New 5-door hatchback will enter the Canadian subcompact market with
class-leading features, fuel efficiency and standard safety equipment

TORONTO, Jan. 8 /CNW/ - The new 2007 Honda Fit, a subcompact 5-door
hatchback set to go on sale in Canada the beginning of April, made its debut
today during a press preview at the North American International Auto Show in
Detroit. As one of Honda's hottest selling models in both Asia and Europe, the
Fit is designed to enter the North American market as leader in the subcompact
segment with class-leading feature content, refinement, interior
functionality, sporty driving character and high levels of standard safety
equipment. The Fit will make its Canadian debut at the Montreal International
Auto Show on January 19.
"We will be bringing the five-door Honda Fit hatchback to Canada this
spring because of the popularity here of hatchbacks and the desire for
excellent fuel efficiency," said Jim Miller, executive vice president of Honda
Canada Inc. "And we are confident that Canadians will embrace the Fit because
of its overall value, full complement of standard safety features, unique
convenience features and fun-to-drive performance. The Fit is ideally suited
to 'fit your life' and fit the things in your life because of its large
interior and flexible seating configurations."
Built on Honda's legendary foundation for dependability, quality and
reliability, the Fit emphasizes style, technology and value. It features a
109-horsepower, 1.5-litre engine, a 5-speed manual transmission or an
available, first-in-segment 5-speed automatic transmission. Fit features a
generous interior with multiple seating and cargo configurations to carry a
wide assortment of various-sized cargo.
In Canada, Fit will be offered in three trim levels with a base DX model,
LX and Sport. The Fit Sport model features wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with
the automatic transmission option), and includes an underbody kit, rear
roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry,
cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 15-inch alloy wheels with
P195/55R15 tires. The Fit Sport also offers a premium 160-watt, AM/FM/CD audio
system with six speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, five-mode equalizer and
an auxiliary audio jack for input from portable music players.
Inside of Fit is a surprisingly large passenger and cargo space for both
maximum comfort and utility. At the foundation is Fit's Magic Seat(TM), an
innovative 60/40 split rear seat that allows the seatbacks to fold down or the
seat bottoms to flip up, providing four distinct seating and cargo carrying
configurations (refresh mode, tall object mode, long object mode and utility
mode) in addition to the standard five passenger mode.
With all the seats in the upright position, the Fit seats up to five
adults with a passenger volume of 2551 litres (90.1 cubic feet) and all their
stuff with 603 litres (21.3 cubic feet) of cargo capacity behind the second
row, which is comparable to larger vehicles. In order to help maximize Fit's
useable interior space, Honda located the fuel tank in a central location
towards the middle of the vehicle. This allows the cargo floor in the rear of
Fit to be relatively low, thus increasing the interior volume.
The 1.5-litre, SOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder VTEC engine generates
109 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 105 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm. The
compact and efficient powerplant features Honda's innovative Variable Valve
Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM)) which provides highly efficient
operation at low engine speeds and extended performance at high engine speeds
to boost fuel economy and power while lowering emissions.
Refinement is further enhanced with electronic drive-by-wire throttle
control for quick throttle response, smooth automatic transmission shifts (on
automatic transmission models) and precise fuel delivery to the engine. In
addition, Fit employs a compact, efficient and highly responsive electric
power steering system that contributes to higher fuel economy since engine
power is not needed to operate a hydraulic system.
The suspension set-up for the Fit is a combination of a front MacPherson
strut/rear torsion beam with trailing arm. The compact front suspension and
rear torsion beam were both designed to allow for a large passenger cabin with
a low floor to maximize the cargo carrying capacity.
Already a leader in vehicle safety as demonstrated by Honda's "Safety for
Everyone" initiative, Honda continues to implement leading airbag technology
in all vehicles regardless of size or price. Fit offers a full complement of
standard airbags on all trim levels, including dual-stage/dual-threshold front
airbags, dual front side airbags and side-curtain airbags. Standard active
safety equipment includes anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake
distribution (EBD) for enhanced braking performance.
Fit comes with standard amenities such as an AM/FM/CD audio system, power
windows and a two-tone interior. The 2007 Fit will be supported by a wide
range of Honda Genuine Accessories so that owners can personalize their cars
inside and out.
There will be a sporty accessory package available on all trim levels
that features a sport muffler, 16-inch wheels, a sport grille and a number of
other accessories. There are also coloured accent packages for the interior in
Blue, Red or Silver that include steering wheel covers, shift knobs, switch
panels and other interior items.
A consumer preview web site for the Fit will be available as of Monday,
January 9, at www.honda.ca/fit. Pricing for the 2007 Honda Fit has not yet
been determined.

Honda is the world's preeminent maker of engines for automobiles,
motorcycles and power equipment. With 124 manufacturing facilities in 28
countries worldwide, Honda now attracts nearly 20 million customers annually.
Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline, Civic and Pilot, and the
Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/a.../08/c0558.html

 

Press ReleaseSource: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.



2007 Honda Fit Looks Small on the Outside, Delivers Big on the Inside
Sunday January 8, 4:55 pm ET The new subcompact 5-door hatchback will enter the U.S. subcompact market with class-leading content and segment-defining standard safety equipment

DETROIT, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2007 Honda Fit, a subcompact 5-door hatchback set to go on-sale in the U.S. in April, will make its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Already one of Honda's hottest selling models in Asia and Europe, the Fit is designed to enter the U.S. market as leader in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, refinement, interior functionality, sporty driving demeanor and high levels of standard safety equipment.

Built on Honda's legendary foundation for dependability, quality and reliability, the Fit is a premium entry-level vehicle that emphasizes style, technology and value. The Fit features a 109 horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VTEC engine, a 5-speed manual transmission or an available, first in segment, 5-speed automatic transmission, and over 90 cubic feet of passenger volume with multiple seating and cargo configurations. A Fit Sport model offers wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) and a 160-watt, six-speaker audio system. Fit will be supported by a wide variety of Honda Genuine Accessories, including segment exclusive Honda Apple® iPod® Music Link®, allowing owners to personalize their Fits inside and out.

"The 2007 Fit provides a new entry point into Honda for consumers considering an attractive and efficient small car," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "The large interior adapts to people or cargo like no other car in its class. It comes standard-equipped with advanced safety technology, and follows in the tradition of Honda's fun-to- drive performance."

Unprecedented Subcompact Seating and Cargo Flexibility

Dimensionally compact on the outside, the interior provides a surprisingly large passenger and cargo space for both maximum comfort and utility. At the foundation is the Fit's Magic Seat(TM), an innovative 60/40 split rear seat that allows the seatbacks to fold down or the seat bottoms to flip up, providing four distinct seating and cargo carrying configurations (refresh mode, tall object mode, long object mode and utility mode) in addition to the standard five passenger mode. With all seats in the upright position, passenger volume measures 90.1 cubic feet (slightly less than an Accord's passenger volume) with 21.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row (slightly less than an Element's cargo volume behind the second row). In order to help maximize Fit's useable interior space, Honda located the fuel tank in a central location towards the middle of the vehicle. This allows the cargo floor in the rear of Fit to be relatively low, thus increasing the interior volume.

Fun to Drive ... Past the Pump

The 1.5-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder VTEC engine generates 109 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 105 foot-pounds of torque @ 4800 rpm. The compact and efficient powerplant features Honda's innovative Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM)).The VTEC system's ability to provide highly efficient operation at low engine speeds and extended performance at high engine speeds benefits fuel economy, power and low emissions.

Refinement is further enhanced with electronic Drive-by-Wire throttle control, which provides quick throttle response, smooth automatic transmission shifts (on automatic transmission models) and precise fuel delivery to the engine. Friction reducing technologies include roller bearing tipped rocker arms, a low friction timing chain tensioner, molydebenum coated piston skirts and an offset crankshaft/connecting rod design.

The suspension set up for the Fit is a combination of a front MacPherson strut/rear torsion beam with trailing arm.

The compact front suspension and rear torsion beam were both designed to allow for a large passenger cabin with a low floor to maximize the cargo carrying capacity.

Fit employs a compact, efficient and highly responsive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that also contributes to higher fuel economy since engine power is not needed to operate a hydraulic system. The wheel size measures 14-inches with P175/65R14 tires, and 16-inch wheels with P205/45R16 are available as a dealer-installed option.

Estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 33/38 miles per gallon is expected to be among the highest ratings in the subcompact 5-door hatchback class. Emissions levels are rated as Low Emissions Vehicle 2 (LEV-2) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Tier 2 / Bin 5 by the Federal government.

Top-of-Class Standard Safety Equipment

Already a leader in vehicle safety as demonstrated by Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative, Honda continues to implement leading airbag technology in all vehicles regardless of size or price. The Fit has the most standard safety features in its class with no other subcompact offering as much standard advanced safety technology. Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all Fit models. All seating positions have three-point seat belts, while front occupants are further protected by pre-tensioning seat belts. An enhanced knee bolster provides additional protection for passengers.

Standard active safety equipment includes anti-lock braking system (ABS) with ventilated discs in the front and drums in the back, and electronic brake distribution (EBD).

Paddle Shifters, Audio Options Define High Content Sport Model

The Fit Sport model is the only subcompact to offer steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter controls (with automatic transmission). The Sport package includes underbody kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry, cruise control, and 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P195/55R15 tires.

The Fit Sport also features a premium 160-watt, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, a five-mode equalizer, and an auxiliary audio jack for input from a portable music player.

Most Standard Subcompact Features, Segment Exclusive Accessories

Fit comes with standard amenities such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, and a two-tone interior.

The 2007 Fit promises to be one of the most customizable vehicles from Honda with approximately 30 accessories available at the dealer. Fit will offer the Honda Apple® iPod® Music Link® as a dealer-installed accessory. The Honda iPod Music Link allows the user's iPod (sold separately) to fully interact with the audio system. A segment exclusive, Music Link will control all the iPod's features via the audio head unit with album/song information shown on the vehicle's audio unit LCD display. It will also charge the iPod's battery.

Other interior accessories include an ambient lighting, trim panel accents (silver, red and blue), steering wheel covers and shift knobs. Outside, the Fit can be customized with Honda Factory Performance equipment including 16- inch alloy wheels, Sport package underbody kit, sport exhaust, chrome exhaust tip finisher, rear bumper accents and a sport mesh grille.

A consumer preview Web site for the Fit is available at fit.honda.com. Official pricing for the 2007 Honda Fit has not yet been determined.





Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

 

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