Honda Fit

plekto

None at all. The car has 109HP and is about the same weight and size as a Mini. Honda wants this segment to work as a replacement for the older now Accord-Sized Civic. So they dropped the transmission, dropped the DOHC, and so on - all to make it as long-term reliable as possible.

The only thing we need to know is it will blow the doors off of an Echo/Yaris, Rio, or Aveo. Much faster, much more nimble - not an typical econobox slug.(though not a rocket, either). Given the utter ease, though, at which Mugen dropped a supercharger in one, a 145HP supercharged model is sure to be an option in a couple of years, like how you can get an aftermarket supercharger on a Matrix/Scions - installed at the dealer.

http://paultan.org/archives/2006/03/07/mugen-fit-spec-d-prototype/

Looks lovely. Uses the original engine, and has a better real body kit than the "Sport" one Honda sells. Love the spoiler - and it's understated enough to not look street-racer. Wheels are big, but look nice. You need bigger tires with that low weight and that much power(13s would be fine on the base model, even).

It just made its debut a few weeks ago at an auto show over in Japan and it's creating amazing amounts of board and online-news traffic.

http://www.nihoncarandbike.com/news-209-X.html
Slightly redesigned hood, new badge - 1.5L engine(same model U.S. is getting) - it looks like this is an exact model Honda's going to offer to the U.S. at this rate - it's production-level understated and minimally invaseive.

I'd buy one.

bprenderson

Does anyone have a Fit in their possession w/ an owners manual. If so, does the manual state that the auto trans model can be towed 4 down behind an RV? Thanks........

jeffhendr

I just wanted to provide some additional clarification to the 14" vs 15" wheel debate:

When moving from 14" wheels to 15" wheels, outside tire diameter does not increase. Only the inner tire diameter increases (shorter side-walls), so with bigger wheels, you actually get "smaller" tires. You will get no change in gas mileage, speedometer, etc. The only reason that your turning radius decreases is because the 15" wheels are wider. Wider tires cannot turn as sharply without rubbing against the wheel wells.

With shorter side-walls (15" wheels), handling becomes much sharper and you feel more connected to the road. The smaller 14" wheels (with tall side-walls) give you a much more spongy, unresponsive feel.

With wider tires, the weight of the vehicle is distributed over a larger surface, so the tires do not wear as quickly. The likelihood of hydroplaning increases with wider tires, but it's easier to recover from a skid with shorter side-walls. The increased tendency to hydroplane can be compensated for with better tire tread (designed for driving in wet weather).

The three big advantages of 14" wheels are that you get a smoother ride (sacrificing repsonsiveness), you get a quieter ride (narrower tires/smaller surface area) and tires are cheaper. If you want the cheapest option, and if you prefer a smooth/quiet ride to a sporty ride, go with the smaller wheels.

I hope this helps. A detailed explanation can be viewed at: http://www.grmotorsports.com/news/012005/when-shopping-for-wheels-is-bigger-real- - ly-better.php

anotherscott

Some more cargo comparison info... It looks like the winner in that category (in this price range) may be the Suzuki Aerio SX, with 63.7 cubic feet of storage. I've seen mixed reports about its fun-to-drive factor, although on paper, the higher HP-to-weight ratio and relatively strong torque at reasonable RPM (i.e. 3000) sound good. Probably more fun than the base Matrix, if not the Fit. By reputation, it's not a Honda (or Toyota), though at least it's a Japan-built model (vs. other Suzukis that are built in Korea). CR has insufficient data for a reliability report except for the 2003, which was average. I'm guessing that once I drive them, I'll prefer the Fit, and consider the Aerio a fallback if I need more space. One definite downside is that the fuel economy is not in the same league.

I also checked the Hyundai Elantra GLS hatch... it was a little tougher to find figures, but it looks like it may only have 37 cubic feet of storage, which is less than the Fit or xB (also with less fuel economy).

bodble2

Good explanation! Only problem is, the 14" wheels on the Fit just doesn't look aesthetically pleasing. They look undersized the same way the 15" wheels looked on the CR-V before they ugraded to 16".

Ironically, the 16" wheel/tire combo on the Fit doesn't look good, INO, because then the tire sidewall is just way too short.

killerpiece

To all,
Has anyone seen or heard of an aftermarket strut tower brace being available for the 07 N/A Fit (like the one for the Scion Xb)?

Thanks in advance to all who reply!

Killerpiece :shades:

killerpiece

IMHO I think they look great! I just don't think I could live with the noise and the ride quality. I guess there is always a catch to looking good....

Killerpiece :shades:

giob

Have been following this (great) Forum for month and while waiting for my Sport MT to arrive (the 350th built), found this site to cry over all the colors we are NOT getting Stateside:
http://www.batfa.com/photo-newcar-fit2004-colors.htm
Having said that, I can't wait to get my StormSilver!!

jeffhendr

You can get a strut tower brace for the Honda Fit at: http://www.aj-racing.com/catalog/product.php?productid=1235&cat=141&page=1

This strut brace was designed for the Japanese version of the Fit (Japanese front end is six inches shorter than the North American version), but will work on the North American version (four out of six holes line up).

For a full report on which Euro/Japanese Fit parts fit the North American version, check out: http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/showthread.php?p=28697#post28697

vchiu

You are welcome

This is a small issue anyway, as it will be always possible
to upgrade anyway

vchiu

I believe adding an aftermarket A/C may be at least 2X more expensive than factory installed and may cause issues with the warranty. I suggest you compare both prices.

I understand your financial situation must be very tight, but if you already have a car, how about postponing your FIT order by a few months so that you will be in better position to negociate price with the retailer?

One other solution is to wait for some FIT to appear in the second hand market. As this car is to sell in good volumes, there is no reason you could not save more than the price of the A/C with a young second hand.

When I see a base Hyundai sonata sold at $13700 instead of like $18000, I think it is always possible to bargain when the car is not the newest release.

brek1

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/nissan-revises-down-versa-fuel-economy/

turns out Nissan's original estimate of 38mpg combined for the Versa was a bit much. its now down to 33.

jonniedee

Ironically, the 16" wheel/tire combo on the Fit doesn't look good, INO, because then the tire sidewall is just way too short.

Another OPINION - The 16's make the 14's (and Generic Honda 15's) look like the cheap POS's they are.
Get with the 21st century - low profile = cool :shades:

hungarian83

While car companies have had no trouble getting 38+ combined mpg out of gasoline-only engines, there is no way that for the US market, a Nissan 1.8L could have beat the Fit or Yaris 1.5L in combined mileage, regardless of whether it was a CVT or not.

Also, with Honda and Toyota getting 35 and 36 mpg respectively on the C&D comparison while the Nissan only managed 28, it's not at all surprising.

Consumers will see the significant 5 mpg drop in combined mileage and think twice.

raychuang00

If Honda does not do a full-model change in 2007 for the Honda Fit, I would suggest Honda offer these for the second-year production car:

1. Replace the five-speed automatic with a new CVT automatic that minimizes the "slipping clutch feel" that plagues regular CVT's. Honda might want to get a deal from JATCO for such a CVT.

2. Replace the L15A VTEC engine with a new 1.5-liter engine that uses the SOHC i-VTEC valvetrain found on the R18 engine. That could improve fuel economy and get a power boost from 109 to 117 bhp (SAE 08/04 net).

3. Re-do the instrument panel so it has a real temperature gauge.

plekto

Um.. How about taking the i-Vtec and de-tuning it to 109HP instead, so that mileage goes from 32/38 to 35/40.

Of course, Honda cooks the power figures. SAE has changed its rules - engines must be tested in running conditions using the lowest grade gas that they can, with A/C installed, and so on. Toyota and Honda have long abused the testing methods to get more perceived power on paper, and SAE decided to make the tests reflect reality.

You'll note that the RX-8 for instance, appears to have droped a few HP. Absoutely nothing other than the testing was changed in the last couple of years.

So the VTec is probably closer to 100hp. 2008 - we get real-world MPG testing - finally. It's going to ream anything over 2L. Expect most cars to loose up to 50% of their stated city mileage. But they will gain some on highway. The Fit - it'll likely go from 32/38 to 28/40.

With the i-Vtec, though, you'd get the same power as the current one - but detuned to maybe get 45mpg highway when the new tests start being used.

reddroverr

"3) Where the heck is the sunroof? Does it make any sense for it not to have one? "

I live in Portland Oregon. I am familiar with a roof, but what's a sun?

ansandov

Finally.


Here are the First Pictures. Taken from the LOT on 11/7/05. A day before I got it brand new 2006. MT, Airbags, ABS, EBD, Leather Wrapped steering Wheel, Electric Steering, etc..... aH! the Color is called Magnesium. Do you know if it's equivalent to the Colors offered in th U.S. or Canada?

Hope you like it. Feedback is Welvomed....and expected


link title
Thanks

hungarian83

Nice pictures! Thanks.

I like the wheels...what size are they?
The Magnesium Metallic is not available on the US-market Fit, and I think it's a bit darker than the closest equivalent (Storm Silver Metallic).

cmk

Yeah, that's a great looking color.

After looking at those pictures, I've pretty much decided that I don't want the spoilers that will come on the package I'm getting.

Can/will the dealer take those off? For free maybe?

719b

i don't think taking the spoiler and underbody trim is the problem... it's the holes left behind in the body that may cause you concern

719b

i read so many forums on edmunds that i sometimes get them confused. was it here on the fit forum that someone mentioned that there isn't a dead peddle in the new fit?

backy

Probably. It's also been reported in some reviews e.g. the recent small car comparo in Car & Driver.

shneor

Fit and Yaris reviewed & compared. Fit auto got 35.5 mpg over 2 days.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/09/automobiles/09AUTO.html

dewaltdakota

Thanks for the link!

Eeeeewww... they actually preferred the Yaris interior (dash layout and fabric)! :confuse:

They also stated that they weren't driving for mileage, and that they were playing with the paddle shifters - so, a more conservative driver should expect better mileage.

backy

Well, to each his own (on the interior). Maybe that reviewer likes the more space-age look of the Yaris' console vs. the more traditional layout of the Fit. I'll take the Fit's in-front-of-the-driver layout anytime.

bprenderson

I can't stand it - what is a dead peddle?

hungarian83

It is a stationary plastic piece (looks like a large pedal) that is mounted to the far left of the driver's foot well. I personally have never found a use for them, but some people like to rest their left foot on it when driving. I suppose they are more useful when driving a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.

719b

i thought i read it here that the fit didn't have a dead peddle.
i was on the Cars Direct site and looked at the fit. in the standard equipment area, they claim a driver's foot rest is standard. does anyone know for sure?

backy

C/D specifically mentioned the lack of a dead pedal in their review. I sat in two Fits, a Sport and a base model, at recent auto shows and neither had a dead pedal. I suppose Honda could call the curved surface that is formed by the left front wheel well a "driver's foot rest", but I wouldn't call it that. It's possible they were referring to a plastic insert in the carpet that is under the driver's right foot--many cars have that since it's a wear area.

raychuang00

So the VTec is probably closer to 100hp. 2008 - we get real-world MPG testing - finally. It's going to ream anything over 2L. Expect most cars to loose up to 50% of their stated city mileage. But they will gain some on highway. The Fit - it'll likely go from 32/38 to 28/40.

Actually, according to the Honda press release for the US-market Honda Fit, the L15A VTEC engine really is rated at 109 bhp--109 bhp SAE 08/04 net, to be precise. That's not bad considering that the engine 1) usually has a 110 ps rating elsewhere in the world and 2) it's using an older VTEC valvetrain design. Put in a new 1.5-liter I-4 with the same SOHC i-VTEC valvetrain used on the R18 engine from the 2006 Civic and getting 117 bhp SAE 08/04 net iw probably within reach.

anotherscott

Actually, I thought the dead pedal was more of an issue for drivers of manuals. With an automatic, it really doesn't matter where you keep your left foot, but if you're driving a manual, during cruising periods with no shifting needed, it's good to have a comfortable rest point for that foot at a location where it can get back to the clutch easily and quickly if it is suddenly necessary.

tomsr1

Large Americans will keep their Escalades but those petit
ones will probably love the new minicars.$3 a gallon gas
should makes us all think before we make an unnecessary
trip.I along with millions of others need to drop the pounds so we can enjoy a cute little car.O by the way
all of this bashing of America makes me want to buy American.Yea get a Dodge Caliber,oops that's Korean,Japanese and German.Maybe get an Aveo no that's Korean.Maybe get a Pontiac Vibe,no that's Japanese too.
I know get a Focus or is that made in Mexico?

backy

I think it's good to have a comfortable place for your left foot in any case, especially on a long drive. Also it helps you brace yourself when making sharp maneuvers--which seems a distinct possibility in the Fit.

agalas

http://eartheasy.com/live_hybrid_cars.htm#j

According to the recent Car and Driver comparison test, the Fit gets 35 mpg real world combined mileage! Now add a hybrid system to it and watch the numbers soar! The Civic hybrid increased mileage by 9! I imagine the hybrid fit will be able to pull 44-45mpg and 50 with carefull, efficent driving!

http://www.mixedpower.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1066

Here is more info! A 1 liter engine! $17,000 base price!

Oh what a joyous day!

hungarian83

Actually, the 1246cc L12A available in Europe already averages about 45 mpg (US gallons) nearing 50 mpg in extra urban driving. A 1 liter engine (L10A?) with IMA would be probably more like 55 average reaching 60 with careful driving.

Of course, the L12A uses only the 5-speed manual, while the hybrid would probably only be available with CVT , but mileage will still be up there. Now Honda just has to confirm it!

moparbad

The link you cited lists the Honda CRV, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio as hybrids being available in 2006. Not credible.

vchiu

>With wider tires, the weight of the vehicle is distributed over a larger surface, so the tires do not wear as quickly.

While this is very well written and makes sense for most of it, I disagree with this very statement, as some studies made in Europe (paper, sorry no links) showed that 175 tires could reach up to 100.000KM in the 1990's and that the mileage has decreased ever since, tires becoming bigger. now it is common to exchange tires between 30.000 and 60.000 km. Heavier cars are the reason, but most suspensions are not able to maintain a full perpendicular angle between tire and road. Tires often get worn from one side or from both sides, even with good settings. Wider tires are more sensitive to this phenomenon and therefore need more frequent replacement.

backy

I will believe a hybrid Fit is coming when I see the press release from Honda.

The Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent hybrids have been announced by Kia and Hyundai for availability later this year. I don't know about the CR-V though.

h2mini

Well according to the information in this video the European Diesel Honda Civic gets 55 mpg now. Plus it looks really cool

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=280723957717355448&pl=true

thatsmycall

thanks for the link- ultimate Honda car. Just what we need now! I don't think anyone would take the Fit over this. My local dealer still says they have no info on Fit arrival???

plekto

I want... THAT.
Mommy... Can I have one?

Just when you think the Fit is great, this thing comes out...

reddroverr

wow down 5 mpg? That is enough to knock them out of the competition...at least for me.

plekto

I just went to the honda.uk site and saw the ad. looked at the car.

Why oh why can't we get this car over here? It's just... fantastic compared to even the new Civic.

http://www.honda.co.uk/civic/
There really needs to be a new discussion area about this - it seriously makes the U.S. Civic look about a decade old.

P.S. Best auto model's website ever.

zakkk

Honda is participating in this nationwide marketing project with 20 different colleges. We get a budget and compete against the other schools to create a campaign for the Fit. I was part of the website/viral team at NYU, so check out our website:

http://www.makeroomforfit.com

It's got Mad Libs-style games, a music video we made, a blog, pictures from our event (with the Fit itself), and even our print campaign posters. Hope you enjoy.

bostonjazz

For those of you following the Fit's marketing - while I bought an XB, I'm still on the "Society of Fit" mailing list...

The latest e-mail from Honda pointed out the availability of not do-it-yourself stickers, but SHRINKY DINKS. Yes, you can mail away for Fit Shrinky Dinks.

I'm in my late 20's, but I can't even begin to emphasize how misguided this positioning and campaign is. This slap-in-the-face marketing that seems to be targeting children compared to an evenly moderately "sophiticated" customer was just another thing that turned me off about the Fit.

hungarian83

...and with the list of standard features, the high regard placed on safety and utility, and the relatively high base price (compared to other cars in the category), this sort of nonsensical marketing seems to be completely against the sort of "premium entry-level" strategy that Honda also talks about.

At least the sales brochure was done well. The problem however, is that the website gets exponentially more views than the sales brochure. It will be good when the Fit gets a real page at Honda.com in a few days time.

The important thing to remember though is that the Fit is still the Fit. It's the same car marketed in a mature fashion in other markets. So, when the car makes its debut, it will be taken by consumers as what it is, and this silly pre-release marketing campaign will be forgotten just as quickly...hopefully.

coldstorage5

Hey Fit Heads,
I got my tickets to the NYC auto show. My first since I was a kid ( 35 now).
Ive been looking around quietly. Got some info on Fits, non before the 21st. The dealers are contacting me to call them. I dont/wont. I want to be on my terms. ill put 7k down, then bring a AAA loan (like a check). I want to be in the drivers seat. I have around 6 dealerships in the NYC metro area that Ill hit. I want a blue sport.

Any Suggestions??

Thanx :P

backy

Sorry, but if you want to get a Fit in the first few days it's available, you will not be in the driver's seat.

ansandov

The Size of the wheels are 14" Alloys.

I went to the dealer and I like this color a Lot because it gives you a feeling of refinement/elegance. The Red and White ones looked more sporty though, but I think that is up to the taste.

I will post those pictures as well.

Guys, let me know if all the pictures are visible. I tried the "Img" and the "Url" but not sure how to post them there.

Please advise.

Hope you can see these other Photos:

The White one

http://www.carspace.com/ansandov/?50@@.59a2bfae!photoLoc=.59a2c905&skipNext=1&su- bmitNext=1&noThumbs=1#pic

This is the Red Demo I tested

http://www.carspace.com/ansandov/?50@@.59a2bfae!skipNext=4&submitNext=1&noThumbs- =1#pic

Hope you see them and Like them.... :shades: