What is it?
This is a five-door subcompact that seats five and gets 35 mpg on the EPA test cycle. The Fit offers standard front, side, and side-curtain air bags and will start at a little over $13,000. Honda says the Fit's efficient interior packaging provides nearly as much passenger space as the Honda Accord. For extra flexibility, the Fit's rear seats can either fold down flat or the seat bottoms can fold up. The Fit is powered by a small 109-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The engine uses Honda's VTEC variable valve control to increase horsepower and fuel economy. The Fit Sport, a higher trim level, offers cruise control, an upgraded stereo, alloy wheels, and paddle buttons on the steering wheel to shift the automatic transmission. Honda will offer a dealer-installed accessory to play and control an Apple iPod music player.
CR's take:
With the redesigned Civic all grown-up - in both size and price - Honda no longer had a small, economical offering in the vein of the Civic of 10 to 20 years ago. The Fit not only fills this gap, but also "fits" so much room in a small package it appears to be a good alternative to larger cars.
What's new and notable?
The Fit is the first of a new wave of small cars coming from Japanese automakers, which shows they think that last summer's gas-price spikes may have opened opportunities for more small cars in the U.S.
