All-New Honda Fit ... in Japan Now, U.S. Eventually

Today, Honda debuted the all-new, redesigned Fit compact car you see above —and in a photo gallery below. Not only that, but the new Fit goes on sale in Japan today. Don’t expect the new Fit to make it to the U.S. anytime soon, however. We don’t think it will take as long as it took the last-generation Fit to reach these shores, but don’t expect a redesigned 2009 Fit in the U.S. until late in calendar 2008 — we’d guess September, since that’s when Honda likes to spring new models on us (see the last Accord and CR-V).

Even with U.S. specs and interior pictures — these are all right-hand-drive models — unavailable, the Japanese versions seen here will be remarkably similar to what we’ll eventually get. There are two engines, 1.3- and 1.5-liter four-cylinders, but what comes to the U.S. may be a different story. Tell us what you think. Is this a big upgrade from the current Fit, or do you like the old look?

Comments

[npoll]

Looks just like a yaris.. probably just as sluggish

[LM]

If you haven't driven a Fit, don't knock it. The existing Fit is a fun little car, especially with the stick shift. Much more fun than a Yaris, and very reflexive. You don't need a lot of power to move a little car.

I just hope they add a dead-pedal. That is something that is sorely lacking in the current Fit.

[anthony b.]

And a driver-side arm rest. But yes ... the Fit is a great little car. I think the new look is a little more generic (Chevy Aveo) but it's the quality and functionality of Hondas i go for, not necessarily every twist of the exterior. Perfect city car ...

It looks more wagon-like. The current generation has an edge and this one is like dorky now. But the neat upgrades are the fixed sunroof and interior dimensions have increased. There is also a turn signal indicator on each side mirror which is youth targeted. The Fit already has good driving dynamics and a slick stick and an available 5-speed auto. I'm thinking there will be upclass materials inside and improved ride. This is the best in its class car so Honda has its brains on to go forth with a refresh just a few short years since its introduction. Its great that Honda doesn't offer the Fit in sedan/coupe versions that will take dead heat from its bigger brother, Civic.

[J]

Have seen the pictures from Japanese websites over a month, but the official ones are just as ugly as they can make it now.

[Max Reid]

This 1 gets 56 MPG and comes with CVT.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/10/honda-to-begin-.html#more

Should come to US soon.

[Jay]

Give me a 10 year old Civic with 100k on it. Will still get 30 mpg...

[Dave T]

Max,
It's doubtful the small powerplant will come to the U.S.

[ilya]

No interior/exterior dimensions?
It looks great. I like it.
I might even buy one in a few years.

[JM]

looks a bit better than the current generation, and the interior looks a bit nicer...just hope they will use as little plastic as possible opposed to the current Fit.

the interior also reminds me of the CrossPolo...to bad it isnt here.

[Rick Cordell]

Looks like a Toyota. I drove the old Fit and it's a cute, buzzy little car. I bought a Sonata instead. I like the old look of the Fit better.

[Rick Cordell]

Looks like a Toyota. I drove the old Fit and it's a cute, buzzy little car. I bought a Sonata instead. I like the old look of the Fit better.

[J]

Jay,

Comparing this to the EK is not a good one. The EK uses a 1.6L while making less power than the 1.5L this new Fit uses. (Unless you go for the EX) Plus, you get less airbags and ABS is not standard on the EK. In addition, the Fit has more interior room than the EK.

Rick,

The Sonata is a mid size, and the Fit is a compact. Comparing them is just like comparing an Apple to Orange.

[Liger]

That fresh air/recirculate slider looks like it's straight out of a 1980's era japanese economy car.........

[bowrider]

I like the Fit; it's obviously a great car. But, I just can't see myself or any other grown man driving one. Practicality is a great thing, but this car is struggling in the looks department in such a way that masculine men should not drive this car. Who is the target demographic here? I can only see young, petite, women driving this car. If that's the target, go Honda!

[clwrocks]

This is a step back from the current design. It looks more like the Yaris and more like a bug with big buggy eyes. Definitely not as sporty as the current model. They need to go back to the drawing board. The interior might look a little better. I agree with bowrider as this does not look masculine. It is a fun little car though as I have driven one as was very impressed.

[Juan Carlos]

say good-by to the resale value.

[Lopez]

The question is why should I buy the current model when in less than one year I am going to have an old car.

[J]

Lopez
That happened to 03 Civic Hybrid owners too.

[JaySparrow]

Anybody knows where is the spare tyre? I can't see it in the photos above...specially ones at the rear/luggage...

According japanese honda site[even don't understanding japanese...] the luggage is up to 427 litres, plus additonal 64 litres below the floor[just right in where the spare tyre is normally placed...?]
Any hints?

[JaySparrow]

Well, I just found what happened w/ spare tyre...
from worldcarfans.com:
'An emergency tire repair kit is provided instead of a spare tire, freeing up 64 liters of storage space beneath the floor. Combined with the space in the luggage room this brings the total available luggage space to an amazing 427 liters.'
I don't know if it's a good idea...Never used such repair kit...

[Dim]

It looks much better than the current model.
It will make a lot more sense also, being
a bit bigger. Looks like the perfect city car.

[Buckley]

While I can't say I love this new styling, IMO it's a vast improvement over the current model which is just... weird. It's completely disproportionate, and the line from the hood to the windshield to the roof looks too forced and awkward. Almost like they had a set of dimensions they had to work with, and after devising the passenger compartment they just tacked on a hood and called it done. The new one definitely looks to be a more smooth, flowing design.

Definitely would make a great city car, no doubt. Not sure I like the idea of no spare, though, unless they've come up with some new variant of Fix-A-Flat that can repair *any* damage (or Honda will reimburse all towing expenses).

[Reeking Havoc]

I like the buglike new look but the extra weight and bigger engine mean poorer gas mileage. No spare? No sale! I'll get the current version.

[Fit]

The old fit was surprising. This new one might throw off some fans. I dislike the back, to high for my taste. What's great is the aggressive look of the front and the interior looks modern. I think the fit's, a fit Perfect!

[Mee Yang]

I'm totally in love with this car. I going to get this car one day...and how much is it?

[aaron]

I hope they make interior changes like a arm rest and dead petal but keep the same look as the current american model. Please don't change the look to the japanese version. The ugliest car in the world

[Mike B.]

Aaron,
Hate to break it to you, but the USDM version will look pretty much exactly like the JDM vehicle seen here. At least it'll have the armrest, though, right?

[Brian]

I wish they would bring over the 2009 Honda Fit 1.3L with CVT. The 1.3 has about 100 horse power but more torque to help with that. Plus the CVT transmission provides the best power to fuel consumption ratio to provide good performance with excellent fuel economy. I know that some would argue that its too underpowered, but it has plenty of power. I owned a 2000 Honda Civic HX with CVT transmission that would be just about equivalent. It had more than enough power. Unfortunately there are rumors that Honda is afraid that the 1.3 L would dramatically hurt the sales of their big sellers such as Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Accord. I wish we could get some of those amazing fuel efficient cars offered in Europe and Japan but will never see a day in America unless someone pays $3000 - $4000 to import it themself!

[brian smith]

I think this new design is nicer. However, they also need to bring over the 1.3 L with cvt that gets 56 miles per gallon. 100 hp with the new increase in torque is plenty. They CVT transmission optimizes fuel economy and power. I owned a Honda Civic 2000 HX that had 115 horse power. It had more than enough horse power, and with the extra torque on the new Honda fit it would be perfect. Unfortunate many feel that Honda is afraid it will destroy their sales of the Honda Civic, Civic Hybrids, and Accords. Personally I think they are right especially with high gas prices. I'd would buy the 1.3 L Honda Fit. Hopefully car manufactures will gives us more choices to save money and help save the environment!

[Silvio]

HONDA : I want it now !

I've owned two Honda FITs with CVT transmission, and man, this car was an inspired work of engineering. The amazing integration of engine/transmission, weight/suspension, space/visibility. Can it get better than it is ?

As soon as it launches in US, will definitely get one. This time, I will go with the manual transmission, I just drove one of those, it feels like clockwork.

[Hector]

I currently own the original Honda Fit and I love it!!! I really would prefer that the exterior look of the new generation Honda Fit looked like the original with the sky window as an added bonus! I do however like the interior look of the new generation Honda Fit. The exterior looks like a cheap chevy to me. Not the greatest look. Also a hybrid version of the Fit would be excellent!!!

[Hector]

I currently own the original Honda Fit and I love it!!! I really would prefer that the exterior look of the new generation Honda Fit looked like the original with the sky window as an added bonus! I do however like the interior look of the new generation Honda Fit. The exterior looks like a cheap chevy to me. Not the greatest look. Also a hybrid version of the Fit would be excellent!!!