Fit has a slight advantage, but Starlet remains highly competitive.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Fit
+4 pts
Efficiency
Fit
+10 pts
Safety
Starlet
+2 pts
Practicality
Starlet
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Fit
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
20/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
12/20
Starlet
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
10/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
Fit
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Cons
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Starlet
Pros
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best For:Family Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Fit
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Starlet
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Ground Clearance
135
162
Wheelbase
2530
2520
Length
3995
3995
Width
1695
1695
Height
1515
1520
Kerb Weight
1150
1005
Gross Vehicle Weight
1550
1420
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
304
265
Towing Capacity
800
Not Rated
Front Track Width
-
1470
Rear Track Width
-
1455
Turning Radius
-
4.9
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Engine
1.5L Hybrid Petrol
1.0L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Atkinson Cycle with Electric Motor
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
1498
996
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
109
72
Torque
253
140
Fuel System
Direct Injection + Electric Motor Assist
Direct Injection
Top Speed
175
175
0-100 km/h
10.5
12.0
Power @ RPM
-
5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
1500-3000 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Single Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
10.0:1
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Transmission
eCVT Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Not Available
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Claimed Mileage
26
16.7
City Mileage
24
13
Highway Mileage
27
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
40
40
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Optional
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Seat Material
Premium Fabric
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Heated Seats
Optional
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Not Available
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Optional
Optional
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
4
Navigation System
Built-in
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Full Digital
USB Ports
-
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
Fit
Starlet
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
16-inch Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Approach Angle
14
-
Departure Angle
16
-
Wading Depth
250
-
Terrain Modes
EV Eco Normal
-
Locking Differential
Not Available
-
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
195/55 R16
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Steel
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt Adjustable
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Low
Approx R3,200
Battery Warranty
8 Years
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
Fit
Starlet
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
Fit
Starlet
CO2 Emissions
90
107
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Self-Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
67
Final Verdict
🏆Honda Fit
wins with 69 pts
vs 58 pts for Starlet
In structured scoring, Fit emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Starlet may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
