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Honda’s Cult-Favorite Affordable Hatch Lives On with Tempting JDM Upgrades

The new Fit has arrived in its home market, and it already benefits from some aftermarket support to dial up the appeal.

Front view of a white Honda car with RS badge and black grille on a red background.Mugen
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By Gray Van Dyke

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Since the discontinuation of the Honda Fit here in the United States back in 2020, the little hatch has developed a bizarre kind of cult-like following. 

That’s because it’s probably as much due to online ‘Fih’ status as it is on account of any real-world utility or efficiency. The Honda has become a meme, but it also provides a practical solution to rising gas prices.

Regardless of how the Fit resonates with you personally, the fact that it continues to exist in Japan is bound to hurt. In more ways than one, it illustrates what’s missing here in the US.

Blue Honda Fit e:HEV compact car front view on a light concrete surface under clear blue sky.
Honda’s fit left the United States after the 2020 model year.
Honda

The Fit keeps cheap

For starters, it’s a hatch that continues to be super affordable, even 25 years after its debut. Honda’s updated fourth-generation Fit will start at 1,806,200 yen for the base-level X trim in Japan, which works out to a little over $11,000.

White Honda Mugen RS hatchback with black and red accents on a red background.
Mugen upgrades make this cheap hatch all the more tempting.
Mugen

At that price, its appointments are pretty spartan. On Honda’s Fit online comparison, you’ll find that it does without things like LED headlights, a camera and seat heaters, and it also sports fabric upholstery instead of leather.

However, that puts it well below even micromobility solutions like the Fiat Topolino and the Amble One. Moreover, even the better-equipped models remain incredibly reasonable.

The top of the line Crosstar Hybrid comes in at 2,735,700 yen for the front-wheel-drive version and 2,955,700 yen for the all-wheel-drive version, prices that work out to around $16,800 and $18,200, respectively.

Two black Mugen gas struts with mounting brackets on a gray background.
The performance dampers are supposed to minimize vibrations and improve handling response.
Mugen

Mugen ups the ante

If the low price of entry wasn’t enviable enough on its own, the updated Fit already has some aftermarket support that’s sure to make it more tempting.

It comes from renowned Honda tuner Mugen, and the catalog spans the X, the Z and even the RS and hybrid variants. No matter which Fit fits the budget, then, buyers can upgrade it to their heart’s delight.

White Honda Fit RS hatchback with Mugen body kit and black tinted windows, shown from rear side angle.
The aero touches extend around the back to the skirts, bumper and small wing.
Mugen

The parts themselves span the usual mix of aerodynamic dress-up bits, like valances, skirts and spoilers, as well as wheels, carbon fiber decals and other accessories. Some are subtle touches, but they can make a big difference in combination with other visual mods.

Furthermore, there are some notable performance upgrades, too. In addition to a sport silencer for improved exhaust efficiency, buyers can also get trick dampers like those offered for the Civic Type R to reduce road vibrations and improve handling.

Polished stainless steel car exhaust muffler with curved pipe and mounting hardware on gray background.
That sport exhaust improves efficiency while also bringing a unique sound.
Mugen

Speaking of which, while those are easily the most expensive items of the lot, even the exhaust tops out at around $1,000. It’s hardly free, but it’s at least attainable.

An overseas dream

In any case, those of us in the United States can only enjoy the hatch from afar, as Honda doesn’t currently offer it in America. If you want to get your Fih fix, you’ll have to turn to the secondhand market.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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