Honda Fits Big Car in Tiny Package

It doesn't Take Long for Foreign Auto makers to supersize their cars once they reach U.S. shores, and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. is a perfect example with its Civic compact and Accord midsize sedans.

Now comes a new version of the quirky Honda Fit, a tall subcompact hatchback that at one time begged to be called “cute.” But no more.

The re-engineered '09 Fit is wider and longer, with a more aggressive face and lower stance. The 16-in. wheels on the up-trim Sport add boldness, and a horsepower boost matches the car's super-forward “aero-form design” that encompasses a reinforced body structure.

This grownup Fit is enjoyable to drive, with a peppy spirit, welcoming interior, superb handling, excellent fuel efficiency and an attractive price.

It replaces the first-generation vehicle that launched in Japan in June 2001, arriving in the U.S. in April 2006.

Since its initial global introduction, the Fit has met with success in 115 countries. Called the Jazz in Europe, Australia and China; the City in Thailand and India; and the Aria in some South America countries, Honda says worldwide it has sold 2.5 million units to date, including some '09 models.

Honda says it has sold 136,415 Fits in the U.S. through July since the car's introduction two years ago, and is assuring dealers they no longer will be supply-constrained. Had the supply line been flowing, dealers insist they could have bested the Toyota Yaris, which sold 21,247 more cars this year through July, according to Ward's data.

Indeed, John Mendel, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., tells reporters he expects to sell 85,000 '09 Fits in the U.S. in the car's first 12 months, and Japan has assured the spigot will remain open if more vehicles are needed.

That's because U.S. demand for subcompact cars finally has caught up with the rest of the world. Fit sales in the U.S. were up 72.9% through July to 52,053, Ward's data shows, compared with the Toyota Yaris, up 34.1% to 73,300, and Nissan Versa, up 19.6% to 54,326.

However, there are no plans to build the new Fit in North America, Mendel says, noting two months of industry small-car sales is not a trend.

With enhanced driving dynamics, the fun factor that makes this subcompact such a standout in its segment continues to impress as it exceeds the previous generation by nearly every measure.

The '09 model's new high-revving 1.5L, 16-valve SOHC I-VTEC gasoline 4-cyl. engine, mated to a standard 5-speed manual or available 5-speed automatic with dual-mode paddle shifting, produces a very willing 117 hp at 6,600 rpm — an 8-hp bump from the current model — with maximum torque of 106 lb.-ft. (144 Nm) at 4,800 rpm.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates fuel efficiency at 28/35 mpg (8.4/6.7 L/100 km) city/highway for the base Fit with automatic transmission, and 27/33 mpg (8.7/7 L/100 km) for the Sport with a manual or automatic gearbox.

The chassis has been further refined to match the more rigid body, achieving a pleasing balance between a smooth ride and nimble handling with less understeer.

Adding to the fun-to-drive quotient, the '09 model takes on a sportier, lower profile as its wheelbase is extended 1.9 ins. (5 cm) and overall length stretched 4.2 ins. (10.7 cm).

Inside, Honda's packaging efficiency comes to the fore with a spacious passenger volume of 90.8 cu.-ft. (2,571 L) and an additional rear-cargo volume of 20 cu.-ft. (566 L). Rear-seat legroom also is improved.

Honda adds its signature, wider and more-supportive “Magic Seat” throughout, with easier-than-ever rear fold-flat seats that push up against the cargo bay to create a tall space suitable for slender cargo such as bicycles.

Honda says the design of the cabin materials and trim is intended to convey a more premium feel, including the layout of the gauges and leather-wrapped automatic shift knob and steering wheel.

However, one glaring difference between the '09 Fit and its predecessor is the smooth, cheap-looking instrument panel cover. The former Fit used a low-gloss, textured surface generally found in more upscale vehicles, which set it apart in the subcompact segment.

Jeff Swedlund, Fit senior product planner — Honda America, expects the Sport model to account for 86% of '09 Fit sales in the U.S., despite a hike in price that Mendel blames on soaring material costs.

Minus $670 destination and handling charges, the base Fit with a manual gearbox and 15-in. wheels is priced at $14,550, while the Sport trim with manual transmission and 16-in. alloy wheels is $16,060.

With the addition of an automatic transmission, navigation and stability-control systems, the Sport tops out at $18,760, placing it squarely in Civic territory.

Swedlund predicts Fit competitors will triple over the next three years, including new entries from the Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai and Kia brands.

Honda Introduces Bigger Fit
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Subcompact Sales Poised to Hit Levels Not Seen in More Than Decade
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'09 Honda Fit Sport

Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel drive, subcompact hatchback

Engine: 1.5L, 16-valve, 4-cyl. SOHC i-VTEC, aluminum block, aluminum head

Power (SAE net): 117 hp @ 6,600 rpm

Torque: 106 lb.-ft. (144 Nm) @ 4,800 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Wheelbase: 98.4 ins. (249.9 cm)

Overall length: 161.6 ins. (410.5 cm)

Overall height: 60.0 ins. (152.4 cm)

Curb weight: 2,534 lbs. (1,149 kg)

Base price: $16,060

Fuel economy: 27/33 mpg (8.7/7 L/100 km)

Competition: Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Chevy Aveo