Next-Gen Fit Makes its First Appearance

By Bill McLauchlan

Last week we told you Honda would reveal the third-generation of its subcompact Fit destined for the North American market. Well, as promised, here’s your first look at the Japanese automaker’s budget beater following its debut this afternoon at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Set to go on sale in the this spring, the all-new 2015 Fit is completely redesigned from the ground up to deliver a nice combination of style, room, driving fun, fuel efficiency, leading-edge safety and vehicle connectivity.

“The Fit is a small car with big aspirations. Faster, more fuel-efficient and more fun, it’s a subcompact with larger-than-life-capabilities,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “It's simply the best Fit to date and, we believe, a new benchmark in the small-car category.”

A more aggressive front end showcases a new grille and headlight design. And a strong character line runs along the body side, emphasizing the aerodynamic profile. Larger 16-inch, 5-spoke wheels give a planted and sporty stance. In the back, rear reflectors and LED taillights run along the hatch with a chrome tailgate garnish and rear diffuser, all contributing to a more substantial and dynamic look.

Standing on a similar footprint to the current model, the 2015 Fit is slightly shorter and wider with a little longer wheelbase, which should result in improved handling and manoeuvreability. Inside, it builds on its already class-leading interior space, airy cabin and generous glass area thanks to a new platform that incorporates a unique centre-mounted fuel-tank layout. There’s also a significant increase in passenger volume and rear legroom compared to the outgoing model. With its multi-configurable seating arrangement, the Fit provides acres of cargo space when the second row seats are folded flat.

The new model looks like it will deliver above-class interior refinement as well with lots of standard features while offering value at every trim level. Soft touch and premium materials are used throughout.

Under the fresh new styling is a direct injected 1.5-litre, 130 horsepower, four-cylinder engine – 13 horses up on the current Fit's powerplant, while reducing weight and improving efficiency. Paired to two new transmissions, a slick-shifting 6-speed manual or a sporty and fuel-efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with available paddle shifters, the powertrain brings better acceleration and passing performance and is anticipated to have exceptional fuel economy ratings as an added buyer incentive.

Complementing this new powertrain is a revised chassis aimed at improving handling, ride comfort, noise and vibration levels. A more rigid body, new rear dampers and revised suspension geometry notably enhance ride quality and handling. Extensive use of ultra-high strength steel delivers increased body stiffness while reducing weight by 26 kg (57 pounds) versus the old model.

The new Fit will be manufactured for the first time in North America at a new plant in Celaya, Mexico. With an annual capacity of 200,000 units, the facility will begin mass production next month, adding production of an all-new small Honda SUV later in the year.