CHANGES FOR 2015:
– All-new model.
Honda’s Fit has been a favourite with small-car shoppers ever since it arrived in Canada back in 2007. For 2015, there’s an all-new model that shows just how smart, practical, and efficient a subcompact car can be.
Bucking the trend of increased size, the new Fit is smaller on the outside than the vehicle it replaces. Overall length has been trimmed, but thanks to clever packaging, there’s now more space inside than ever. A longer wheelbase improves rear-seat leg room by a whopping 12.2 cm. Four six-foot tall adults can easily fit inside – which is more than can be said for most compact cars.
Though overall cargo capacity is down, the Fit is nothing short of cavernous. Magic Seats that flip and fold flat make the most of the available space, allowing owners to carry aboard objects as long as eight feet, and big, square boxes with ease. This is a small car that can easily double as a family vehicle.
As before, the Fit is a one-engine model, but the latest version debuts a new motor enhanced by Honda’s EarthDreams technology. Standard direct injection helps boost the 1.5-litre motor’s power output to 130 hp, and torque to 114 lb-ft. Paired to this motor is either a six-speed manual (a rarity in this segment) or a CVT. Tweaks to the Fit’s steering and suspension make it a more refined vehicle on the highway while retaining a nimble feel in the city.
The new Fit is also a nicer place to spend time. You’ll find more soft-touch plastics around the cabin and solid build quality. The Fit also gains some unexpected upmarket features such as heated and leather-upholstered seats, push-button start, and navigation.
The 2015 Honda Fit is available in four trim lines: DX, LX, EX, and EX-L Navi.
The base DX comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, Magic Seat with reclining rear seats, LED brake lights, power windows, remote keyless entry with alarm, heated power side mirrors, one 12-volt power outlet, 5-inch colour LCD screen, Bluetooth, multi-angle reverse camera, 160-watt AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, Aux-in and MP3 jack, one USB port, tilt and telescoping steering column. It is worth noting that air conditioning or an automatic transmission are not available on the DX.
The LX adds Honda’s latest Display Audio System with HondaLink, heated cloth front seats, one-touch auto up/down power driver’s window, air conditioning, cruise control, two USB ports, one HDMI port, text-message function, Siri Eyes Free compatibility, arm rest with storage compartment, a second 12-volt power outlet, passenger’s side seatback pocket, rear spoiler, body-coloured mirrors and door handles. When equipped with the CVT transmission, an ECON mode is featured for improved fuel economy.
The EX builds on the LX with LaneWatch blind-spot system, a six-speaker sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cargo cover, power moonroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlamps, fog lights, exterior chrome trim. On models equipped with the CVT, paddles for manual-mode shifting are included.
The EX-L Navi is Honda’s most luxurious and expensive Fit to date. It’s positively decadent for the subcompact segment, featuring the content on the EX plus automatic climate control, leather-trimmed heated seats, navigation with voice recognition, SiriusXM satellite radio, and proximity key with push-button start.
