a full-fledged hot hatch.
While we usually associate the “RS” badge with fast Audis and Fords, Honda uses the suffix in some markets as a slightly sportier derivative of a model. For example, the Civic RS Sedan shown below has a more aggressive appearance, but it’s far from the Si. It’s the same story with the new Fit RS, although we’re told it will have more power than the lower versions of the small sedan.
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Since this is technically just a preview, Honda won’t go into detail about the Fit RS. We know it has a more robust setup of the hybrid setup, which represents the only powertrain available on the Euro-spec Jazz. On the Old Continent, the B-segment car has a combined output of 109 hp (80 kW) and 253 Nm (187 lb-ft) of torque for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.4 seconds in road at a maximum speed of 109 mph (175 km/h).
Honda promises increased engine power and improved throttle response, along with an exclusive Fit RS drive mode switch to choose between Normal, Sport and Econ. The newest member of the family also gets a deceleration selector represented by paddles mounted behind the steering wheel to control regenerative braking in the same vein as on the Clarity.
It’s important to note that the RS will be available strictly with front-wheel drive while other versions – including the Crosstar – are offered with AWD in the Land of the Rising Sun. The performance-focused Fit will get slightly sportier exterior styling and yellow stitching inside the cabin. As with all other trim levels, the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies will be standard.
Honda phased out the Fit in the US at the end of the previous generation’s life cycle and is unlikely to bring it back. It remains to be seen whether markets outside of Japan will get the RS after its domestic launch this fall.
