Vehicle Overview
The subcompact Honda Fit competes with the Hyundai Accent, Scion xD and Toyota Yaris. It serves as Honda’s entry-level model but has an aggressive design that Honda describes as “super-forward aero-form.” A versatile, configurable interior is one of the Fit’s highlights, and it has room for up to five people.
New for 2012
The 2012 Fit Sport receives new front grille and bumper styling, darkened headlight bezels and a dark finish for the alloy wheels. The base Fit, meanwhile, gains body-colored side mirrors and new wheel covers. Changes to the Fit Sport continue on the inside, as the car gets dark metallic dashboard trim and chrome-accented instruments. All Fits have newly designed console-mounted cupholders, console ambient lighting, additional sound-deadening material and thicker front corner-window glass. In addition, the Fit Sport now comes with steering-wheel audio controls and new seat fabric.
ExteriorTo account for the base of the windshield being several inches farther forward, Honda incorporated a large sail-shaped window into each A-pillar that visually extends the side windows forward of the front doors. It’s a peculiar look, but it improves visibility. Exterior features include:
- Standard 15-inch steel wheels with covers
- Optional 16-inch alloy wheels
- Sport models have a body kit, rear roof spoiler and fog lights
- Body-colored side mirrors
Interior
The Fit is large on the inside for such a small car. Interior features include:
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Rear backrests can be left upright and the bottom cushion can be raised to provide a large, vertical space for tall items
- Standard air conditioning
- Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Standard cruise control
- Standard CD stereo with MP3 jack and USB port
- Optional leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Optional navigation system
Under the Hood
The Fit’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 117 horsepower and 106 pounds-feet of torque. Mechanical features include:
- Front-wheel drive
- Uses regular gas
- Standard five-speed manual transmission
- Optional five-speed automatic, with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles on Sport trim level
Safety
The Fit employs Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering, a body structure designed to engage the crumple zones of taller vehicles optimally in a collision. Standard safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Active front head restraints
- Front-seat side-impact airbags
- Curtain airbags that cover the side windows, front and rear
- Electronic stability system with traction control
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