Wii! Its the 2009 Fit! (Get it?)

[YSSMAN]

Is it really that much bigger than the current model? It really doesn't look like it is to me, but then again, its hard without another car there to compare. Personally speaking, the size of the current Fit is just about "perfect" in my book, particularly with the interior.

As to whats "sporty" about the car, I don't know if I necessarily agree. The current Fit Sport (thats what the model is called in the US) handles exceptionally well, and as I recall, is the second fastest car in it's class (behind the Nissan Versa). I would hope the updated model continues the trend, but I could be mistaken...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

Fat Americans who think they're being "different" by buying a totally "unique" car, despite the fact that everyone and their grandma buy them for the same reasons. Oh, and they aren't much fun to drive, and the odd Dihatsu looks are still hard to get around...

^ Last night I just saw a grandma driving a Scion tC, and earlier a riced-out xB driven by a fat Mexican.

-> None of the Scions really caught my eye, but the xA (1g-Ist) almost but never did. To me, the Fit/Jazz is still the global benchmark among B-segment cars, and the whole world agrees.

...and another growth spurt. So in 20 years time, we'll be mourning the loss of the full-size Accord and the Civic will have V6 power. It looks absolutely huge on such tiny wheels. Gotta hand it to the manufacturers with this clever "sub-compact" push in North America; the next generation will be entirely too big to use that classification. Maybe I'm wrong and it's just poor proportions, but it looks a good chunk larger than the current model, which isn't exactly "tiny".

Yet, for all my bickering, I can't hate it. Not bad Honda, but I really can't see a sporty version of this, even with Spoon's help. It just looks anti-sport.

^ Blame it to those stupid cumbersome SUVs (mostly bulky and super full-size) roaming all over the globe.

-> I don't mind cars increasing sizes, I think cars will revert its sizes after 6-10 gens later. As long these car won't get heavier, then I'm fine with it. The Fit/Jazz and the Mazda 2/Demio are the perfect example of weight management of cars these days.

Is it really that much bigger than the current model? It really doesn't look like it is to me, but then again, its hard without another car there to compare. Personally speaking, the size of the current Fit is just about "perfect" in my book, particularly with the interior.

As to whats "sporty" about the car, I don't know if I necessarily agree. The current Fit Sport (thats what the model is called in the US) handles exceptionally well, and as I recall, is the second fastest car in it's class (behind the Nissan Versa). I would hope the updated model continues the trend, but I could be mistaken...

-> Unless you compare the two cars side-by-side its really hard to tell, and I agree YSS to that statement.

👍 -> The Fit/Jazz is considered one of the best handling cars in Americaland, and I can back up with this claim, as I drive into an enbankment at 65mph instead on a posted 25mph round the bend, I feel more confident the pushing the Fit/Jazz more than my WRX ever was!

 

[Omnis]

Yeah, the Fit has a faster lane change than the ZO6.

 

[Kent]

According to car and driver the fit also beats the F430 in lane change.

My only complaint about the Fit has been mentioned already... Price. Go to Honda's website and build a sport Fit with sport exhaust and you'll be getting over the $16,000 mark. That's just a bit high IMO.

Also... My Corolla has no buttons on the wheel and I love it!

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ Heres a standard pic of the '06 WRX, were in the same league dude!

Building the Fit-> If I ever buy a Fit, I will not add any of the stuff on the car, as long I get a white with black interior, and I'm happy!

 

[Kent]

White with black interior is how I like my cars as well, although I can't deny that the heat in Louisiana builds up quickly on that black interior (which is the color scheme of my Corolla).
Personally, I'd only add a sports exhaust option and depending on a test drive I would consider the auto transmission (yeah yeah, no need to tell me... blah blah ).

Overall, I like the new design more than the old. I wouldn't mind seeing bigger wheel wells but I'm sure what's been provided is enough to fit a reasonable wheel size on the car. I mean, wouldn't it be crazy for Honda to do a car without considering the after market mods people love to make? I'd say it's crazy but I'm not a big modifications kind of guy (I like things to be factory spec and I love factory spec including mods ). None the less, I'm sure there will be atleast a few tuned Fits and I doubt Honda ignored that possibility.

Frankly, if the car didn't cost so much I would easily consider it for my next but as it is I'm tempted to say it just isn't worth the cost... 16k to 17k for a Fit doesn't sit well with me when I could step up to the Mazda 3 for only another thousand or so.

Btw, that Impreza interior doesn't look bad. 👍

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ Mine doesn't come with leather so it's better looking than that!

💡 -> If American Honda could come up with a smaller, lower-output engine like the 1.3L i-DSI that can easily go 60mpg and will undercut that $17K price to right around $11-12K mark like a nice Fit DX and Fit LX. Since the Fit is still crazy popular in USDMland, and while the 'Hybrid' model still light years away, that is a very viable alternative to an 'entry-level' Honda. And for the performance variant, a nice Civic EX R17 for the Fit S or an EP3 Si K20 for the Fit Si.

Fit LX = L13 1.3L i-DSI*
Fit EX = L15 1.5L VTEC*
Fit S = R17 1.7L VTEC*
Fit Si = K20 2.0L VTEC

*= sedan variant applicable

 

[Kent]

A K20 Fit would be amazing. 👍
Problem is, it wouldn't be as simple as it seems since most of the stuff you can't see would need to be replaced. The suspension would probably need an update as well as the transmission. I imagine an LSD would be required, and I wouldn't be suprised if there were many supporting roles in need of replacements as well (wheels, tires, guages, etc).
With all that in mind I doubt we will see a Fit Si in the U.S. although a JDM Mugen special wouldn't be all that suprising (if they could find the time between Civic remakes ).

Basically, I'm not sure what it would take, but I'd love to see the same Fit as shown in this thread availible for a better price. 👍

 

[YSSMAN]

Tell Honda to mandate that dealers don't mark up the prices and there won't be an issue with the Fit being so expensive...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ There is one one dealership here in Las Vegas that doesn't follow that 'dealer markup/adjusted market value' BS. And thats Findlay Honda in Henderson, NV, my boss got his Ridgeline, his mom's Fit, my boss' girlfriend and Odyssey Touring, and my best friend's S2000 with no markups at all! The other two dealerships here in LV especially Honda West marks up their Fit with the same MSRP as the Civic Si and that Si has the same price as the STi, what morons.

On the Fit Si/Type-R -> I would think that will be a possibility, with that Colt Ralliart, Swift Sport (both N/A in US), and a 160hp xB roaming the streets today, I bet if Honda has the effort, then Honda has a way, just look at the Civic [FD2] Type-R. Plus, I will be waitng for that very model to arrive either here in Stateside or back in Manila.

 

[Kent]

Tell Honda to mandate that dealers don't mark up the prices and there won't be an issue with the Fit being so expensive...

Actually, my concerns for pricing weren't related to dealership prices... I was speaking strictly in terms of MSRP from the Honda site when building a car. Now, that doesn't give the dealer room to move but it still gives me an idea of what Honda expects American customers to pay for a Fit.

So... I suppose dealer mark-up could make the Fit even more expensive as a new car?
Maybe 3 years from now I'll consider a used one?!
Hopefully 3 years from now I will not be worried about how much a new car cost!

 

[YSSMAN]

Really though, I don't think $15K for the Fit Sport is all that bad. The problem is, you can't ever find a Fit that is stripped down without stupid options thrown on them. That, personally, drives me crazy on any new car.

 

[Kent]

Indeed and agreed. 👍
Truth is, if it wasn't for passengers I wouldn't have an air conditioner. Atleast, I think I would.

In any case, 15k isn't bad at all since it has that benchmark number sort of sound. The problem is that 15k isn't really what you'll end up paying for the car. You'll go over just in initial MSRP at 15,200... Then about 16,000 with dealer/destination, etc... Then tax and financing... As the total cost climbs, the initial impression of 15k goes away and cars like the Mazda3 Hatch (at about $3,000 more) seem like better cars (in my eyes ).

As the total price goes up I see less value in the car.

Of course, none of that logic includes "taste" and there's no accounting for "taste."

Some people may want to pay more for the appeal of a bug eyed 2300lbs Honda. 👍 Others might find the difference in cost with "better" cars to be negligible. It all just depends on how much you like the car.

Personally, I like the appeal of a Honda-made dragonfly.

 

[YSSMAN]

I get where you're coming from now. Generally speaking, no, it isn't the best deal on four wheels, but it still is a pretty good car for the price. Maybe. I often remember that the VW Rabbit starts right around there as well, and IMO, thats one of the best deals for the price here in the US.

 

[Kent]

I get where you're coming from now. Generally speaking, no, it isn't the best deal on four wheels, but it still is a pretty good car for the price. Maybe. I often remember that the VW Rabbit starts right around there as well, and IMO, thats one of the best deals for the price here in the US.

Exactly. +rep.
Just having someone understand my point from time to time is the most important thing.
The Rabbit is a near perfect example of how the Fit might not be as great a value as it seems.

 

[Philly]

Exactly. +rep.
Just having someone understand my point from time to time is the most important thing.
The Rabbit is a near perfect example of how the Fit might not be as great a value as it seems.

Is the fit designed to compete with the Rabbit? I thought the Civic was much more around the size and capability of the Rabbit.

What I see is Civic=Rabbit, Polo=Fit.

So maybe the Rabbit and 3 and Co. might not take as many sales away from the Fit. But maybe America's blindness where a small car is a small car will combine both groups into one.

 

[Kent]

Is the fit designed to compete with the Rabbit? I thought the Civic was much more around the size and capability of the Rabbit.

What I see is Civic=Rabbit, Polo=Fit.

So maybe the Rabbit and 3 and Co. might not take as many sales away from the Fit. But maybe America's blindness where a small car is a small car will combine both groups into one.

Well I don't think the Polo is availible in the US.
Further, I think of the Jetta or Golf running against the Civic with the Rabbit running against the Fit.
Not sure about that though since I'm probably one of the blind Americans.

 

[YSSMAN]

What I see is Civic=Rabbit, Polo=Fit.

You are seeing correctly, the problem is, we don't have the Polo here in the US (yet). On price, the Rabbit actually starts less than the Fit Sport, which I find quite odd. Value-wise, the VW is hard to beat in that regard.

 

[JCE]

I'll chime in here just to say I want the VeeDub Polo on American soil. That is all.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

JCE-> Me too but VeeDub US for some reason don't offer them here, but if you go to Mexiland, they have them there.

OT-> For some stupid reason, I don't get it why the Rabbit or Golf for that matter is slotted below than the Jetta, I don't get?

BT-> I like Honda hatches with small engines. Its rare to see one here in the US these days. I know there all over the place back in Manila, but I rarely go back there.

 

[Keef]

Am I the only one who likes it? I like it.

 

[Philly]

You are seeing correctly, the problem is, we don't have the Polo here in the US (yet). On price, the Rabbit actually starts less than the Fit Sport, which I find quite odd. Value-wise, the VW is hard to beat in that regard.

But wouldn't the Fit be against the Rabbit, and the Fit Sport be against the Rabbit Sport (GTI)? I'm sure the Rabbit is quicker than the Sport, and probably more homely (Nicer) as well.

OT-> For some stupid reason, I don't get it why the Rabbit or Golf for that matter is slotted below than the Jetta, I don't get?

Well I don't think the Polo is availible in the US.
Further, I think of the Jetta or Golf running against the Civic with the Rabbit running against the Fit.
Not sure about that though since I'm probably one of the blind Americans.

The Golf and Jetta run on the same chassis. The Jetta is a Golf with a trunk. So that doesn't really make sense that the Rabbit is that much lower than the Jetta.

So really the Jetta and Golf should be up against the same car. I would guess that the Golf is about the same size as the European Civic hatch, and against the Civic coupes here where the Jetta would be more of a rival to the Civic sedan.

My guess is that either VW should bring the Polo over and have a real competitor to the Fit or I'm just over analyzing the situation and the Golf is a good enough fight for the Fit.

Although, Ford is bringing the Fiesta over, which is a Mazda 2, which is below the 3 and therefore the Golf....

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

Am I the only one who likes it? I like it.

^ Your not alone! I'm already a Fit/Jazz fan since gen 1. I love the new Fit!

 

[Keef]

A K20 Fit would be amazing. 👍

Remember, the EP3 K20A3 was SOHC VTEC, and only made 160hp and 139 lb-ft with 9.8:1 compression. But your point about it taking some work to fit it in there is still valid, since it's basically the same block as all the others. But you could swap on an A2 head and, WHAM, you've got yourself a 200hp, 2500 pound hot rod.

Anyway, with that amount of horsepower and torque a LSD wouldn't be required. A Fit Si is definitely viable and would have many fans. But Honda doesn't just throw their performance badges around like GM.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ The EP's engine was a SOHC K20? That can't be, my best friend used to have an EP3 before before he switched to an S2000. I thought the only SOHC VTEC for the Civic was the D16.

-> I would think that every high performance FF requires an LSD. It would easier for these cars to rotate around the bends more effectively, heck even my AWD WRX needs an front LSD.

 

[YSSMAN]

Anyway, with that amount of horsepower and torque a LSD wouldn't be required. A Fit Si is definitely viable and would have many fans. But Honda doesn't just throw their performance badges around like GM.

...Hey now...

GMPD actually decided not to throw around badges anymore, which was part of the reason why we've seen quite a few of the SS products die off so quickly. Sure, there will be plenty of GXP and Red Line products to go around, but the SS badge is going back to the way it should have been. The only other badge thats going to stay that "sacred" will be the V-series badge at Cadillac. As for Buick's "Super" I have no idea how that will work out...

I have faith in GMPD, as their new products tend to be quite good.

===

Back on topic!

I do like the idea of a Fit Si, but I do wonder if 200 BHP would be anywhere near necessary. Its already decently quick (for the class) with just over 100 BHP, adding much more than 50 BHP (I assume) would be a bit much for the overall character of the vehicle.

 

[Jondot]

It's the Honda Zoolander!

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

I do like the idea of a Fit Si, but I do wonder if 200 BHP would be anywhere near necessary. Its already decently quick (for the class) with just over 100 BHP, adding much more than 50 BHP (I assume) would be a bit much for the overall character of the vehicle.

^ A K20A2 is a bit too much in my opinion, actually the K20 from the EP is kinda pushing it either.

-> I think the FA-body Civic EX deserves the EP's K20, just like the Asian-spec Civic 2.0S, and the Fit Si deserves the R17 from the current Civic engine.

 

[a6m5]

It's the Honda Zoolander!

Why would you do such a thing?

The resemblance is definitely there, but seriously, who thinks, "hey! that car looks like Stiller from Zoolander!".

 

[V1P3R]

Not quite sure how this is a '07 thread, but '09 is just coming out, but here...

http://www.netcarshow.com/honda/2009-fit_sport/

I'm not sure I like it, I hope it's a little bigger than the old one though.