Honda has released the specifications for the 2007 Honda Fit at the North American International Auto Show in <st1><st1:city w:st="on">Detroit</st1:city></st1>.

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<o></o>Already one of Honda's hottest selling cars around the world, the Fit comes to <st1>North America</st1> with unique powertrain, feature, and safety content to meet the needs of buyers in this market. As the Civic has gradually moved up market, it has left room in our lineup for a new entry-level model. While the North American Fit is not as fuel efficient as versions sold in Asia and Europe, the new Honda Fit delivers a lot more than just typical small car value and fuel efficiency.

Top-of-Class Standard Safety Equipment <o></o>

Compared to other entries in the subcompact segment, the Fit arrives in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1>US</st1></st1:country-region> at the top of the class in terms of standard safety, refinement and interior flexibility. The Fit will have 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). <o></o>

Unprecedented Seating and Cargo Flexibility <o></o>

Like Honda Fit and Jazz cars sold in other countries the North American Fit 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). Because Honda located the fuel tank in a central location towards the middle of the vehicle, the cargo floor in the rear of Fit is relatively low, increasing the interior volume.


The Engine, Drivetrain and Suspension<o></o>

The North American Fit will use the same 1.5-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder VTEC engine that generates 109 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 105 foot-pounds of torque @ 4800 rpm used in Asia. The compact and efficient powerplant features Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM)). Unlike the 1.5 liter VTEC used in Asia, the North American version is 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. <o></o>

The Fit features a 5-speed manual transmission or an available, first in segment, 5-speed automatic transmission. A Fit Sport model offers wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) and a 160-watt, six-speaker audio 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. <o></o>

Fit employs a compact, efficient and highly responsive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that also contributes to better fuel economy. The wheel size measures 14-inches with P175/65R14 tires for the base model and P195/55R15 alloy wheels and tires for the Sport model. The Sport package includes underbody kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry and cruise control, 16-inch wheels with P205/45R16 will be available as a dealer-installed option.<o></o>

With the increased safety equipment and options used on North American cars, estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 33 city and 38 highway miles per gallon are lower than the 34 city/ 48 highway mpg achieved by 1.5L Fit models sold overseas. 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. <o></o>

Standard Features, Audio Options and Segment Exclusive Accessories <o></o>

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 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. <o></o>

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(R) iPod(R) Music Link(R) 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.

The Fit will go on sale in April as a 2007 model, with Honda projecting sales of approximately 33,000 this year and 50,000 on an annual basis. Prices will be announced closer to the launch date but we expect the base model will start between 13 and 14 thousand dollars.


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How disappointed am I that not only is the American Fit not going to offer the fuel efficient 1.3 liter engine, but that the 1.5 liter offered is going to only get 38 mpg highway. I might as well keep my Hyundai Accent that giving me 43 mpg around town. Don O.

 

^^Suit yourself.

 

Australian Design Regulation Consumption Figures

1.6L Hyundai Accent
Manual cycle 7.8 litres / 100 km
Automatic cycle 8.7 litres / 100 km

1.5L VTEC Jazz
Manual cycle 6.0 litres / 100 km
Automatic cycle 6.1 litres / 100 km

 

Why are all you worried about FIT fuel mileage?. Fuel is the cheapest point in a car...you must think about quality, confort and design. I have a FIT since 5 months ago, and am very happy, is superior over the average car in their segment, and the CVT (Continuos Variable Transmission) included here, is, for me, the best and surprinsingly point of the vehicle. There in USA, all you claim to get de CVT transmission, it is unique!!!. Good Luck, José, Buenos Aires.

 

I think it's because most Americans are still in "sticker shock" with gas prices. We're used to paying $1.50/gallon for gas but now we're lucky if we can find gas at $2.25/gallon.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but,wouldn't it make for good marketing strategy here in the U.S. to offer the more fuel efficient engine in light of what is going on with the prices of fuel?

 

Good write up...

 

Too slow for American's needs.

 

Too slow for Australian's too. They are better suited to heavily congested European cities.

 

At the rate in which fuel prices are going the U.S. (and you aussies) better pick up the pace or they just may lose a good marketing opportunity. I can totally see honda laughing to the bank on that!

 

They offer the 1.3 dsi in Australia but the sales figures speak for themselves compared to the 1.5L VTEC. The story would be the same in the US if they offered the 1.3. Would you pay almost the same for the 1.3 if it was offered? Because it is almost the same price when spec'd to the same equipment level.

If your trying to ween people off large cars with powerful engines you aren't going to win converts by offering gutless small cars which confirm the small car underpowered buzzbox stereotype. Getting people down to a 1.5 is a big enough ask. I came down from a 4L 6 cyl - if all that was offered was that 1.3L I would have bought another manufacturers car.

You'll find comments from other 1.3 owners on this forum about getting up hills and driving the car when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. Things that aren't issues with the 1.5. What's the point of a practical 5 door car with luggage capacity and seating if you can't use it because the engine lets the package down?

 

Offer your highest MPG engine in the USA. Please

 

I am new to purchasing a sub-compact car after driving Nissan SUV for over a decade, but I hate the price of gas here in Canada (over $1.05/Litre). I was considering a Toyota Matrix, or Honda Element, but since I was downsizing anyways, I stated to consider the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
Then I found out about the newn Toyota Yaris, the Nissan Versa, and the Honda Fit. All these three models are new for 2007 and so far the Honda Fit looks like the best choice. I am waiting for the Car Show that starts this Saturday to take a first time look at all three vehicles at once.
What would be your advice??

 

Go to the Car Show, sit in all three, read the Car & Driver May issue comparison, then choose-- have fun!

 

Blilam; I´ve a Honda Fit since 6 months ago. I´m very, very happy. Their CVT (Continuosly Variable Transmission) is amazing, and I hope you will have it there. Materials are superb, and acceleration too. Good Luck, José, Buenos Aires

 

Saw the Car and Driver report, and was impressed by the fact that they were so blown away by the Fit. They said that it beat every one of the other 6 cars by a minimum of 25 points on their scale. Can't wait to check one out.

 

Test drove one the other day loved it. Buying one today. The FIT feels bigger in side then it is(I am 6'4", so need the space). Sat in the Yaris and it felt cramped. I would probally have bought the 1.3 if available. I spend over $100 a week in gas right now.

 

Saw it-drove it-bought it (the first one I saw). Was looking at other cars, but the fit and finish and quality sold me. Traded in my 1997 Honda CRV (which was still going strong), but figure the savings in gas will justify the cost of a new car quickly. So far lots of fun- and it holds the wife and kids and stuff, too. Can't wait to see how many model airplanes will fit in the back!

 

$17500.00 out the door on the Sport/AT model. Practical and affordable. My 'main' reason to buy Fit is the fuel milage and Honda. I don't think there is another car in it's class that offers side airbags standard.
I like the electric steering too.

Sure there are somethings that it could have added rather cheaply like a mirror on the passanger visor, floor mats,lite in glove box.

Overall, if you are interested, BUY IT. If it is too slow than your looking at the wrong class of car to buy.
Did I say the Fit has tremendous cargo capacity, the engine has a bit of pep to it, realistically speaking if you need more than that then your probably driving in a manner that could cause injury to something or someone.