The Honda Fit or the GD chassis as it’s known in automotive enthusiast circles has been an excellent subcompact choice for Honda fans for about 5 years now, and it looks like change is on the horizon.
Honda announced that the 2015 version of the Honda Fit would receive a makeover, with rejuvenated styling and several possible hybrid options. While the hybrid versions of the Honda Fit / Jazz have not been officially announced for North America, it’s no secret that Honda has tried unsuccessfully to steal away some of the Toyota Prius sales momentum.
What we can confirm is that Motor Trend has some updates on the new Honda Fit, including a RS version which will sport the 1.5 liter engine mated to a six speed manual.
The 2015 Fit Hybrid will feature a 1.5 liter Atkinson-cycle engine with the 22-kw electric motor and battery, mated to a newly designed seven speed transmission. A seven speed transmission that takes the Honda CVT to a new level, allowing the car to be driven in electric-only mode.
The early reports from Motor Trend put the Honda Fit Hybrid’s gas efficiency on the same level as the Toyota Prius, but only time will tell if this hybrid makes it over the pond to the US.
The interior of the new Honda Fit has been given a total facelift with upgrades in several categories in regards to build material, fit and finish. Honda’s interior design chief Yoshinori Asahi would elaborate and explain Honda’s dedication to the redesigned interior.
“We aren’t going to take the attitude, ‘This is our cost, so make an interior that matches it,'” Asahi said. “My job is set high targets and achieve them with low-cost technologies. If you don’t do this, design quality deteriorates. I think that was the problem with Civic.”
What we here at Pro Street are most excited about are the Honda Fit RS, which was also reviewed by Motor Trend, and the possibility of a Honda Fit Si.
While the Honda Fit RS will be packing a six speed manual and the same 1.5 liter engine, we’d love to see the Earth Dreams lineup of Honda engines shoved into the new Honda Fit. The Honda Fit in Japan are still featured with AWD and a hybrid version, with rumors of the 2.0liter engine making it’s appearance in the Fit here stateside.
The North American International Auto Show was thought to be where Honda would make it’s waves, but many fans and enthusiasts were left wondering as Honda stayed relatively quiet on the news front. The AWD feature will be carried over by the new Honda Vezel, and the Earth Dreams motors have yet to be linked to the Honda Fit officially.
According to Honda’s spec sheet, the most powerful Fit will still rock the 1.5 liter VTEC four cylinder with 132 rated horsepower at the flywheel. While it’s not a herculean jump from the 118 in the USDM version of the current car, it’s still an increase we’ll gladly take from the factory.
Rumors of the Honda Fit Si are only unfounded rumors at this point, but with the debut of the Honda Civic Type R Turbo, and the newly announced Honda Vezel, we can only hope.
- Pro Street Staff
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