As the dust at the North American International Auto Show settles, we’ve had a chance to look back at the redesigned 2015 Honda Fit. Scheduled to start selling this spring, Honda promises a new Honda Fit from the ground up with dynamic styling cues and increased power and efficiency.
The Honda Fit is Honda’s entry level vehicle, having replaced the steadily growing Civic and it looks as though Honda is trying to re-create the model in an attempt to kickstart sales. After all the Fit still trails behind such stalwarts as the Accord and Civic under the Honda stable of vehicles.
John Mendel, the executive vice president of automobile sales for American Honda Motor Co, would elaborate on the changes that Honda is focusing on.
“The Honda Fit is a small car with big aspirations. Faster, more fuel-efficient and more fun, it’s a subcompact with larger-than-life-capabilities. It’s simply the best Fit to date and, we believe, a new benchmark in the small-car category.”
Some of the styling cues and changes are subtle to be sure, but we are much more interested in the power plant found in the new Fit. Honda’s Earth Dreams engine class has been a much talked about point here in the United States for the 2.0-liter turbocharged model that may never make it’s way here stateside. Instead we’ll have to live with the 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC version of the direct injection Earth Dreams engine.
The 2015 Honda Fit is of particular interest for many reasons, the least of which is the debut of Honda’s technologically superior Earth Dreams class of engines, which should power the next generation of cars for the Japanese manufacturer. Putting down 130 horsepower from the 1.5-liter and 114 ft lbs of torque at just 4600 rpm, the new Earth Dreams motor represents a marked upgrade (13 horsepower and 8 ft lbs) over the current motor platform.
A combination of the fuel-efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters, or sporty 6-speed manual with improved gearing to provide more low and middle range of the powerband. These improvements have Honda projecting the new Fit’s EPA numbers at a markedly improved fuel economy rating of 33 city/41 highway/36 combined for (CVT-equipped models).
The upgrades aren’t all in the form of power and economy however, as the Honda Fit received a facelift from the interior as well as the exterior. A much more aggressive front fascia highlights a new grille and headlight design, carved out by stronger bolder character lines. Improving the stance and overall look of the Fit, Honda equipped the new model with larger 16-inch rims and LED taillights as well as a chrome tailgate and rear diffuser to complete the appearance makeover.
Improvements to the vehicle’s footprint increasing handling and response, with increases in width (+.0.3inches) with a slightly longer wheelbase (+1.2inches). Expanding the Honda Fit’s already class leading interior space, the new Fit has more room inside (+4.9cu ft) and more legroom in back (+4.8 inches)
Combined with Honda’s exclusive Magic Seat, the new Honda Fit can dole out a whopping total of 52.7 cubic inches of cargo space when the second row seats are folded down. This makes the Honda Fit even more of a utilitarian use and truly diversifies what the sporty compact can do.
With all the talk and rumors of Google and Apple’s integration into vehicles in the calender year of 2014, the Honda Fit comes from the factory ready to rock and roll. All Honda Fit’s will be equipped with class-leading standard features including Bluetooth® connectivity, a multi-angle rearview camera, and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. Extras from the factory can include push-button starter, heated front seats and a 7 inch Display that may incorporate Apple’s iOS at a later date.
And although the last model of Honda Fit recently lost their 5 star collision rating, the new Fit is expected to deliver top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating with a GOOD rating in all IIHS test modes.
For more information on this model or any of Honda’s 2014 offerings, check them out at : American Honda Motor Co
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