Output from the SOHC four-cylinder engine is up marginally, to 117 hp and 106 lb-ft, but the real change comes from a power curve that is wider, providing more pep when taking off from traffic lights and stop signs. Ironically, in higher rev ranges where Honda's small engines usually find their gusto, the Fit with the optional five-speed automatic transmission seemed gutless, with engine speeds climbing slowly when downshifting to pass. In typical city driving, though, the slushbox was flawlessly smooth and quite quick when moving up or down a gear. As before, paddle shifters are standard on Sport models with the automatic.
The Fit's true mission lies in its ability to transport people, gear, or a combination of both in one of the most efficient packages on the market. New retractable headrests on the rear seats mean that you no longer have to slide the front seats forward to use the 60/40 dive-down seats, which hug the floor and create a cavern for payload. Alternatively, the rear seat bottoms flip up to make a tall storage space behind the front seats. There's also dual glove boxes, a tiny bin under one rear seat cushion, and a nearly unusable number of cupholders (ten!).
A new mileage display nested in the speedometer offers a readout for both instantaneous and average economy. EPA testing places fuel economy at 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for all Sport variations, as well as the manual-transmission base car. Automatic base-level Fits improve on that, offering a 28/35 mpg rating. Our test cars repeatedly showed averages of 35 mpg as we flat-footed around city streets, back roads, and a few highway stretches.
The interior finish is cheap, but it's in line with competitors' offerings. Plastics on the dash are very hard, and the map pockets seem disconcertingly flimsy, but Honda has taken care to place softer materials where fingers will turn knobs and elbows will rest. The leather-wrapped steering wheel (plucked from the Civic) is a nice addition, as is a driver's armrest in Sport models. The driving position is significantly improved, aided by a telescoping steering wheel that's standard on all 2009 Fits. A seat-height adjuster, unfortunately absent, might be the final piece to refining the driving position. Passenger comfort is superb, with serious amounts of head- and legroom and a rear seatback that can be set at two different angles. ...next page >>