2nd place: 2010 Honda Fit Sport – 77.5%
Our reigning subcompact champ has conceded the victory, but it was a tough battle.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
There’s a lot to like in the Fit, especially regarding interior dimensions. Honda has done a masterful job at maximizing passenger and cargo room inside such a little car; Rear-seat occupants will be at ease, and when it’s time to carry big objects around, the Fit is the only one of the group with a completely flat loading floor. No other subcompact comes close to the Fit in terms of cargo space or versatility.
Honda’s little number is also fun to drive, almost as much as the Mazda2. The shift lever and clutch action are quick and easy to work. The car is very manoeuvrable in city traffic and visibility is pretty good all around, which also helps. The power steering offers just the right amount of assistance, whether you’re on the open road or trying to park.
However, the manual Fit is noisy on the highway, as the engine spins high at 100 km/h; an extra gear would certainly help. And for the price, the list of features isn’t all that long; no Bluetooth, no wheel-mounted audio controls, no sunroof and no stability control system.
The car’s styling also received mixed emotions. While the Sport trim’s alloys and aerodynamic body kit provides some extra aggressiveness, the very short rear but rather long front overhangs make the Fit somewhat disproportionate.
The Fit’s pros outweigh the cons by a wide margin. It might not be the winner of this test, but it’s still a winner in our hearts.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
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