If Honda does not do its full-model change (FMC) for the Fit in 2007, I would suggest they do the following changes for the second-year production Fit:

1. Replace the five-speed automatic with a new, improved CVT automatic that minimizes the "slipping clutch feel" of normal CVT's. Maybe they should negotiate with JATCO for such a CVT.

2. Replace the L15A VTEC engine with new 1.5-liter engine that uses the SOHC i-VTEC valvetrain, which could improve fuel economy and also improves power slightly (from 109 bhp to around 117 bhp SAE 08/04 net).

3. Re-do the instrument panel so it has a real temperature gauge.

 

MT - do you do PR for Jatco? You should !!!

 

I would agree with the temp guage! I hate not knowing on such a small engine what its running at!

 

Alas, no.

But seriously, JATCO is the world's largest maker of CVT automatics, what with so many Nissan models sold in Japan sporting JATCO CVT's. (The Nissan Murano uses a JATCO unit.) Now that Nissan will offer the CVT on the Versa, Sentra and Altima, and since JATCO figured out how to program the CVT so it doesn't have the weird "slipping clutch feel," JATCO could sell CVT's to Honda for the Fit and make a nice, tidy sum.

 

I have a suggestion. Make the underbody plastic on the sport an accessory. There are plenty of people who want the sport features but don't want these add ons. There are also plenty of people who like these kind of add ons, but want different ones. If there was a clean slate then people could customize the vehicle how they want it (scion makes big money on the whole customize your car theme).

Making it a dealer installed accessory means everybody gets the car closer to how they want it. If you like the sport just how it is you can still get it that way - everybody is happy.

One more suggestion. A taller top gear on the manual tranny, or add a sixth gear that is taller. Relaxed cruising and improved fuel economy is a wonderous thing.

 

I'll try to be realistic...

1) Add steering wheel mounted audio controls to the Fit Sport. This is already available in Jazz's elsewhere. It's also found on all Scion xAs and Xbs, and is available as on option for the Versa.

2) Have a moonroof option.

 

I think steering-wheel controls for the audio could come the second year of Fit production for the USA. However, you can forget about the moonroof, mostly because 1) it would cut into headroom and 2) it would add unnecessary weight to an already-heavy US-market Fit (which is nearly 250 pounds heavier than the majority of Fits sold around the world!).

 

The headroom on the Fit is quite ample. The average buyer shouldn't have a problem with headroom even with a moonroof.

With regards to weight, it is true that the moonroof adds weight and degrades performance. However, so does an automatic transmission. And it happens that most Fits that will be sold here will be automatic. Most people in the market for the Fit probably dont care if it's .1 or .2 sec slower to 60 mph (with the moonroof).

I guess Honda feels Fit buyers dont want a moonroof. They felt the same for the first Accord Hybrid. Honda didn't equip it with a moonroof because it degraded fuel economy due to added weight and increased drag. But so many people complained that Honda now sells Accord Hybrids with moonroofs.

So complain people. Maybe they will sell it as an option on future Fits.

 

I think when the Fit has its full-model change (FMC), I think you will see the moonroof as an option. That's because unlike the current Fit, the new body design will factor in the weight and the safety factor of the moonroof in its full body design.

 

And a drivers seat that goes up and down, and arm rests too please.

 

The current Fit is available in the UK and in Japan with a moonroof. So I dont see any design issues with weight and/or safety.

 

Offer the CVT and rear disc brakes as options - PLEASE

 

Read in one of the articles by someone who test drove the Fit that it doesn't have a dead pedal. I assume that refers to the "footrest" to the left of the brake & accelerator. Even the cheapos like the Kia Rio have a comfortable place to rest your left foot. My Accord had a rather skinny one and I didn't notice the inconvenience until I started using it for long drives. Also, I was surprised that the cargo cover is extra. My 1985 Civic wagon and Accord wagon had them standard.

 

I have two hondas and neither has a dead pedal. Don't miss it.

 

What's so great about the CVT?

I like rear disc brakes because the brake pads are easier to change than the ones in drums.

Suprisingly enough, according to instrumented tests done by Edmunds.com, the Fit Sport 5MT stopped from 60-0 mph in 123.61 feet, whereas the 2006 Civic Si did the same in 128 feet. The Civic Si is heavier, but it has 1.5" bigger front rotors and 10.2" rear rotors.

 

Wow 123ft is very close to supercar territory in terms of braking. It goes to show in some cases bigger doesnt always calculate into the best results.

 

The best thing about the CVT is that it allows for an "infinite" amount of ratios for more efficient engine operation regardless of engine revs. That's why my 1998 Honda Civic HX CVT coupé gets 33-37 mpg all the time.

As for rear discs, given that on a FWD car most of the braking is done by the front brakes anyway the use of rear drums is not really an issue. After all, when the Fit could stop from 60-0 in only 123 feet with a front disc/rear drum setup, going to rear discs might not shorten stopping distances much more.

 

i think the sunroof/moonroof option would be awesome...that is all ;-D

 

Actually rear drums are just about as strong as discs - they just fade more because it gets hot inside the drums.

 

Rear disc brakes would be awesome. It's not that they would shorten stopping distances, because the drums are more than adequate. Disc brakes provide superior brake pedal feel and modulation. I agree with having an option package that's the same as the sport minus the body styling. I'm looking for a car that's as light as possible.