Honda Fit: Black Is Beautiful

It’s not fair, but vehicles with black interiors are at a disadvantage when they arrive in our metro Detroit parking deck for Ward’s 10 Best Interiors evaluation.

In the depths of the polar vortex, there’s just not enough light to visually take in the details of a black interior.

So when a car like the affordably priced ’15 Honda Fit rolls in with an onyx cabin that manages to rise above its dark and dreary surroundings, rest assured it truly is deserving.

It helps when the black surfaces are soft-touch matte-finish material on the instrument panel, doors and armrests, not to mention the high-quality leather on the steering wheel and firmly bolstered heated front seats.

This monochromatic approach makes the metallic bits on the IP, doors, vents, steering wheel and shifter bezel really pop.

For under $22,000, the third-generation Fit can be had in EX-L dress also equipped with lane-keeping, text messaging, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, voice recognition, a multi-function 7-in. (17.8-cm) display screen, satellite radio, HD traffic info and an interface for Pandora Internet radio. The car is a dream for connected kids of all ages.

Don’t forget the camera-based Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, which displays on the center screen a view of the blindspot when the blinker is activated. A clever, useful feature.

Despite all the electronic gadgets, the climate controls consist of three dials for fan speed, temperature and air direction. It’s a clean and effective reminder of simpler times.

Is it any wonder a car named Fit is a showcase for expert fit-and-finish? Run your fingers along the front edge of the headliner – which no one ever sees – and study closely the cleanly sealed rear edge with the liftgate open, and Honda’s reputation for first-rate build quality remains intact.

Behind the first row, the Fit is equally impressive, with lots of room for heads and legs. The back seats fold flat, revealing a large cargo hold with the liftgate open.

The real fun comes with the “Magic Seats,” allowing second-row seat bottoms to fold upright and lock in place for easy storage of bikes and other large objects.

“This is a fantastic interior,” Editor James Amend writes on his score sheet. “It’s an impressive layout for the driver, with good storage and lots of room. It’s all done tastefully.”

As for our left-handed editor, Jim Irwin, Honda had him with the conveniently placed cupholder on the port side of the steering wheel. He writes on his score sheet, “This lefty says: Right on!”

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