2009 Honda Fit: 2008 New York Auto Show
Honda didn’t feel the need to make a fuss over the debut of the 2009 Fit today. No flashy displays, no weird dancers, not even throbbing music accompanied its unveil. Instead, Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda, pretty much got up and read the press kit off a teleprompter. More room, more power, cleaner emissions, blah, blah, blah...
You get the picture.
He did say one thing that caught our ear, though. He recalled the fact that Honda doubled production of the Fit last year to meet worldwide demand. When is the last time you heard that about a compact economy car? Sure, maybe it wasn’t all because of its strong U.S. sales, but clearly it’s a car that has appeal no matter where it’s sold. Hopefully Ford and GM are paying attention. –
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
- Permalink | Comments (17)
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig March 19, 2008, 12:08 PM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Honda, New York Auto Show
The Fit is Go!!!
I can't wait. I want one :-)
Once again<>it's Honda to the fore and as always no hype no hoopla;just the facts.
Maybe they figured it's hard to get Americans excited about practicality and that anyone interested in the car already knew about it from the Japanese launch.
I'm a little disappointed by the lack of concrete information, but I'm geeked to be looking at interior pictures with the steering wheel on the left.
It looks like a mini-minivan, somewhat like the new Rondo. That's good because it seems that there is a lot of cargo capacity.
The new Fit is JUST AWESOME! Waiting for it's debut was completely worth it. The slight exterior variance from the JDM makes it even nicer IMHO. Who needs hooplah when you're created by Honda? That would have been overkill.
I've one problem.... Why-why-why are we forced to wait until FALL of 2008 to get ours? I need/want one now! I'd trade my wife for this car (any takers???)!
"He recalled the fact that Honda doubled production of the Fit last year to meet worldwide demand. When is the last time you heard that about a compact economy car?"
Or any car with a near 7 year old design? The current "old" Fit is a strong contender (maybe the benchmark for the class) and the new version took it up several notches. Im not in the market for this type of car but Id like to drive one.
This car is awesome.
Ditto. But does the lack of a spare bug anyone else?
Honda is said to hav sold over 2,000,000 Fit globally in six years...amazing
Even the old Fit looked fresh here. In fact I'm not convinced that this is a significant improvement. Honda had no problem selling the old ones.
This is, IMHO, Honda's best vehicle for its segment, period.
"This is, IMHO, Honda's best vehicle for its segment, period."
I concur!
yeah, the prev gen fit was/is awesome, though cleaner emissions and better crash test ratins are things that i'm sure this one will adress.
i like the wheels and the stlying!
Nice car for the times. But, why can't we get a hidth adjustment for the drivers seat. It feels like you are sitting on the groud in this little car. Almost go cart like. All other countries get hidth adjustment except for the U.S.
The Right Fit
If there is anyone that has been addressing concerns of high gas prices in the automotive world, it certainly is Honda. This strategy continues with the introduction of the new Fit. Better than the outgoing car in just about every way, Honda addressed all the complaints of the current car and even added a few finishing touches to sweeten the deal.
Physically Fit
Given that Hondas tend to be somewhat lighter than many of their competitors, the new model gained almost no weight in the course of the redesign. Whats more, it also has a new heart in the form of a 1.5L 4 incorporating Honda's now ubiqutous i-vtec. On paper, this translates to 118 horses and 107 lb-ft of torque, up 9 hp and 21 lb-ft respectively. Given the newfound torque, the new powerplant will give the Fit more well....go! It is estimated that the new car will hit 60 in less than 9 seconds, very respectable for this class indeed. This car is mainly about practicality and economy, but unlike some of its peers, it is fun to drive.
People and Things Fit
Capacities and dimensions have also increased for 2009. Rear seat passengers will be happy to know they have 1.6 more inches of rear leg room. Also, the center mounted gas tank continues due to the ability to save space in the rear cargo area. Want to bring along some extra toys or another duffle bag for an extended stay? It all fits! It should also be noted that the new car is available with a nav system (a class first), to help you get where you are going, or just finding the shortest route running your errands so you can "fit" more into the day!
Fit for the times
Lets face it, with gas prices that are not going down; manufacturers and consumers alike should be paying much greater attention to cars like this. Perhaps the Fit can meet the true needs of the average SUV buyer at a much lower price and less pain at the pumps. As much as we would like to think everyone has seen the light, it will take more time for those who drive modern day iterations of tanks from the second world war to understand the urgency.
As much as I have ranted and raved about some of the other vehicles here, I can see that Honda really got this one right. Trying to get that last parking space at the shopping mall? While your neighbor sits there with his tank contemplating the parameters, you will know without a doubt that yours will fit.
I like the new styling. It resembles a Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but we can't get them in the USA. The Fit is a great commuting vehicle for anyone.
Does anyone else thinks this looks ugly? Looks like a chopped mini-van. I appreciate all the new features, but what will this do to the cost. It isn't an economy car unless it's also affordable.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Sedans_Coupes_and_Hatchbacks/2008_Honda_Fit_Whats_New.S180.A13522.html
Theres a good review for the honda fit