Japanese automakers often rapidly introduce new models, but the Honda Fit subcompact economy car seemingly is on a really fast track because it debuted here as a 2007 model -- and now there's suddenly a redesigned 2009 Fit. That seems awfully quick, even for Japan.
However, things aren't quite as they seem to be with this car. In fact, the 2007-2008 Fit actually had a rather old design and was sold for years in Japan and Europe with the name "Jazz." That name likely was judged too flippant for America, so Honda renamed the car "Fit." It began selling it here as an entry model, which it remains.
Toyota and Nissan were bringing in super-economy small cars and the Fit was an accomplished auto, despite having an old design. Its price was fairly low and it was cute, well-equipped, fairly roomy with interior chic and fun to drive.
The Fit would have been welcomed here even without some of those attributes because it arrived when fuel prices were rising. Japan's automakers often have been positioned to bring in gasoline-stingy cars when fuel becomes a troublesome commodity in America. Otherwise, it might have taken Japan much longer to gain traction here in the early 1970s, with that period's fuel-allocation shortages at service stations.
Honda knew the 2007-2008 Fit sold here was overdue for an update, so the 2009 model is slightly larger and has more room and power, although it retains a small 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works hard. Horsepower has been increased to 109 to 117. But, while more sophisticated, with a wider power curve, the engine is noisy during anything but moderate acceleration and provides just average 65-75 passing ability. However, the Fit is lively in town and is an easy 70 mph highway cruiser, once up to speed.
The flip side of generally lazy open-road performance is that the base Fit with a five-speed automatic delivers an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 35 on highways, while other models get 27 city and 33 highway with either the five-speed manual transmission or the automatic. The manual is improved, and the automatic is responsive.
The Fit remains a front-drive, four-door hatchback with wheels pulled to its far corners. It has slightly racier styling and is roomier because its wheelbase and overall length and width have been increased several inches. The Fit can seat five 6-footers, but only four fit comfortably because the center of the rear seat is hard. All doors open wide for easy entry/exit.
The cargo area is pretty large, with an extremely low, wide opening. And the gas tank location under the front seat and minimalist twist-beam rear suspension allow the cargo floor to be fairly low to increase cargo volume. The 60/40 split "magic" rear seat has cushions that flip up for side loading of tall objects and seatbacks that fold flat to create a wagonlike load floor.
The interior has a more airy feel because the windshield base has been moved forward nearly 5 inches. The windshield is huge, and the fixed front quarter windows are much larger. However, windshield posts can temporarily hide a pedestrian rushing across the street when you're making a right-hand turn after a traffic light turns green.
Front seats offer good side support, and the flashier backlit gauges can be easily read. There's a sportier steering wheel and climate controls are large -- almost oversized. Although small, radio controls can be worked fairly easily. Cabin storage includes front-door storage pockets and rear-door beverage containers.
The Fit comes as a base model with 15-inch wheels. It costs $14,550 with the manual transmission and $15,350 with the automatic. The mid-range Sport lists at $16,060 with manual, $16,910 with the automatic. The top-line Sport VSA/NAV adds stability control and navigation systems. It lists at $17,910 with manual, $18,760 with automatic. Sport models get paddle shifters with the automatic.
Sport models also have a body kit with items including "side skirts" under door bottoms for a sportier appearance, besides 16-inch wheels and a stiffer suspension for sharper handling -- but a firmer ride.
Fits are well-equipped. Depending on the trim level, standard items include air conditioning and a tilt/telescopic wheel that improves the driving position. There also are an AM/FM/CD player, cruise control, intermittent wipers, rear wiper/washer and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.
There are plenty of safety items for the more rigidly built 2009 model, including front-side and curtain-side air bags and traction control.
One of the most popular options is expected to be a new USB iPod connection that lets you select songs through the radio interface.
The Sport VSA/NAV model I tested had quick, but decidedly firm, steering. The suspension was supple, but sharp expressway bumps definitely were felt. The brake pedal had a linear action, and the Sport's larger tires helped provide more athletic handling and shorter stopping distances.
The engine compartment is surgically neat, with easily reached fluid filler areas, but an old-fashioned prop rod holds the hood open.
The old Fit offered lots of value and was especially popular this summer when gas hit $4 per gallon. The redone 2009 version feels more upscale while retaining its economy car virtues.
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