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Honda confirms new Fit will arrive in Fall, at least in Japan
Honda CEO Takeo Fukui just confirmed that a new Honda Fit will make its debut this fall in Japan. We expect the U.S. version to follow pretty soon after, but that wasn't confirmed. During a press event yesterday, he also spoke about Honda's commitment to fuel efficiency with the further development of its hybrid powerplants and introduction of a 50-state diesel, but it was the Fit that got our attention. Right after announcing it has sold 2 million of the current model Fit, Honda is already talking about a sequel. We doubt it will look much different than the current model, perhaps adopting the nose seen at right.We've talked about how this next gen hatch will be a "relaxed" Fit version, with just a bit more room in the seat. Just like the European Honda Jazz variant, the new Fit will get an extra 20mm of girth and 50mm in length. That should mean even more room in the Fit/Jazz's already class-leading interior. No diesel is planned for the States, but we'll likely see the hybrid version down the road. In the meantime, we're also likely to see familiar 1.3- and 1.5-liter gas engines underhood. The new Fit will debut at this year's Tokyo Motor Show in October.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1337 4:19PM (7/18/2007)
How about a Fit Si with the 1.8L engine from the Civic?
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freckles 4:44PM (7/18/2007)
"How about a Fit Si with the 1.8L engine from the Civic?" & a sunroof?
MSB 6:35PM (7/18/2007)
How about a Fit with a gutless 1.0 liter diesel motor that gets 60 MPG--that would be my first choice.
MikeW 7:45PM (7/18/2007)
How about a regular fit with the R16?[short stroke R18]
Use the R20 for the Fit Si type-R [long stroke R18]
ummmmmmmmmm 12:15AM (7/19/2007)
How about a Fit with a BMW V10 mounted where the back seats should be?
or...... 3:09AM (7/19/2007)
How about a Fit with a Chevy 572 (9.37 Liters) mounted where the front and back seats should be?
huis 6:03PM (7/18/2007)
Just don't make the back of it looks like a messed up aveo like in those drawing/pictures that are floating around. A
And please keep the trick folding seats and low cargo floor.
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policyvote 8:11PM (7/18/2007)
"the new Fit will get an extra 20mm of girth and 50mm in length. That should mean even more room in the Fit/Jazz's already class-leading interior."
. . . can we please reference the 'how come every car keeps getting bigger?' post from yesterday? Because the public loves to hear things like 'class-leading interior room' and 'best-in-class cargo space'.
Peace
policy
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Calguy 11:51PM (7/18/2007)
I'll second that one Policyvote. And follow it with this.. DUH! What is this mania which dictates that every great car would be better bigger? Friggin nuts.
The Honda Fit would tempt me with more appealing and higher end options like a sunroof, leather/pleather/soy-esque-Ford upholstery, heated seats.. but bigger is not on my list.
I would be SO excited if Honda (or any dependable Japanese company -or even American!) nabbed the style of a smart looking ride like the MINI or a FIAT 500. Sadly, they're more likely to emulate a mini VAN or a FORD 500.
The fog must be very thick in Japan, that they don't realize how eager the market is for a foxy, good looking car that wasn't styled by default. Mazda 2 anybody?
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Bob-omb 2:23AM (7/19/2007)
Considering the sales of the Fit, Civic, etc., I think Japan realizes the market a lot better than anyone else.
Mirko 7:56AM (7/19/2007)
@Calguy
Good point about the Mazda 2 - the new one is a lot smaller than the current (Fit-like) one.
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