The battlefield for small cars is an intense one with numerous compact and other small models available to entice first-time car buyers. Honda has its Civic, a compact model that competes with the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus for customers.
On the subcompact level is the Honda Fit, a vehicle that is nowhere near as popular as the Civic. Yet, Honda has big plans for its smallest model, having invested more than $800 million to build a new plant in Celaya, Mexico. This is the first time that the Honda Fit will be built in North America.
That manufacturing plant was supposed to have begun producing the next generation Fit in April, but quality control and transportation issues have pushed back its release until June reports Automotive News.
Im thrilled that we’ve been able to greatly enhance and add to the Fits already excellent attributes to provide Honda customers with class-above features and refinement at such a value price point, said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Honda. The 2015 Fit is practical, roomy, efficient, affordable and perhaps best of all, great fun to drive.
Subcompact Honda Fit
Nevertheless, the front-wheel drive, five-passenger subcompact will soon arrive and will position the Fit to better compete against several models. Those models include the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Mirage, Volkswagen Golf, and the Nissan Versa. The Versa, including the Versa Note hatchback, is currently the best selling model in the segment, a position that Honda hopes it will soon take.
To get to greater sales Honda is aggressively pricing the 2015 Fit. The base Honda Fit LX with a six-speed manual transmission retails from $15,525. Choose the available continuously variable transmission and your starting price rises to $16,325.
The Fit EX outfitted with the six-speed manual transmission retails from $17,435. Choose the CVT and the base price comes in at $18,235. Honda also sells Fit EX-L CVT ($19,800) and a Fit EX-L CVT with Navi ($20,800) editions.
Engine Choice and Trim Levels
All 2015 Honda Fit models are powered by a 1.5-liter (1498 cc) four cylinder engine making 130 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 114 foot-pounds of torque at 4,600 rpm. Fuel economy ranges from 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway when equipped with a manual transmission to 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the CVT. The Honda Fit is outfitted with a 10.6-gallon fuel tank and runs on regular grade gasoline.
The Fit LX comes equipped with a security systems with remote entry, intermittent wipers, a body-colored rear spoiler, automatic halogen headlamps, air conditioning, a rear view camera, power windows and door locks, cruise control, map lights, two 12-volt outlets, a cargo area light, and a 160-watt audio system with four speakers. This model also includes Bluetooth audio streaming, an auxiliary input jack, and speed-sensitive volume control.
Choose the EX or EX-L editions and your standard equipment includes a one-touch power moonroof with a tilt feature, smart entry and fog lights. Heated, power side mirrors with embedded turn signals are standard with the EX-L.
Other standard equipment with the EX and EX-L include Honda LaneWatch, push button start, HDMI port, cargo area tie down anchors, floor mats, a 180-watt, six-speaker sound system, audio display, and Pandora compatibility. All EX-L models upgrade to leather seats from cloth and include heated front seats.
Safety Features and Warranties
All 2015 Honda Fit models come equipped with stability control, traction control, an antilock brake system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and daytime running lights. Six airbags are included.
Honda also provides the following warranties with its new vehicles: a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.
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Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.