Overview
The 2009 Honda Fit is a subcompact four-door
hatchback available in two trim levels: base and Sport. Base Fits
come standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a
tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories and a
four-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio
input. Opting for the Fit Sport gets you 16-inch alloy wheels,
foglights, lower body extensions, a rear spoiler, cruise control,
map lights, a driver armrest and an upgraded audio system with six
speakers and a USB port.
2009 Honda Fit General Information
Though the Fit has always been considered
modern, few people considered the outgoing 2008 model stylish. That
changes with the 2009 Honda Fit, thanks to a new style that's
functional and attractive, with sharply styled headlights, larger
front quarter windows and a more aerodynamic front design.
The improved look makes the Fit arguably the
most appealing small car in its class, avoiding some of the quirks
found on competitors such as the Scion xD while improving the
practical nature of the car, ala more visibility.
Interior Style and Seating
For the 2009 model year, Honda has improved
critical elements of the interior while leaving the awesome utility
of the little car mostly intact. For example, the Fit gets new front
seats and sits taller and wider, providing slightly more room for
passengers.
The large knobs that control the environment
and settings curve around the stereo controls on the driver's side,
making the design stylish and easy to reach, though the plastic
controls felt a bit thin to the touch. Even with all these changes, the best thing
about the Fit hasn't changed much: magic seats. There's even a small
storage compartment under the seats for small items. Surprisingly, the 2009 Fit offers slightly more
cargo volume than even the spacious Nissan Versa.
Comfort-wise, the Fit feels large inside,
thanks to its expansive green house and new seats. Visibility from
the driver's seat is excellent. The side mirrors are 30 percent
larger than those on the outgoing model. The most noticeable
difference is up front, where a broader front windshield and
close-up seating improve sightlines and feel for the road. Slender
roof pillars front and rear minimize blind spots and create a more
airy feel to the cabin.
Honda's 2009 Engines and Test Drive
Honda's new 1.5-liter inline
four-cylinder engine gives the Fit slightly more horsepower and
torque, while upgrades to chassis and suspension components improve
the overall ride and handling experience. The Fit is fuel efficient,
earning an EPA-estimated 27/33 mpg City/Highway. The 1.5-liter
engine delivers 117-horsepower at 6600 rpm and 106 pound-feet of
torque at 4800 rpm. (1)
The Fit is fun to drive. For everyday driving
it's an obedient and comfortable conveyance, thanks to new seats and
suspension changes that smoothed out the previous model's ride. While the Fit's power supply is modest, we
found driving a model with either the manual transmission or
automatic with paddle shifters upped the fun meter by allowing
drivers to dip down into the vehicle's torque band when needed. Fit delivers an EPA-estimated 28/35 miles per
gallon City/Highway (5-Speed automatic), so it's a nice fit between
fun-to-drive and frugality.(1)
Case in point: on twisty corners, the Fit is
much more fun, and almost as efficient as the Scion xD or Nissan
Versa. Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of driving the Fit is the
noise: the engine squeals when you hammer the throttle, whining and
moaning its displeasure even during normal driving situations, like
accelerating from a stop light.
Trims and Models
The 2009 Honda Fit comes in two models with three trim
variations, Fit, Fit Sport, and Fit Sport with
Navi. The primary differences center around equipment and
technology upgrades. The Fit Sport offers one-inch larger wheels,
and the Fit Sport with Navi includes satellite navigation and
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).
The Fit comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic. Standard features
include 15-inch wheels, black side mirrors, telescoping steering
wheel, auxiliary input jack for your iPod, MP3/WMA playback and
160-watt stereo with four speakers.
The Fit Sport upgrades with larger wheels wheels, a sporty front
bumper, body-colored side mirrors, keyless entry, leather-wrapped
steering wheel, USB connectivity, a driver side armrest and map
lights. The Sport comes with a five-speed automatic or five-speed
automatic transmission with sport mode and steering wheel-mounted
paddle shifters.
The Fit Sport with Navi comes with
manual transmission or five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The Fit Sport with Navi adds satellite navigation and
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). Safety features on all models include front and
side airbags and side curtain airbags.
2009 Summary
The Honda Fit offers a compelling balance of
economy, fun, interior convenience and comfort. "If there's a better
combination of thrift, practicality, and fun-to-drive, we haven't
seen it yet." says Car and Driver From a healthy list of standard
safety equipment to multiple seat configurations and ample storage
room, the Fit simplifies your life. Drawbacks include a noisy and
thrashy ride, slightly numb steering and a small (split) glove box.
[1]
Based on 2009 EPA
mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning
with 2008 models.