Still, like most cars in this class its suspension isn't anything overly sophisticated, MacPherson struts chosen up front for their
combination of low cost, high performance and space optimization, and the rear torsion beam with trailing arm incorporated for the same reasons, the latter making the most of cargo capacity. Enhancing handling is an electric power steering system, which is also said to improve fuel economy being that engine power is not taxed to operate a conventional belt-driven hydraulic system.
Prospective Fit buyers should warm up to its much touted safety features, which include dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, dual front side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outside passengers standard, regardless of trim level. ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) are also standard, although unlike Hyundai's Accent, which offers ABS optionally, rear discs can't be had.
Of course, rear disc kits will be soon be available from aftermarket suppliers, as will a host of additional goodies. I mean, is the Fit a tuner's dream come true or what? After all, a Fit Nation is an even better tagline than a Civic Nation.
Aftermarket support should be strong, being that the new Fit will also be sold in the U.S.
If you want to check out more, make sure and visit the consumer preview site at www.honda.ca/fit. While pricing has yet to be announced, don't expect it to be much higher than those being offered in this segment already, with five-door prices ranging from Kia's well-executed Rio5 at $13,995, right up to the new Toyota Yaris five-door at $14,910. Like Toyota, Honda can charge a premium, of course, and probably will, but don't expect it to sell for much more than what Toyota's charging. Of course, when upgraded from the base DX to LX and Sport trims, the price will rise accordingly.
In April, when the new Fit debuts in dealerships across the country, expect it to do battle with its Civic sibling for number one car in Canada status. The winner, of course, will be Honda, no matter whether its subcompact or compact model jumps ahead in sales, as the Fit won't eat away at Civic sales, at least not very much, but rather cause mayhem among rival B-segment players. Truly, they're going to have a Fit!
Preliminary Specifications:
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| A full assortment of safety and performance features make the Fit a truly unique subcompact. (Photo: Honda Canada) |
Prospective Fit buyers should warm up to its much touted safety features, which include dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, dual front side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outside passengers standard, regardless of trim level. ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) are also standard, although unlike Hyundai's Accent, which offers ABS optionally, rear discs can't be had.
Of course, rear disc kits will be soon be available from aftermarket suppliers, as will a host of additional goodies. I mean, is the Fit a tuner's dream come true or what? After all, a Fit Nation is an even better tagline than a Civic Nation.
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| Truly, the Fit is a step above any competitor. (Photo: Honda Canada) |
If you want to check out more, make sure and visit the consumer preview site at www.honda.ca/fit. While pricing has yet to be announced, don't expect it to be much higher than those being offered in this segment already, with five-door prices ranging from Kia's well-executed Rio5 at $13,995, right up to the new Toyota Yaris five-door at $14,910. Like Toyota, Honda can charge a premium, of course, and probably will, but don't expect it to sell for much more than what Toyota's charging. Of course, when upgraded from the base DX to LX and Sport trims, the price will rise accordingly.
In April, when the new Fit debuts in dealerships across the country, expect it to do battle with its Civic sibling for number one car in Canada status. The winner, of course, will be Honda, no matter whether its subcompact or compact model jumps ahead in sales, as the Fit won't eat away at Civic sales, at least not very much, but rather cause mayhem among rival B-segment players. Truly, they're going to have a Fit!
Preliminary Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $14,000 - $18,500
- Body Type: 5-door hatchback
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 109-hp, 105 lb-ft of torque, 1.5L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 5-spd automatic, optional 5-spd automatic with paddle-shifters)
- Performance (estimated 0-100 km/h): 8.3 seconds
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS, EBD
- Curb Weight (min/max): 1,091 / 1,162 kg (2,405 / 2,561 lbs)
- Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 3,999 / 1,682 / 1,524 / 2,450 mm (157.4 / 66.2 / 60.0 / 96.5 in)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Passenger Volume: 2,551 L (90.1 cu-ft)
- Cargo Volume (seats up/folded): 603 / TBA L (21.3 / TBA cu-ft)
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 6.5 / 5.2 L/100 km
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo5, Kia Rio5, Pontiac Wave, Suzuki Sprint+, Toyota Yaris 5-Door
- Web Site: www.honda.ca or www.honda.ca/fit
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