2009 Honda Fit: Like Santa Claus!
After only two years, the first generation Fit, unveiled in 2007, is already undergoing a major transformation. But that in no way means that it was poorly designed. In fact, the first generation Honda Fit first saw the light of day in Japan in 2002 where it was call Jazz, so it has lasted seven years at the top of its category without undergoing significant changes. That being said, the engineers and designers assigned the task of creating the second generation Fit had very solid foundations on which to build.
The Honda Fit, that cheerful-looking family wagon, is in the same category as the Nissan Versa, Suzuki SX-4, Toyota Yaris and even the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. In many ways the 2009 Fit stays true to its roots. First of all, it still uses, at least in part, the exemplary modular design of the first version. The rear seat back can be lowered to a 60/40 split to create a flat bottom, while there is also the possibility of raising the seat base to a vertical position to transport taller objects such as plants, a lamp, a flat screen T.V., an Eiffel Tower made out of toothpicks…you get the picture.
These seats, although very hard on the posterior, are easy to raise and lower. On the other hand, it is no longer possible to recline the front seat backs to create a makeshift bed like before. In any case, the dimensions of the passenger compartment are impressive. With the rear seat backs up, the Fit has a cargo volume of 585 litres, which increases to 1,622 litres with the seat backs down. By way of comparison, that is more than the Toyota Matrix or the Nissan Versa. However, the cargo cover is offered only on option, and at nearly $250, it is highway robbery, especially for such a vitally important accessory in a wagon. We had the chance to test drive two Sport versions; one automatic, one standard. In the first, there is no spare tire, which Honda claims was done to make the car lighter. Instead, there is a small compressor to inject foam sealant into the in the offending tire. The only advantage we see in not having the spare tire is that in its place there is a very practical storage bin. The standard comes with a scrawny little spare tire, but at least it has one.
A delightful passenger compartment
The front seats prove very comfortable and the addition of an armrest in the LX and Sport versions has been well received. The dashboard is functional, easy to use and very attractive. The dials are easy to read, but an engine temperature gauge would have been nice. On the right, there are two glove compartments. If only the sound system was as generous… The adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel is comfortable to hold and on the LX and Sport versions the cruise control is steering wheel-mounted. The storage compartments are numerous and there are two beverage holders built into the dashboard right in front of the air vents. It chills drinks in the summer, and warms them up in the winter! Thankfully, the really cold weather has not yet begun, but the heating seemed to be sufficiently powerful just the same. A comfortable driving position is easy to find and visibility still remains perfect at any angle.
Excellent mechanics
Under the hood, the Fit employs a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine, but the addition of the i-VTEC system now helps bring the horsepower to 117 to go with 106 pounds-foot of torque. This little engine proves just as lively as you could hope for, except perhaps at low speed, and it is as frugal as ever. The two transmissions offered are a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. The first is a dream to handle, as long as you appreciate Honda’s typically soft clutch. The second works very well and it passes quickly from one speed to the next. Strangely, at 100 km/h, the automatic transmission turns the engine at 2,100 rpm, while the standard revs at 3,000 rpm at the same speed. A sixth speed would have improved fuel consumption even more and reduced the noise, which is already minimal to begin with.
More comfortable than the S2000!
On the road, the Fit continues to surprise. The handling is excellent and you really have to push it very hard to notice the beginnings of an understeer. However, comfort is not always on the menu. In fact, on bumpy roads, the suspensions sometimes are particularly hard, especially in the Sport version with 16-inch wheels. But whether it has 15- or 16-inch wheels, the short wheelbase does not help matters. The new Fit still uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a rear torsion bar suspension. This kind of rear suspension does not improve comfort but ensures a very large trunk since there are no suspension turrets to interfere with the passenger compartment. You should not think however that the Honda Fit is the type of car that will crush your spine at the first bump. It is not the S2000 after all! Regardless of the version, the Fit uses a combination of disc and drum brakes that are well suited for the task since the car weight only 1,176 kilos. ABS comes standard on all versions.
Ho ho ho?
Of the three versions (DX, LX and Sport), the Sport is the most appealing with its 16-inch tires and its stabilizer bars that improve handling. Like Santa Claus, the Fit Sport offers a whole lot to its owner, but even Santa Claus knows that toys like these can be very costly! While a Fit base model retails for $14,980, the Fit Sport automatic goes for $20,480. At that price, the less versatile but more comfortable Civic becomes an alternative. And never far behind, there is always the Versa…
All the same, the Honda Fit remains a benchmark in its category. Attractive, versatile, high-performance, economical, fun to drive and reliable, it also offers good resale value. With slightly softer suspensions and more reasonable pricing, the Fit would be the perfect car!