I took two potential Fit buyers for a ride in this car last night so they could see how roomy it actually is inside. There is more than enough room in the back seat and the cargo area behind the seat is fantastic. The tall roof gives SUV-like headroom, but the 1.6-liter inline-four allows for a combined 31 mpg with a five-speed manual transmission. I just heard the Fit currently has a five day supply, it seems the public has figured out small cars aren't a bad idea.
After checking out the innovative packaging, features, and basic looks of the car, everyone wanted to know how safe such a small car could be. My friend drives a Ford F-150 now, so he was concerned about being flattened by a semi in something so small. I've never worried about my safety in any B-segment car. With five-star ratings for driver and passenger in both front- and side-impact collisions and a three star rating for the back seat passengers in a side-impact crash, I wouldn't worry about my safety in a crash. I would be a little concerned if I had children in the back seat, but I don't have any children to worry about. If the Fit offered stability control, I would be even less concerned about collision performance, because you would stand a much better chance of avoiding a collision in the first place.
I know the new Fit will be hitting the road very soon, so I look forward to spending some time behind the wheel to see what Honda decided to change. I can't really think of I'd like to see besides better iPod integration as an option.
Phil Floraday, Senior Online Editor ...next page >>