Honda fit (2015)
may be the most underrated car on the market today. Despite being what we
regard is one of the best sub compact vehicles on sale. It's only ever been a mid-pack
seller. So 4 2015 honda is taking a third attempt at the fit and they've given
it more power more space and more efficiency. It will this be the secret formula that finally
makes it a success.
Power will continue to come from a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder vtec
engine, but this one is all new. Now using direct injection. This unit will
make 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. For those keeping score at
home that is an increase of 13 horsepower and eight pound feet compared to the
old engine. Transmission choices are new this year as well with the 5-speed
manual being replaced by a new 6-speed manual and the five-speed automatic has
been replaced by a cvt. The new far more efficient automatic should be good for
33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway for the
base lx fit. Higher trimmed fits with the cvt will achieve slightly lower
numbers. The base 2015 fit lx should begin at 16,315 dollars after destination
charges, while a fully loaded exl with navigation will start just over 21,000.
The new fit rides on a longer wheelbase even though the car is a
little shorter overall. The styling isn't radically different but has been
altered to be more modern and a little less weird. That said the headlights and
grill do continue the unique if not obscure fit front-end design. Honda is
making a big deal about the materials they've used for the front and rear
lights and it kind of shows the taillights have a bit of a volvo look to them.
The fit may will have the most usable interior for its size of any vehicle on the
market today. The old model wasn't exactly small but this one is raised things
significantly. Overall passenger volume has gone up almost five cubic feet and
rear seat passengers now get almost five inches more legroom. Of course the fit
still has honda's trademark, magic seats that allow you to fold them down into
the floor or up into the sky depending on what you want to haul back there.
Front seat comfort is decent and sight lines are great, but there
are a few things that i don't like up here one has to do with the armrest the
ones found on the doors are hard plastic and offer no comfort while the center
one is too low for me to use. For 2015 the fit now come standard with bluetooth,
hill holder and a rear view camera. Items like push button start navigation
leather seating and of course honda's terrific lanewatch camera are optional. Overall
honda has done a good job in making fit look far more modern and a little more
upscale. There are still some cheap bits here and there but this is a subcompact
and you can't have everything.
Honda's given the new fade a stiffer body structure and it said to
improve, handling, ride comfort and of course nvh. A lot of this has to do with
the rear suspension setup that is still a solid beam however it has new dampers
that improve overall comfort for rear-seat passengers especially. Overall the package
does work it is a lot quieter in this fit than the old model. Handling, i'd say
is about the same, but i do notice it is a little more comfortable unless they get
on some really broken roads. As mentioned earlier this fit does have a new 1.5
liter engine, and it has a lighter crankshaft and the cvt it's paid to is also
lighter plus of course being a cvt has a broader range of gearing. But you know
what when driving it you don't really notice that. This engine is any more
responsive than the old unit.
When you are on the highway at even 75 miles an hour it will pick
up and continue to gain speed. But other than that it feels very similar to the
old unit and this can't be blamed on weight gain. This vehicle still does weigh
roughly the same i would say it may have more to do with the actual gearing to
save fuel because the new fit is a lot more efficient put it in sport mode
though and the card has become a lot more lively and the paddle shifters will
even give you seven simulated gears.
The fits always been one of the more fun sub compacts to drive.
The new model doesn't disappoint if you off to the 6-speed manual. It offers
short throws and a somewhat soft clutch pedal but it is very precise. I know
it's not the case but the engine actually feels more powerful with the manual
transmission the only real downside i found with driving this car as this
turning radius it is atrocious for karthus mall especially one that's going to
be designed for city use. It should come as no surprise that the fit is better.
Not only is it larger more powerful and more efficient but it's also a lot
quieter. A lot more stable at highway speeds this alone may help. Bump sales
but the biggest factor will probably be that honda has relocated production to
mexico, this will allow the company to keep up with any demand that dealers or
customers throw at it you.
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