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When considering the purchase of a smaller car, the choice between a compact car and a light car often perplexes potential buyers. This predicament is particularly pronounced in Japan, where two popular options, Honda’s N-BOX and Fit, reign supreme. To assist prospective buyers, we’ll conduct a thorough comparison of these vehicles, taking into account specifications, pricing, and owner feedback. Furthermore, we’ll highlight the upcoming release of the third-generation N-BOX scheduled for the fall of 2023.

Price Comparison:

The pricing spectrum for the 2020 Fit (including consumption tax) ranges from ¥1,624,700 (BASIC/FF) to ¥2,718,100 (e: HEV LUXE/4WD). Meanwhile, the second-generation N-BOX, introduced in 2017, ranges from ¥1,468,500 (G/FF) to ¥2,288,000 (custom, L turbo coordination style, 4WD). While the lowest prices differ by around ¥150,000, the highest prices vary by approximately ¥430,000. The disparity is primarily due to the Fit’s higher cost, especially in the case of hybrid models. The highest-priced gasoline Fit, at ¥2,361,700 (LUXE/4WD), narrows the gap with the N-BOX to less than ¥80,000.

Tax Considerations:

When it comes to taxes, both the N-BOX (L, naturally aspirated, FF) and Fit (e: HEV HOME, FF) have a tax rate of 0% for “Automobile Tax Environmental Performance Percentage.” The “Automobile weight tax” is ¥3,300 for the N-BOX and zero for the Fit. Automobile tax is ¥17,700 on a monthly basis if registered in August, but the light vehicle tax lacks a monthly installment system and is imposed from the following year, at ¥180,800, making the N-BOX tax-free. In total, the difference in tax between the two cars amounts to ¥14,400. Comparatively, the Fit gasoline car (HOME, gasoline, FF) incurs an environmental performance tax of ¥46,500 and a vehicle weight tax of ¥36,900, totaling ¥101,100. This results in a ¥97,800 difference with the N-BOX.

Insurance Costs:

“Compulsory automobile liability insurance (37 months)” costs ¥24,190 for both Fit and N-BOX, regardless of whether it’s a gasoline or hybrid model. However, voluntary insurance prices vary depending on enrollment conditions and insurance providers, but light cars tend to have roughly 20% lower insurance costs.

Power and Fuel Efficiency:

The Fit offers two power units: a 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (118 hp) and a hybrid (e:HEV) combining a 1.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine (106 hp) with an electric motor (123 hp). This hybrid configuration provides superior fuel efficiency at 29.0 km/L (WLTC mode, HOME, FF). Gasoline Fit owners report, “Performance is just right, with actual fuel efficiency around 15 km/L,” while hybrid owners praise its power and smoothness, achieving up to 30 km/L when driven carefully.

In contrast, the N-BOX boasts a 658cc inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine, available in naturally aspirated (58 hp) and turbo (64 hp) variants. Fuel efficiency is approximately 21.2 km/L and 20.2 km/L (WLTC mode, L, FF), with little difference in catalog values. Owners note the distinct driving experiences, with some saying that the turbo version feels vastly different, while others appreciate the naturally aspirated version’s power delivery, likening it to a mini-turbo from the past.

Handling and Dimensions:

Both vehicles are compact, but handling performance varies. The Fit measures 3995 mm in length, 1695 mm in width, and 1540 mm in height, with a minimum turning radius of 4.9 m (e: HEV HOME/FF). On the other hand, the N-BOX is notably smaller, with dimensions of 3395 mm in length, 1475 mm in width, and 1790 mm in height, offering a minimum turning radius of 4.5 m (L, naturally aspirated, FF), making it more maneuverable.

Visibility and Comfort:

Visibility from the Fit’s driver seat is commendable, thanks to its low dashboard. However, some owners mention slight blind spots on the A-pillars. Conversely, N-BOX owners, while enjoying a high viewpoint, have noted that the current model’s thicker dashboard and meter placement above the steering wheel have slightly compromised visibility.

In terms of ride comfort, Fit owners occasionally find it “pushy,” while some N-BOX owners express concerns about body roll during cornering. Despite the N-BOX’s smaller exterior, its interior dimensions (length x width x height) surpass the Fit, providing a spacious feel. Fit enthusiasts appreciate the meticulous interior design of the current generation, even though the dimensions are similar to the previous one.

Safety Features:

Both cars come equipped with “Honda SENSING” as standard safety equipment. The Fit additionally includes “short-distance collision mitigation braking” and “traffic jam assist,” which assists in low-speed highway driving, introduced in the fall of 2022. N-BOX models, updated in December 2021, all feature “electronically controlled parking brake with auto brake hold” as standard. The ACC has evolved to include a traffic congestion tracking function, reducing the load during expressway congestion.

Conclusion:

While the Fit has traditionally held a strong position in sales rankings, it now faces competition from the N-BOX. Both cars offer their unique strengths and features, making it a challenging decision for potential buyers. With the new N-BOX set to launch in the fall of 2023, the trends in Honda’s light and compact car offerings are sure to evolve. The choice between a light car and a small car ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.