The Sunday Mail
Theseus Shambare
WHEN car racing and drifting fanatics are asked about powerful automobiles, brands that are quickly thrown into the hat include Lamborghini, Ferrari or Bugatti.
Down South, they trust the VW Polo, which is widely used within the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to “its reliable” take-off and speed.
However, back home, Honda Fit — a hatchback with a 1,5-litre capacity and 128 horse power engine — has taken the streets by storm.
It appears if one is to randomly throw a stone in any local urban traffic jungle, they would likely hit a Honda Fit.
The vehicle is literally everywhere.
Motorists find the car fuel efficient and the police equally recognise that it is a favourite for most criminals, for one reason or another.
But that is a subject matter for another day.
Today, Honda Fit — often used as mushikashika (pirate taxi) — now has a “new ranking” on the streets.
It is now practically being equated to the biblical David, who astonishingly defeated Goliath.
The vehicle has constantly set tongues wagging because of its supposed “exploits” on the road.
“This light motor vehicle is a supercar, powerful, easy to maintain and durable,” said Owen Mazonde, who has been using the car for the past decade, travelling throughout the country on his borehole drilling business.
Bright Mazungunye, a car dealer with outlets dotted across the country said: “On average, the Honda Fit costs around US$4 000 and the demand is rising due to the advanced hybrid versions released.”
Ugly side
But the Honda Fit has well-documented ugly incidents in the country.
Of prominence is its involvement in the tragic accident that claimed the life of flamboyant businessman-cum-socialite Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure and three of his friends in November 2020.
The Rolls Royce, valued around half a million dollars, was “humbled” by the modest “supercar” as it was reduced to a wreckage after a head-on collision.
The Rolls Royce turned into a ball of fire while the engine and wheels were detached from the body. Strangely, the Honda Fit driver survived with minor injuries while his car was damaged to some extent.
According to experts, the late Ginimbi’s road beast had an advanced safety system that was supposed to protect him and his passengers but that counted for nothing against the Honda Fit.
In another incident, May 20, the “notorious” Honda Fit was at it again.
It sent the whole Graniteside area into a total blackout after a giant 133kv transmission pylon gave in to the impact of the car.
“An accident that happened when a Honda Fit ran into the tower on May 20, 2022, at 23:45 led to its collapse . . . ,” read part of a statement posted by the power utility.
A fortnight ago, a picture posted on social media showed a collision involving a Honda Fit and a Mercedes-Benz.
The Benz was a much heavier vehicle than the tiny car. However, it overturned and landed on its roof. Experts generally consider this unusual as the sedan is said to have sound stability even during challenging circumstances.
As has become the norm, the Honda driver came out unharmed and the vehicle slightly damaged.
There was also an incident earlier this year, in April, when a Honda Fit went into an “argument” with a train along Chiremba Road.
Two people died in the accident, but the driver survived with minor injuries.
The train was forced to halt its journey, blocking the road for hours.
Chronicles of the “supercar”, a darling for mushikashika drivers, are endless.
But is the Honda Fit that strong?
Ben Kumalo, an automobile expert and former general manager of the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe, which partly owns Willowvale Motor Industries, said the Honda Fit was being abused by reckless drivers.
He dispelled assumptions that the car is stronger than other brands.
“The notion that Honda Fit is the strongest in an accident impact is misplaced. Usually, drivers of these small vehicles are reckless because they know that people with better brands of cars avoid direct collision with them. This often results in other cars veering off the road and overturning in the process,” explained Kumalo.
“Accidents are not a result of car brands, but rather human factors such as driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, trying to beat traffic lights and other forms of non-observance of driving regulations.”
Kumalo, however, acknowledged the car was economical and efficient.
“Studies show that it is at the second best level of reliability out of four levels of reliability,” he added.
A Harare-based driver shared his nasty experience.
“Many Honda (Fit) drivers are negligent by nature and that is why most of their cars are battered.
“I veered off the road, avoiding a head-on collision with a mushikashika driver,” said a man who only identified himself as Baba Tanaka.
