Honda's subcompact Fit was redesigned just two years after it hit the market.
New features like a navigation system and a USB port for digital music players ratchet up this subcompact's appeal to the tech-savvy, yet budget-minded buyers in the segment. Fit's super-short product cycle also helps keep it relevant; its fresh styling will put it back on shoppers' radar.
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During its yearlong stay in our long-term parking lot, we'll evaluate Fit and put it to the test in a wide variety of real-world driving situations: Commuting to work, shopping for groceries, and taking long-distance road trips. We'll find out if the second-generation Fit addresses any of the first-generation's foibles and if Honda's practical, zippy, subcompact can still count most of our editors among its fans.
About CG's Test 2009 Honda Fit
Consumer Guide's test car is a Sport model with navigation powered by Fit's sole engine: A 117-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Our Fit is equipped with a 5-speed automatic instead of the standard 5-speed manual transmission, which means we also have Sport's steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The Sport model also adds unique exterior body trim, a spoiler, fog lights, a sport suspension, and 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the Base model's 15-inch steel wheels. This 2009 Honda Fit Sport costs $18,960 plus $670 for destination.
Creature Comforts and Safety Equipment
Standard on our Fit Sport are dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a fold-flat passenger seat, split-folding rear seat, power mirrors/windows/door locks, and a CD/MP3 player with a digital-media player connection and i-Pod adapter.
The new-for-2009 navigation system with voice recognition is available only on the top line Sport model, as is the new antiskid system.
Initial Impressions
So far, this little runabout is winning over the test-car staff. As usual, we're impressed by its nimbleness, fun-to-drive attitude, versatility, and fuel efficiency--we're averaging about 29 mpg.
Where the subcompact really shines, however, is in the cargo capacity department. Though it may seem small from the outside, Fit's front passenger seat and rear seat fold nearly flat to provide a large storage area. It's also great at accommodating smaller items; 10 cupholders (which double as storage bins), several smaller cubbies, a decent-sized glovebox, and an under-seat tray mean a lot of stuff can be stashed in Fit's cabin. Its high-ish roofline also means that taller editors fit fine (pun intended).
One constant complaint reiterated by all testers and one that echoes our review of the previous-generation Fit is its cost. In a class with vehicles that start around $10,000, Fit Sport's near-$19,000 price raises some eyebrows and approaches Honda Civic territory.
While the interior materials did climb in quality over the previous-generation, it wasn't a huge leap. Fit's interior is just OK, which makes that near-$19,000 sticker price sting a bit more.
The new-for-2009 navigation system is only available on Fit Sport models.
Fit works best for those who need a city car; its hip styling, subcompact dimensions, compact-SUV-like cargo capacity, and overall maneuverability make it a great fit for urban new-car shoppers. Drivers looking for more of a highway commuter would be better suited by Honda's more refined Civic. Its more compliant ride and quieter engine mean it has more tolerable highway manners.
Just a little over a month into our test, we agree that though Fit's sticker price seems steep, it is one of the most sensible small cars on the market. Stay tuned for updates during our yearlong test of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport.
03.27.2009
