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The first-generation Honda Fit was a sensation because it was fun to drive and packaged a lot of space in a tiny footprint. Three years later the 2009 arrives and it is even more impressive. Not only does it have more expressive styling but it’s slightly larger size is better at swallowing people and things.

The 98.4-inch wheelbase is 2 inches longer than before and overall length is up by 4.2. Width has grown by half an inch.

Prices start at $14,550 and top out at $18,760 for a Fit Sport with the navigation system and automatic transmission. The test car was a Fit Sport with the manual transmission and navigation system.

Honda’s tiny people hauler is remarkable. It slips through traffic like a stealth bomber, yet within its small footprint lies an interior that is easily large enough for four people and a reasonable amount of cargo.

Key to its versatility is the tall roof. That enables the seats to sit tall like kitchen chairs. The split-folding back seat creates a generous cargo space. The tall roof also makes entry and exit easy, and that’s something that older folks will enjoy more than young buyers.

On top of having more room, the top-line Fit Sport now feels more refined. It has nicely contoured seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, fingertip steering wheel controls and Honda’s voice-recognition navigation system. It’s unusual, but most pleasant, to find a navigation system in this price range.

The second-row seat folds forward at the flip of a lever and never interferes with the front seats no matter how far back they are. The resulting cargo space is square and large. Honda said the cargo area can be configured to four hauling modes: long, tall, utility or people. When you fold the front passenger seat all the way down, you’ll be surprised that this car can handle something that is a 7 feet, 9 inches long.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, MP3 capability, an auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, power mirrors and power door locks. The Fit Sport adds alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry and cruise control. The Fit Sport audio system provides six speakers, a five-mode equalizer and a USB audio interface for MP3 players.

The Fit has always been fun to drive, and that is especially true with the Sport version. The suspension gets tightened up and 16-inch wheels give better grip in turns. While the Sport isn’t quite a pocket rocket, it is reasonably spirited because it weighs 2,534 pounds.

The Fit’s 1.5-liter engine has been tweaked to develop more power, and it cranks out 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 106 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic transmission is available.

Around-town performance was easily brisk enough to keep up with traffic, and the Fit cruised quietly on the highway. Wind and road noise are not at all intrusive.

The Fit’s front seats were excellent. They hit me in all the right places and had firm foam. The longest drive I took was slightly more than an hour, but the seats felt perfect.

The test car was equipped with the five-speed manual, and while that may be the combination for the most vigorous performance, I would choose the automatic for city driving. The automatic has paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway with the automatic. The Fit Sport is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway with either the manual or automatic.

Honda said the new body structure has been designed to absorb crash energy while protecting the passengers. It is 164 percent stiffer and the car felt rock solid and secure.

It’s normal to be concerned about the safety of a small car when so many big vehicles are on the road, but the Fit has front, side and side-curtain airbags.

The Fit Sport has 16-inch alloy wheels and a businesslike suspension. The ride can be a bit harsh over rough pavement, but I liked the control and responsiveness that came with the tighter suspension.

Fit competitors include the Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent and the Chevrolet Aveo, but none offer the space and versatility in such a clever design.

Price

The base price of the test car was $17,910. Destination charges brought the sticker price to $18,580.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Honda Fit Sport

Engine: 1.5-liter, 117-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: Five-speed

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 98.4 inches

Curb weight: 2,534 lbs.

Base price: $17,910

As driven: $18,580

MPG: 27 city, 33 hwy.