Get “Fit” With Honda and All that “Jazz”
Small and economical Honda does it again
Boomer: How appropriate it was that we were able to test drive the 2007 Honda Fit this week.
X: Why? What does that mean?
Boomer: You know; you’re training for a mini-triathlon and trying to get fit and we drove the Fit, get it?
X: The only thing I get is that you’re sharing the fact I’m out of shape with thousands of Desert Advocate readers right now.
Boomer: Well, you share that I’m going through menopause almost every week.
X: But that’s funny. The Fit is tiny and compact, I’m not.
Boomer: The Fit is called the “Jazz” in Europe and Japan. So, the car has rhythm and you don’t?
X: The Fit is a 4-door hatchback, and I’m trying to get a six pack.
Boomer: You shouldn’t drink beer while training for a triathlon.
X: Mom, a 6-pack is a term for a tight abdomen. You know that; stop being silly.
Boomer: I’m trying to make comparisons between you and the Fit. It isn’t that difficult to do. After all, the Fit is cute like you and has a good amount of comfort, safety and it is reliable. The Fit, when filled up with gas, goes a long way. Likewise, you have tons of energy while training for the triathlon.
X: It also has a large rear compared to its front.
Boomer: How about those “Magic Seats” that allow the entire back seat to be flipped forward without removing headrests or rear seat bottoms? You don’t have to flip up half the car to provide seating and cargo configurations.
X: The 60/40 split actually allows the front seats to recline flush with the rear seats in case you want to sleep in your car or take a rest after doing three strenuous activities.
Boomer: I wouldn’t sleep in the Hatchback and, with your athletic, tall body, you couldn’t “fit.” When you realized that, you would have had a ‘fit”. Get it? That is funny.
X: You’re not funny or cute, so cut it out.
Boomer: How is the training for the triathlon coming? Are you swimming everyday and running and biking? Are you sore at the end of the day? Are you training with anyone like a Lance Armstrong? You do know that Lance and Sheryl Crow broke up?
X: Sure, let me go call him right now and see if he’s available. Running and biking are a little easier for me than the swimming. Before I got a bathing cap and goggles I was choking on my hair every time I would turn my head to take a breath. I would get so tangled up in my hair I would panic and sink to the bottom.
Boomer: Well, I’m sure you have plenty of time before the event to figure out the hair choking thing.
X: Not really, it’s September 24th.
Boomer: Are you joking? Well, fortunately the Fit is available right now at your Honda dealers and selling very well. You can tell by its peanut size there should be quite a savings at the pump. The Fit has a 4-cylinder engine at 1.5 liters. Fortunately, it pumps out 109 horsepower, but that is because of an overhead-camshaft design, 16 valves and variable valve timing. It is as efficient as a hybrid.
X: The Honda is a 4-door hatchback and considered a five seater. I personally found it difficult to get that third adult in the back seat comfortably.
Boomer: The Fit weighs only 2,432 pounds.
X: Is this where you think I’m going to tell you what I weigh? Forget it.
Boomer: Don’t have a “fit” Melanie... Ha!
X: I’m ignoring all the “fit” jokes, so stop. I think the fuel economy and the price are outstanding on the cute bundle of euro-car. The Fit, with manual transmission, gets 33mpg in the city and 38 on highways, and for automatic is 31/38. The manual transmission lists for $13,850, and the automatic transmission is $14,650.
Boomer: A perfect Fit for a first time buyer, city dweller going down narrow streets, and someone always parking in front of urban coffee shops.
X: Urban coffee shops? I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but did you take your estrogen pills today? You are talking goofy.
Boomer: I’m fine, thank you. There are some very nice standard features on the Honda pipsqueak. The paddle shifters for manual shifting are pretty popular. The Honda “premium entry car” has air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, six airbags, and 65-series tires, anti lock brakes and power windows, mirrors and door locks.
X: Don’t forget dual front cup holders, and the sport version comes with even more audio goodies, a sport muffler and chrome exhaust tips.
Boomer: The most surprising difference from other vehicles was the location of the gas tank. I didn’t expect to find the fuel tank towards the middle of the car. However, for a small compact vehicle, like the fit, it was a great idea. That central location allows for the cargo area to have a lower opening and more space throughout where needed.
X: All in all, the Fit was well-appointed for a small car. My trust in Honda usually takes precedent over little things here and there that I don’t care for.
Boomer: It’s nice to see that manufacturers are bringing to the United States the types of vehicles that have been so successful in Europe and Asia where they’ve had to be more economical and size conscious. After all Melanie, no matter what anyone tells you, size does matter.
X: I’m not going there.
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