The VW Lupo with the 1.3 lt TDI engine gets from 60- 80 mpg so yeah, the exdtra mileage is worth the extra dollar a gallon.

 

Nope. The Civic has the newer R-series engine, compared to the Fit which has an L-series.

Couple that with the Fit's increased aerodynamic drag (more frontal area) + the city oriented gearing and that explains why the Civic gets better fuel efficiency.

 

Agreed. That kind of discrepancy isn't uncommon. Just look at the Toyota Yaris vs the Corolla. Same thing there and the Yaris already has VVT-i (the rough equivalent of iVTEC). Look at the Smart ForTwo. Same thing. It just doens't have the amazing mileage you'd expect.

As was said, these little city-type cars tend to be a slightly less aerodynamic due to the fact you're trying to maximize interior room and they have really short gearing, I think the final drive ratio on the MT Fit is something crazy like 4.56 :1 or shorter.

A turbodiesel Fit would solve that problem and it would have some real usable torque too. I guess a hybrid will help too, but I'd rather have a diesel personally.

I do love the free-revving nature of Hondas gasoline engines very much though.

 

Tafetta White is back

Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - 2009 Fit Color List

 

Checking out the "who's gonna buy one thread", someone linked more pics to the blue sensation colored (coloured for we Canadians) Fit.
http://www.auto123.com/en/multimedia...6065&binding=3

The front looks really good here...



Then there's mention of the Honda Freed, a jacked up version of the Fit?
Looks sweet, likin' that too...never thought I'd say that about a mini-van
Honda Freed: Could It Rock 'n Roll in America? - Auto Observer



...and back to more Fit stuff, this Honda site has some good things.
Top Honda / Acura News: Honda Fit

 

Civic Manual 26/34
Civic Auto 25/36

FIt Manual 28/34

Corolla Manual 26/35
Corolla Auto 27/35

Yaris Manual 29/36


Oh Rly...

I dont think it really matters if the ass end is just chopped off, just look at the Yaris, its the MPG winner out of all of these.

 

Lupo takes over 14 seconds to make it to 60mph, has less cargo room/flexibility. If you can live with that, then the 68mpg is well worth it.

 

I could live with a TDI Lupo, if that's what you mean. I had a TDI mk4 Jetta before and it was great. It has tons of torque and got 15+ mpg more than my Fit does actually.

Diesels are good stuff. I don't think VW even makes the Lupo anymore but a Polo TDI 1.4 ought to get at least 60 mpg I would think.

 

According to this,Podcast Episode #121 - Scenes from a Honda Fit Part 1 the 09 release date is October 2.

 

Auto manufacturers haven't offered those models here yet for several reasons:
1. The gas prices here weren't high enough for people to buy them, up until recently.
2. Some US states don't even allow passenger diesel engines, such as MA and CA. I live in MA and I can't buy a diesel here; its illegal!! Cleaner burning diesel engines are in the works, however, which supposedly will be clean burning enough to meet even CA standards. When I was in Europe I rented a diesel Peugeot and I loved the thing - 50 miles/gallon!!
3. Most americans want Autos. In Europe, people grow up with sticks - that's the norm there while autos are the norm here. You also don't see many people driving Hummers in Europe either.

 

Was it the Edmunds video that mentioned that Chevy may offer a 4-banger in the new Camaro due to the spiraling gas prices? We need more small-litre turbo engined vehicles here... preferably starting with the Fit.

 

I think the biggest problem is they need to do is kill the stereotype of diesels being bad. I mean here in the US the only exposure we get to diesels are huge semi trucks that blow out black smoke and thats the first thing ppl are gonna think when they hear a diesel Fit/Civic/Accord.

4 banger Camaro, ROFL. Well the 260HP engine from the Cobalt SS would do nicely, but that would just destroy everything the Camaro stood for.

 

4-banger in the Camaro? That just proves why U.S. auto companies = fail. That's like buying a $5,000 HDTV to hook a NES up to for playing SMB1 on.

I really hope the Fit is released earlier than October, but the lack of information (for god sake's it's already June!) at this time points in that direction...

Edit: p.s. - I'm sure if they are releasing it in October they are required by law to have the EPA tests done at some point. Does anyone know when this mpg info will be available for the '09 model?

 

Anyone seen any pics of the 2009 Fit that shows a center console?


Even if its one from another country, I'd like to be able to get a hold of one to put it in (or better yet, actually have it as an option in the US 2009 Fits).

Anyone seen such a pic?

 

The Yaris is a couple of hundred pounds lighter than the Fit and makes it's peak torque at about 5-600 RPM lower that may have something to do with the better observed fuel economy too.

 

Edmunds has one on their preview of the '09...



From this photo it almost looks like it's part of the drivers' seat...

 

The armrest is connected to the seat.

 

Spy: All new Honda Jazz caught in Melbourne - (Australia)

 

Anyone know the answer to any of this basic stuff yet???

USDM 2009 Fit

1. MSRP for Base and Sport?
2. EPA mpg rating? all versions
3. What AT?
4. When will they start making them?
5. Are they still 100% made in Japan?
6. Same factory as the 2008?
7. When with the last 2008 be made?
8. In what location does the extra length show up over 2008. Front leg room, rear leg room, rear storage area, inside height?

thanks

 

pages 54 and 55. there are several.