BY JEFFREY WEIDEL
Let’s start with this premise: Subcompact cars are typically devoid of excitement. Yet they are still in demand. There’s a reason people buy them, most notably affordability, strong gas mileage, and easy to maneuver, which translates into a great commuter vehicle.
The 2015 Honda Fit is a four-door hatchback that made its American debut as a 2006 model. Pardon the pun, but it’s a great fit for college students or empty nesters looking to downsize.
The Fit, Honda’s entry-level vehicle, has a unique interior makeup that sets it apart from much of its competition. It has resourceful rear seats, which fold up flat to create a rather tall opening that can accommodate items that other subcompacts can’t haul.
Known as the “Magic Seat,” the Fit features a 60/40 split rear bench and provides 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space. And the front passenger seat folds flat as well, which provides an additional eight feet. There is also an underseat storage compartment, adding to the Fit’s versatility.
2015 Honda Fit
- Performance: 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, 130 horsepower;
- Mileage estimate: 29-37 mpg
- Estimate price: $15,560 to $19,925
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; corrosion 5 years/unlimited; roadside assistance: 3years/36,000
The front seating is fairly standard for a subcompact, but in normal configuration the back seat provides solid room and comfort that is typically lacking in this class. Two adults can sit comfortably in the back seat.
Honda did not introduce a 2014 model, deciding instead to focus on a remodel for the 2015 Fit. From an exterior standpoint, the redesigned Fit no longer has its “bug-eyed” styling; it now looks more like a Honda Civic. The Fit has a wedge shape with a new grille and headlight design, plus LED taillights. While the overall length is a bit shorter, the wheels are set further apart.
The Fit can’t be classified as a peppy ride, but it’s not sluggish, either. It features a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder that has increased its horsepower from 117 to 130 and torque from 106 to 114 pound-feet. Available in three trim models (LX, EX, EX-L), the EX-L version goes 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds.
A light-weight vehicle, the Fit comes with good steering and braking. Where it lacks is providing absorption over bumpy surfaces and the engine tends to whine at higher speeds, creating noise that can get annoying during longer trips.
Cost has always been a major plus for the Fit, and that hasn’t changed. This Honda starts at $15,560, but does rise to nearly $20,000 for the top-of-the line EX-L with Navi. Most trims have added a new standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that has hiked mileage to 29-37 mpg.
For entry-level car shoppers, the Fit is a must see and remains an attractive buy in the subcompact class. Its storage versatility, good gas mileage, and appealing price should continue to make this Honda a leading seller.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Enjoy his winter website – www.tahoeskiworld.com
