Honda Fit Review
2017-2023
The Honda Fit (GK3/GK5 3rd Gen facelift and GR1/GR3 4th Gen series) is one of Kenya's most popular compact hatchbacks. Known for its ultra-practical Magic Seat interior arrangement, responsive 1.3L/1.5L i-VTEC engines, and ultra-frugal e:HEV hybrid powertrain, all variants sit comfortably in KRA's lowest customs tax valuation brackets. Total landed import costs typically range from KES 1.40M to KES 2.40M.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Magic Seat versatility: Rear seat cushions flip up or fold flat to carry tall cargo and bicycles.
- Sub-1,500 cc import duty advantage: Qualifies for KRA's lowest customs tax valuation bracket.
- Exceptional e:HEV fuel efficiency: Delivers up to 28.0 km/L in stop-and-go Nairobi city traffic.
What’s not so good
- 145 mm ground clearance: Requires slow navigation over steep estate speed bumps when fully loaded.
- Third-generation DCT hybrid recall history: 2014–2016 i-DCD dual-clutch models require transmission software check.
Most popular: Fit 1.3L Home / Fit e:HEV Hybrid Luxe
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Honda Fit (GK3/GK5 & GR1/GR3 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Compact Hatchback
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol (i-VTEC), Full Hybrid (e:HEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,317 cc / 1,496 cc
- Transmission
- CVT Automatic / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD or Real Time AWD
- Ground clearance
- 145 mm (150 mm Crosstar)
- Source market
- Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 18.5 km/L (1.3L) / 28.0 km/L (e:HEV Hybrid). Tank: 40 L (about 740 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,464 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,081 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 12,268
- Full tank (40 L)
- KES 9,078
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
13G / Basic / Home / Ness
- Setup
1.3L 4-cylinder petrol (100 hp / 119 Nm), CVT automatic, FWD, returning 18.5 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
Low purchase price at Japanese auctions and ultra-low maintenance overhead.
- Local consideration
Highly favored for ride-sharing services and urban daily commuting.
Package tiers
Honda Fit package tiers range from practical commuter grades to premium Luxe editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic / Home | City commuter | Fabric seats, digital instrument cluster, Honda Sensing, automatic climate control, and LED lights. |
| Luxe / Crosstar | Executive hatch | Two-tone leather seats, 16-inch alloys, heated seats, roof rails, and 8-speaker audio. |
About the Honda Fit
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Fit models sit inside the direct import window.
Both the 1.3L L13B (1,317 cc) and 1.5L L15B/e:HEV (1,496 cc) engines qualify for Kenya's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket, triggering the standard 25% excise duty rate and keeping import tax overhead very low.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
