I just found the 2009 spec and the RPM's at 60 did not get better as I had hopped. In fact it's 30RPM's higher

Looking at the MT only

+49 lb Sport MT no NAV over 2008
+30 more RPMS at speed
Shifter the power band up

I'll be surprised if the 09 will be as capable as the older ones for Eco.

 

Also, I hear that the new MT loss 1 mpg on EPA estimate compared to the 2008 MT. Lots of complaint going on there.

Also, does anyone know if the ivtec does anything for eco?

 

i-VTEC is pretty much the main reason why the R18 Civic's get better highway MPG than the Fit with 31 more HP and .3 more liters.

 

Bleh... I would expect the fit to get an easy EPA 40 mpg with ivtec. But I guess Honda wants to pump HP rather than significantly increasing MPG. I'm glad I didn't wait for the 09's now.

 

From what I've gathered EPA numbers are fairly close to the 07-08s, even with the ~10hp bump. However I think with some smart driving techniques the i-vtec will yield better MPG.

 

From what I have been reading ivtec is more efficient... but they traded it off from eco to making more power and actually took a loss in MPG with the new engine. Combine that with a higher operating range and you have a more powerful... but less efficient Fit.


Hmmm, looks like Honda has figured out the magic formula for selling the new Fit.

Power > Eco

 

The epa ratings could have changed from the way they calculate them, like how it was from the 07 -> 08.

 

If you look close the HP is up, but at a way higher RPM peak. The Tq is the same. Same RPM and Tq

My comment was based on FE in capable hands. I'm thinking an expert hypermiller will not be able to get the same as an 07 08 MT EPA is for sure 1 less and that's telling and in line with what I listed.

I'm also glad I did not wait. That was an option for sure. I wanted an Eco car 1st and all the other Fit features over others like the Yaris was just a bonus.

Who ever rolls out a EPA 50mpg hiway car for less than $20k will have a winner. I think Honda is working on that like the others. Maybe not in 2009 but for sure in 2010

 

I too was disappointed to see the FE #s for the 2009. Consider this though:

1. The early published reviews are indicating a "real-world" mpg estimate of ~40mpg (combined) with the MT. It would be great if this turned out to be true.
2. The EPA test is skewed towards "normal" driving. If #1 is true then what could a hypermiler get with this thing (50mpg+?!?!)?

Given that there were gearing ratio changes, and the 09' didn't loose much compared to the 08', then we can't be sure that the i-VTEC is to blame for the decrease in FE here (maybe it will even help get a better FE with some technique). Although HP is optimized at a higher RPM in the i-VTEC, who is to say that FE is worse in the 09' than the 08' when running at lower RPMS (I would guess the EPA omits lower RPM accel and cruising from their test) ?

Also, could having more HP and torque allow a quicker (more efficient?) accelleration for P&G?

 

blackup
Just as a point of ref. There are a few that get 60mpg tanks now. SAome have got 70mpg segments. Really

50 is within reach on anyone with a MT and willing. No mods needed just higher air pressure and driving techniques.

All that said I'm sure by year end we will have a few MT 09's in capable hands and will know for sure what they are capable of.

I think Honda sucks for not making a FE version available to us here in the USA. In fact I also think they suck for not using this form as a great interface to NA users.

 

Ahh, yeah... I shouldah known.


That was my point. Maybe the 2nd gen will do better than the 1st. I guess thats the optimist in me.

BTW. what is a "NA user?"

 

The jury is still out on how the 2009 will do in the hands of capable drivers.

I will wait a bit and see how things shake out with this revision. If it doesn't look like it will be any more fuel efficient, I will wait for the new "Insight" (or whatever) Hybrid or Fit Hybrid.

My 2007 will still have great residual value when I get ready to do something.

Let's not be too quick to count Honda out.

All things taken into consideration, the Fit is a great car. We fans tend to complain a lot because all of our expectations are not met. On this site I hear many complain about the cost, the lack of certain features, that it could be more eco, that it could be more performance oriented etc.

Honda is trying to please many groups with this one model and it's a balancing act to try to offer what most potential buyers are really looking for. No car manufacturer is doing this perfectly for a car in this class, but I think that Honda has done it best with the Fit.

 

I do agree, it's too early to tell because someone might come out with a mod for more FE. Also, these EPA test aren't done with mods? Honda or some aftermarket company might come out with some secret with generic computer chip to make the car more fuel efficient. It's still way too early to tell. But so far, stock 09's don't look as good for FE driving habbits. We'll have to wait and see what mods + hypermiling will do for it before passing the final judgement.

 

Huuu Just like the mods for the 06 to 08 which at last count is zero. I would not hold your breath on that no matter how optimistic you are, based on the last 3 years.

It true like I has said when I started this thread the fact is HONDA did nothing to help FE and when you look close, they did a few things to hurt FE

My prediction based on those facts is it will be less capable than the older gen of FE. It's too bad for us.

PS Remember this is the Eco area and we are not talking other performance here.

 

Although many of the improvements in the 2009 help with other complaints (telescoping wheel, better ride, USB connectivity, etc.) several things hurt FE:

• Additional horsepower
• Lower gearing
• Additional weight

Honda is also looking over their shoulder at Toyota, Nissan, and others.

We know that a Fit Hybrid is coming, but meanwhile I wouldn't be surprised if Honda added a 6th gear to the MT. Don't the Versa and Mazda 3 have it?

Well, we can only hope.

 

can someone post a spread sheet of the 09 fit sport.
looking to see rpm's and mph.

 

No cause it's not easy.
I can tell you the 5th gear RPM at any speed for the MT Sport if you want.

 

that sounds good Paul.
if it isn't a hastle can you give me 40-70mph
like 40-45-50-55-60-65-70
it woud be much appreciated.
thanks
Nick

 

here ya go
40
1878
45
2114
50
2350
55
2586
60
2822
65
3058
70
3294

 

thank you very much Paul
very good info.
now just to be sure this is with the 16" wheels right?
Nick