I keep threatening to do a whole bit on names of cars these days and Honda’s new 5-door subcompact named Fit just adds fuel to the fire. But that’s for another time. The Fit is a hatchback intended to offer a high level of functionality, fun driving and a pretty decent level of standard safety equipment. The Fit entered the U.S. market this year as a 2007 model but has been a popular model in Japan and Europe, since 2001, where it is sold nearly a million copies as the Honda Jazz. Do I need to say any more about names?
The 2007 Fit is powered by a 109-horsepower 1.5-liter VTEC engine with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes six airbags, ABS, power windows, power locks, power mirrors. There is a distinctive multi-configuration 60/40 split Seat that Honda calls Magic SeatR that allows for 4 different configurations and also standard is an AM/FM/CD audio system.
Fit Sport adds steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifter controls with the automatic transmission, an underbody kit, a rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a security system with remote entry, a 200-watt AM/FM/CD audio system and cruise control.
The Fit is one of a plethora of “uniquely” styled econo-cars that have hit the market lately, and it may be one of the most functional overall. I’m not exactly a little guy and I was very pleasantly surprised at just how comfortable I was in the drivers’ seat although one would have to be rather petite to be in the seat behind me.
Make no mistake, this is an entry level car that Honda calls a “premium entry level” what ever that means, but it does offer quite a bit for a starting price tag under $14,000.00. I do feel that in this class, of small wagon/crossover vehicle, and price point that the Dodge Caliber will be the major competitor.
The Fit is a four-door hatchback with a tall roofline adding interior room. The 1.5-liter engine is economical, and I’m hearing rumblings that a continuously variable transmission is likely to be an option, which will certainly help fuel economy.
It is an economy vehicle so there are no power seats or sunroofs, and inside will never be mistaken for anything other than that. However, you get what you pay for and as we all know, you just can’t have it both ways.
The Fit is not by any stretch a vehicle one would expect a lot of performance from but I must say, because it’s relatively light at a tad over 2400 pounds for the 5-speed, it does feel spunky enough off the line, and at passing speeds from the 55 to 75mph range. One just has to “spool up” so to speak, and as always, we need to remember what type of vehicle we’re driving and stay within the parameters designers had in mind when they developed the car.
Although Honda says the Fit is a 5-seater, and there are seat belts for 5, I don’t’ think more then four adults would be comfortable because the middle of the rear seat is a tad too hard for most derrieres. The driver's seat moves back quite a bit to accommodate extra-tall folks, but then of course the legroom becomes tight for any one over 5 feet tall behind a driver if the seat has to be very far back. The 60/40 split Magic Seat allows the rear seatbacks, or the entire back seat, to be flipped forward without removing headrests, or rear seat bottoms, to provide plenty of extra cargo space. The front seats can recline flush with the rear seats, creating a long, flat opening for carrying those 2X4’s or anything else that won’t normally fit.
To provide even more interior room and allow those unique seat configurations, the Fit's fuel tank is located toward the middle of the car. That also allows for the cargo area to have a lower opening and gives the Fit a pretty decent amount of space even with rear seats in their normal position.
I found a couple of pleasant surprises when I drove the Fit that I was very impressed with. The electric steering was quick and sure and the suspension was much more sophisticated then I imagined. What that boils down to is that driving this little grocery getter offers much more of a fun quotient then I thought and I’m sure the target demographic will appreciate. I understand that Honda already has a lot of aftermarket products for the Fit and I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of tricked out Honda Fits running around town very shortly.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for just the right vehicle to run around town in that offers some unique features. The Fit may just fit the bill, and the price certainly is reasonable in today’s market so if you haven’t found what you’re looking for, try the Fit on for size. You may be surprised, I know I was.
