The Third Generation Honda Fit is Smaller, Lighter and More Powerful

HondaHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
2419 photos
10 videos
has launched the latest generation of the FitHonda FitJapan, 2001 > present2 series
9 versions
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at the North American International Auto Show, and it will go on sale in the spring. The car received its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in November, but the North American versions gets a slightly different nose. The latest Fit gets an upgraded interior and Honda’s latest direct injected engines.

"The Honda Fit is a small car with big aspirations. Faster, more fuel-efficient and more fun, it's a subcompact with larger-than-life-capabilities. It's simply the best Fit to date and, we believe, a new benchmark in the small-car category,” said John Mendel, head of sales at Honda.

The latest Fit gets a slightly different nose than the Japanese version, and the latest generation is meant to be more sleek, modern and sporty than the previous carsHonda Fit Gen.2Japan, 2008 > present6 versions
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. The Fit rides on 16in, five-spoke wheels. At the rear, it has standard LED taillights, a chrome tailgate and rear diffuser.

Compared to the previous generation, the latest Fit is 1.6in shorter, 3in wider and has a 1.2in longer wheelbase. That translates to a 4.9 cubic feet increase in interior space and a 4.8in increase in rear legroom. The interior retains Honda’s Magic Seat folding seats that fold flat into the floor. It offers 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, 4.6 cubic feet less storage than the previous generation.

The US Fit is be powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 130hp and 114lb-ft, an increase of 13hp and 8lb-ft over the previous generation.

It rides on new chassis with a more rigid body, new rear dampers and revised suspension geometry. The latest car uses ultra-high strength steel to shed 57lb over the previous generation

The transmission options are either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Honda claims that the CVT model will get 33mpg city, 41mpg highway and 36mpg combined.

The 2015 Fit comes standard with Bluetooth and a multi-angle rearview camera. Optional features will include push-button start, heated side mirrors, a moonroof, heated front seats, blind spot assist and 7in infotainment screen. Leather-trimmed seats are also be available.

The Fit for the US will be built at Honda’s new factory in Celaya, Mexico. The factory has a capacity of 200,000 units a year and will begin production of the Fit in February. It will also build the Honda compact crossover later in the year.