Honda brought a new excitement into the world of subcompact cars when it launched the 2012 Honda Fit. The new Honda Fit is intended to compete in the arena of fuel efficiency.
The Japanese car company updated the features of the new Fit by upgrading its Bluetooth system and integrating audio controls to the steering wheel.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hatchbook | Base Price: $15,325.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons (40 liters) | MPG: 27 city / 33 hwy |
| Length: 161.6 in. (410.4 cm) | Wheel Base: 98.4 in. (249.9 cm) |
| Height: 60 in. (152.4 cm) | Width: 66.7 in. (169.4 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2496 lbs (1132 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 20.6 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: In-Line 4 SOHC | Displacement: 1497 cc |
| Horsepower: 117 HP | Max RPM: 6600 RPM |
| Torque: 106 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| Option:Fit Sport | MSRP: $17,060; MPG: 27 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:Fit Sport w/ Nav. | MSRP: $19,690; MPG: 27 city / 33 hwy |
With an enhanced sound insulation system, the new Fit is definitely quieter. Surprisingly, the interior of the Fit is quite roomy for a hatchback. Apart from being eye catching, the Fit is fun to drive which makes the new car a great choice.
Hatchbacks are usually associated with young car owners primarily because of their sporty look and nimbleness. But Honda seems to always consider the family situation. With a young family, you may not even consider a small car. But when you check out the 2012 Honda Fit, there is a great possibility that you might think twice. Apart from the spacious cabin which offers plenty of configurations, the new Fit features a Magic Seat. This lets you have additional space to haul a bike or anything that consumes a considerable amount of space. Furthermore, the rear seat can occupy three passengers.
Engine
The Honda Fit sports a 4 cylinder 1.5 liter engine that delivers 106 lbs of torque and 117 horsepower. Its finely tuned suspension makes it nifty in the urban streets. That is what makes the Fit perfect for errands and short commuting. There are flaws however, and you will most likely find them when you are going uphill.
The engine produces more noise during this situation which means that the engine could have a hard time getting you to the top. That is understandable however, because this hatchback is designed to be fuel efficient. With a 35/25 mpg highway/city rating, the Honda Fit is efficient enough.
Performance
The Fit is available in Sport and Base. A Base with an automatic transmission can go from 0 – 60 mph in 11 seconds while the Sport with a manual transmission can go 0 – 60 mph in just 9.5 seconds. The Fit comes in two transmission systems, the 5-speed manual and the 5-speed automatic that has shifting paddles mounted on the steering wheel. We have seen other subcompacts that can perform better but that does not mean the Fit is that bad in comparison. It is actually good in all respects.
Exterior
The 2012 Fit does not feature many updates when it comes to design. After all, its forerunner did fairly in the market and it seems that Honda is keeping the winning formula. The Base model has 15″ wheels while the Sport model features a bigger 16″ alloy wheels. Not much have changed, but still the Fit remains catchy to the eye.
Interior
There are noticeable differences between the interiors of the Base and the Sport model and one of them is the leather wrapped steering wheel in the Sport. The steering wheel also has shifting paddles and audio controls, things that you cannot find in the Base. The Sport model has a driver’s arm rest, two extra speakers, a touch-screen navigational system, and voice control options.
Safety
The Honda fit is given four stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for overall safety. It also received four stars in side and front crash tests as well as for the rollover risk. The Fit is also a Top Safety Pick for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for scoring “good” in roof, front, rear and side strength tests.
Reliability
The Honda Fit comes with a three-year basic bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year corrosion warranty. Honda is known for the longevity of their vehicles. In this respect, you cannot go wrong with the new Fit.
Pros
The new Fit offers superior outward visibility, cabin versatility and an impressive room for cargo. In the city streets, the Fit is nimble making it fun to drive.
Cons
The driver’s seat in the Honda Fit does not offer seat height adjustment. Many car owners were disappointed not to have this feature. The fuel efficiency is good but there are hatchbacks that can do better.
If you need a nimble car that you can use for short commuting and errands, that provides enough room for your family and your groceries, the 2012 Honda Fit is a great choice.
Competition
The hatchback never left, they’ve just gotten better. The Fit has been side by side compared to the Nissan Versa (MSRP $15,975; 26 city / 31 hwy), Kia Rio (MSRP $16,250; 30 city / 40 hwy), and the Yaris (MSRP $15,125; 30 city / 38 hwy) from Toyota.
Overall Rating
76 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Honda Fit is peppy and fun to drive, and its interior is incredibly space-efficient; but some might be turned off by its rather utilitarian look.”Car Connection
“Sport models shine here, as they exhibit sharp steering response and little body lean in turns. Base models feel only slightly soggier. Tidy exterior dimensions make all Fits highly maneuverable.”Consumer Guide
“The subcompact four-door hatchback Fit offers easy cabin access and very good visibility. It has an amazing amount of interior room and various seat-folding arrangements. While the Fit is not overly powerful, it feels responsive, with a smooth and willing engine, and agile handling.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Honda Fit is no longer the only choice for a fun-to-drive, well-rounded subcompact, but it remains the hands-down utility champ.”Edmunds
“If getting 35 miles per gallon (mpg) in a car that can fit four full-sized adults sounds like a dream come true, imagine it in a car that costs less than $16,000 and holds its value better than anything in its class. The 2012 Honda Fit 5-door subcompact can do all these things, plus is fun to drive and inexpensive to maintain.”KBB
