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The beloved Honda Fit, celebrated for its remarkable practicality and clever use of space, officially exited the North American market in 2020. Since then, pre-owned Fits have held their value impressively, often selling for prices close to their original cost. Meanwhile, markets in Japan, China, and Europe continue to enjoy the compact hatchback, which now welcomes a new variant to its range—one that remains so affordable in Japan that it’s almost unbelievable for American buyers used to today’s new-car prices.

Originally launched in 2001, the Honda Fit entered its fourth generation in 2020, following its unveiling at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. Six years later, Honda has refreshed the fourth-generation Fit with a facelift and introduced a brand-new entry-level variant. Officially named the Honda Fit Z, this model combines a sportier design with an attractive price tag, and its MSRP is what truly catches attention overseas.

The new Honda Fit Z starts at 2,145,000 yen, which is approximately $13,228. That’s an incredible deal considering that the least expensive new car in the U.S. currently is the Hyundai Venue at $22,150. Despite its low price, the Fit Z doesn’t compromise on features. The Z trim mirrors the sporty RS variant’s design, adding more aggressive front and rear bumpers. Inside, it receives a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, standard heated seats, and improved interior materials. Honda also claims that the Z variant benefits from a higher-quality clear coat for enhanced paint finish.

Performance has never been the Fit’s main focus, and the current Japan-specific version is modest in output. Powered by a 1.5-litre inline-four petrol engine, the Honda Fit Z delivers 119 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more, hybrid and all-wheel-drive configurations are also available. Even the top-spec Fit Z equipped with the 207-horsepower hybrid system and AWD costs the equivalent of just $16,767.

The introduction of the Z trim marks a first for the modern Fit lineup, which previously maintained a larger price and feature gap between the base X trim and the higher-end models. Honda continues to offer the basic X trim in Japan at around $11,138, but the new Z variant stands out as the most value-packed option. Altogether, the Fit’s affordability and feature set in international markets clearly highlight the different market philosophies between Japan and North America. While larger cars may dominate U.S. roads, it’s hard not to miss the practicality and charm of the Honda Fit.