What is it?
The third generation of Honda?s sub-compact hatchback is one of the few greenish cars at the Detroit auto show.
Is it real?
Very much. Production begins next month at Honda?s new plant in Celaya, Mexico. And since 62% of Fit owners buy another Honda, the Fit is an indispensable springboard to more expensive and profitable Honda models.
What they said
Honda has not had the production capacity to take full advantage of the market, but that is about to change with the new plant in Mexico, said John Mendel, executive vice-president for auto sales at American Honda. The new plant will make it possible for Honda to produce the ?high-value, high-quality subcompact vehicle that we need to attract a new generation of buyers.? And as the new Fit served as a backdrop for 20-somethings meeting in the park, playing guitars and surfing, there was little doubt about the demographics of that new generation.
What they didn?t say
When the Fit was introduced, its competitors included the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. Now, add the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent and you can see Honda needs to make some serious improvements to remain competitive. The company needs to cinch this remodelling, not repeat the mistakes it made with the initially underachieving last-generation Civic.
What makes it tick?
The Fit gets an all-new, direct-injected 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine from the Earth Dreams family, which helps it to achieve better fuel economy. Horsepower is increased by 13 to 130. The 5-speed automatic and manual are replaced by two new transmissions: a continuously variable automatic and 6-speed manual. The Fit gets more of everything than the departing model?more power, more miles per gallon and more interior space. But it weighs less?by 57 pounds?because of Honda?s next generation Advanced Compatibility engineering body structure. Honda estimates fuel economy ratings of 33 city/41 highway for models equipped with the continuously variable transmission.
How much, how soon?
This car is scheduled to go on sale in the spring. But pricing will be announced later.
How does it look?
Still wedge-shaped but more aggressive, at least as sub-compact hatchbacks go; looks a bit like the Volvo C30 from the rear.
– Cheryl Jensen
