CD Article: 2007 Honda Fit

[dorin]

Skypoint, where did you test drive the Fit in October 2002?

[Panzer]

doesn't it not have vtec. 

It does but from what the salesman told me, it's the older generation vtec system which only affects the intake valves.  During my test drive, I found the car peppy enough considering there were 3 adults in it: myself (average built), my friend who's looking for a car (he's much heavier and taller, at 6'4") and the salesman (size/weight between myself and said friend).

The only time I felt the car lacked punch was on the highway, with the A/C on.  But strap an A/C system to any 1.5L engine and you'll get a similar result.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

This car is rated tops in segment by many Euro magazines... where have you been? That's how good it is.

[a4_tom]

Even Jazz's 1.3 i-DSi feels peppy for such a low displacement engine.

[wing]

I was blown away (seriously) by the acceleration and pep, I did not expect it to feel so quick.  A lot is in the feel though.

[safristi]

How does one FEEL PEPE?.......s'plain yerself...........is it Civic FAST, faster than Yaris....?...speedy to 50KPH...or does the BIG windshield and 4 inches from the ground GO KART effect KICK IN......Hmmm!!!?   LUCY wanna KNOW...... ..

[wing]

All of the above   It certainly felt faster than a Yaris on the test track during hard acceleration, being a small car it does feel like a go kart.  Hopefully I can get more time with one to give a better answer.

Honda tuned the drive-by-wire system to provide better throttle response.  Instead of a linear increase like a linkage system, they have boosted the mid-range input to apply more throttle which gives you the feel of more pep.

[safristi]

Great IDEA....we ALL need MORE PEP inna MID_RANGE..........err LOW_RANGE...HI_RANGE....nice explanation...NOW I SEE!!!! ................. yes I do......

[avro206]

Apparently it is peppy. Car and Driver just tested a mt Fit and got 8.7 to 60mph. That should beat an 0-1-05 Civic I think (115hp one)

Anyhow--looks like a neat little compact thats good on gas. I have one major complaint. Interest rates are 7.95% on a lease and 6.95 % on finiace.

I am sorry but thats #(*&#*$&@*#&$(*@# CRAZY! This is not a Corvette, S2000 or a Porsche.

Now perhaps these will come down but its still beyond insane to EVER post those rates for a 109hp sub compact car.

[84im]

I just drove an LX auto and manual tranny, back to back.  I liked the auto tranny better.  I didn't notice much, if any, difference in performance.  The car is really 'peppy' around town, but when I floored it while doing 105 kph, not much happened.  I guess you can't have everything.  Still, a great little car.

[wing]

I found it went to 120 really without issue, but you may have to downshift.  The auto tranny is wonderfull the paddle shifters are great as well.

[84im]

I guess I was expecting the same 'peppy' acceleration I felt while driving around town.  The freeway performance was acceptable, considering the Fit only has 109 hp.
I was also very surprised at how quiet the car was at freeway speeds.

[skypoint]

Skypoint, where did you test drive the Fit in October 2002?

London, England. It was just launched and there was a 4 month waiting list at the time.

[safristi]

Oh the ENGLISH just love a QUEUE...........that's their name fer a LINE_UP....... .yeah IT WOZ HIM that DID IT Guv ..#5 the Guy wif da Bentley an Top Hat an all....  straight UP honest injun.....

[Rupert]

Good article. Did not see the label 'econobox' anywhere. As far as I am concerned all of these clever little cars, Yaris, Fit and Accent, have reached new levels of manufacturing quality for the segment. They all have different qualities that endear them in one way or another and hopefully will gain wide acceptance as prefered vehicles. Perhaps they will help to convince drivers that 'enough is the best' more is not.
Not to mention the fact that they are fun to drive.

[G0dspd]

I wouldn't say econobox but luxury sub-compact is not much better.  Anyway, these days the automotive industry is producing so many different vehicles ... it's hard to keep the old fashion segments intact.  Seems that we have to create a new one every 6 months. 

[Rupert]

 Yes we do need a designation for this type of vehicle if small high mileage car is not enough. Econobox has a derogative tone to it that seems to deride the segment wherein companies are seemingly making a major design effort now. To produce a quality attractive product down to a price in this sector requires a greater engineering effort than that which would be required to produce a low volume ‘Luxobox’ if you will. You will have a lot of product out there and any slip will be costly in reputation not to mention warranty costs. Perhaps the design team that hits the jackpot here and now will be in the Issigonis class.
 Anyway this, in my opinion, is the segment of most interest in the industry right now. Incidentally what do you do with the tachometer. I have one on my car and I might look at it once in a blue moon.