Honda’s new Fit may not come to Canada

Honda’s teasing the next generation of the Fit ahead of its debut at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Show, but this time it really is a tease because odds are the vehicle won’t make its way to North America.

Automotive News noticed Honda’s news release for the Fit referred to it only by it’s European name, Jazz, and said it would be offered only with a hybrid powertrain.

Honda is ramping up its efforts to make low-emissions vehicles in Europe to follow its directive of a 100-per-cent electrified lineup there for 2025.

When we reached out to Honda Canada, we were told it would not comment on future vehicles at this time. Honda’s American arm similarly wouldn’t confirm the car, suggesting the United States won’t be getting it, which makes it unlikely we’ll get it either.

If the Fit does leave the North American market, Honda will likely close its plant in Mexico, saving the company its import tariffs.

Even though we likely won’t get it, we might as well mention the vehicle’s looks. A more round and traditional shape takes over for the angular styling we’ve seen all around the automotive world, and the front and rear of the vehicle have been made stubbier and more vertical, which will make it easier to park and drive.

The Fit has fallen out of favour with Americans, with sales dropping 17 per cent through to September, another reason we can see its demise here making sense. In August, sales of the Fit in Canada were half what they were in January, at 206 cars versus 419.