The Auto Writer

Introduced to the US market in 2006, the Honda Fit has been updated for the 2009 model year and remains a strong contender for best in class entry level model.

A New, Improved Honda Fit

When the Fit arrived stateside in 2006, it promptly replaced the Civic as the entry level car for Honda. And that was a good thing too given the Civic’s continued growth from a mini-car to a subcompact. Along with those changes, the Civic became more expensive, leaving a glaring gap in Honda’s line up, one that its competitors began to exploit.

Even though the Fit seems like a new car, it had been on sale in Japan for several years before it was brought to our shores. For 2009, the Honda Fit has been updated with this latest model becoming available for sale before the month ends.

Competitively Priced For 2009

Base price for the standard model will list at $14,550 plus $670 handling, while the Fit Sport model will retail for $16,060 plus shipping and handling. For 2009 Fit fans will find improved suspension, steering and body rigidity enhancements, improved rear seating, and a high level of standard safety equipment, which includes the addition of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and front seat active head restraints. A new 1.5L I4 engine provides more power for the Fit; five speed manual or a five speed automatic transmission is available.

“With the all-new Fit, Honda is offering premium features and advanced technology within a high-function, small vehicle package,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. “Customers who choose the Fit are choosing superior refinement and premium quality, along with value and economy.”

Like so many of today’s entry level cars, the Fit comes with numerous standard amenities including air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, power mirrors and power door locks. Buyers of the Fit Sport will also get 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.

Better Gas Mileage With The Automatic Transmission

The best fuel numbers for the Fit are with the base model and with the selected automatic transmission, not the manual. For 2009 Honda says that the Fit will get 28 city/35 highway or 27/33 for the manual. For buyers who choose the Fit Sport, paddle shifters are available with the automatic transmission.

Honda’s chief competitors for the Fit include the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Aveo, and the Kia Rio.

(Source: American Honda)