Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Mugen-fettled Accord, Fit aren't the big Honda story from SEMA

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Honda

Mugen Honda Fit and Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to announcing its plans to reinvigorate its participation in grassroots racing, Honda revealed two Mugen-accessorized models -- a 2010 Accord Sedan and Fit -- each outfitted with a range of parts available at dealers, but not a standalone model, ala Mugen Civic. While the 18-inch chrome wheels, front grille, spoilers, floor mats and machined aluminum oil filler cap are attractive additions to Honda's growing HFP line, needless to say, they leave us a bit cold when it comes the automaker's commitment to the aftermarket and, more to the point, performance.

Uninspiring SEMA efforts aside, the real news came last night during a meeting with Honda execs, where we were able to glean a few more details about Honda's future performance plans, how the CR-Z -- and more to the point, hybrids -- fit in and something to look out for next year.

Honda PR man Chuck Schifsky, told us that the Big H plans to use hybrids as a performance booster in the future, saying, "The CR-Z isn't the last step. It's the beginning." Although the real start of Honda's performance-marketed hybrids began with the last generation Accord Hybrid, Schifsky admits that its introduction was "ahead of its time," one of many reasons the electric-assisted sedan never quite caught on with consumers.

More interestingly, several Honda heads told us to expect something big in the world of motorsports next year -- likely in Japan. What that means is open to interpretation, but with Honda pulling its NSX out of SuperGT for 2010 (due to the front-engine, rear-drive chassis requirements), something interesting could be on the way. NSX revival? Lexus LFA fighter? Consider our interest extremely piqued...

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Mugen Accessorized Honda Accord and Fit

SEMA 2009: Mugen-fettled Accord, Fit aren't the big Honda story from SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Honda likely to build Fit in the U.S.

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Honda

Honda Fit Sport - click above image for hi-res gallery

What goes up, must come down. And in this situation, Japan's yen has gone up when compared to our dollar -- about eight percent since August. And with the yen's rise in value, the profitability of low margin cars like the Honda Fit goes down. Built in Japan, with the yen up, the strong-selling Fit isn't making Honda any money. That's bad.

What if, like 80 percent of all other Hondas sold in the US, the Fit was manufactured right here? Well, that would certainly bring costs down and move Fit-related profits right back up. This switch could happen sooner than later, as Honda sales are down 25 percent over the first nine months of 2009, while Fit sales are only down 12%.

Honda president Takanobu Ito said the change from Japanese to American production a "highly likely possibility." Ito noted that Honda likes the current manufacturing ratio of 80 percent US/20 percent Japan, but says that more hghi tech models (such as hybrids, maybe even sports cars) should come from Japan while the more basic, Fit-like stuff gets built here. Makes economic sense, no?

Gallery: Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Honda likely to build Fit in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Inside Line pits Ford Fiesta against Honda Fit in small car scrap

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Ford, Honda

If you're looking for a practical, fuel efficient subcompact, you've got a few options, and the Honda Fit remains a top pick for many. The five-door hatchback packs plenty of volume, while also providing just enough punch to deliver smiles on the open road.

Doubtlessly jealously eying the Fit's success, Ford officials are counting down the months until they can finally provide some competition in the form of their 2011 Fiesta - but does it have the goods to knock the Fit from atop the subcompact mountain?

The crew at Inside Line wanted to answer that question and brought the Fit face-to-face against a European-spec Fiesta in a battle for B-Segment superiority. The Fit came in for praise for its masterfully engineered interior and massive cargo area, while the Fiesta was lauded for its superb driving dynamics and higher end materials. Which subcompact all-star came out on top in the battle of the (little) bulge? Head over to Inside Line to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

[Source: Inside Line | Image Source: Kevin Wing]

Inside Line pits Ford Fiesta against Honda Fit in small car scrap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Honda has confirmed what's been suspected for some time: the Honda CR-Z is coming next year and the Fit Hybrid will be released in late 2010.

The brief press release (below the fold) touts the two hybrids as the latest expansion of the automaker's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, along with its focus on highly efficient, lightweight and compact conveyances.

The CR-Z, a sporty hybrid inspired by the CRX and unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007, will go on sale in Japan this February, with the Fit Hybrid hitting shores across the Pacific later next year. Honda hasn't explicitly announced whether the two models will be available in the States, but we'd expect a formal announcement when the production CR-Z and Fit Hybrid debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

Continue reading BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010

BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Honda Fit Hybrid coming in fall 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Honda

2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery

According to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, Honda plans to finally bring a gas-electric hybrid version of the Fit to market by the end of next year. The Fit Hybrid's arrival - a year and a half ahead of scheduled - is one part of a three-pronged approach to introduce more gas-electric models into the automaker's line-up. The initial step was the release of the 2010 Honda Insight, which will be followed by the debut of the production CR-Z later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show, and could be joined by an all-new Civic Hybrid. Rumors have swirled for months that Honda plans to bring another hybrid model to their home-town show stand, and with an on-sale date of fall 2010, the Fit Hybrid could be what all the fuss is about. However, we've been seeing reports about the gas-electric Fit's imminent arrival since 2006, so until it rolls onto the floor in Tokyo and U.S. distribution is confirmed, hold off on putting deposits at your local dealer.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit

[Source: Nikkei via Reuters]

REPORT: Honda Fit Hybrid coming in fall 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Honda, Reviews

2009 Honda Fit Sport - Click above for high-res gallery

Evolution's a funny thing. We like our thumbs, enjoy walking upright and are thankful Ivanka Trump doesn't have a tail (although there's some debate about where she hides her horns), but when adaptation turns to automobiles, Darwin's dictum occasionally goes astray. There's a long list of vehicles we would love to see stay the same, but we understand that consumer demand and government regulation forces automakers to add amenities and tack on the pounds. The 2009 Honda Fit Sport is a perfect case-study.

Compared to the original Fit that landed on our shores in 2006, Honda's sophomore effort is larger, more spacious and marginally more powerful. But when you sit down with the spec sheet there are only a few "improvements" worth getting excited about. After spending a week with the 2009 model, we found that while evolution is good, some things need to stay the same. Make the jump to find out why.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Continue reading Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun

Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept and friends

Detroit's not the only auto show kicking off on January 11. The annual Tokyo Auto Salon (think "Japanese SEMA") also kicks off this Sunday, and Honda has announced the vehicle lineup it'll display at Makuhari Messe. The two headliners are the Sports Modulo S2000 and Fit concepts. The former is a somewhat ghastly take on Honda's two-seat sports car, with a face that belongs in an aquarium and side cladding straight from a '90s Pontiac stylist's wildest fantasies. Inside, the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept is actually very nice, with swanky brown leather adorning a variety of surfaces. It still doesn't atone for that clock-stoppingly ugly body kit, though. Read on for some brief commentary on a pair of other concepts headed to the show, and check out the gallery below for the complete model rundown.

Gallery: Honda at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009

Continue reading Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup

Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Honda, First Drive

2009 Honda Fit Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Honda introduced the first generation Fit to the North American market in mid-2006, its timing couldn't have been better. The entry level hatchback appeared just as fuel prices in the U.S. were heading skyward. Ever since then, the Fit has been selling as fast as Honda can bring them in from Japan. The Fit (or Jazz as its known in some markets) debuted in 2001 and the second-generation model went on sale in Japan last fall. Honda showed the new U.S.-spec Fit at the New York Auto Show last spring and we had our first opportunity to drive it on the roads north of Ann Arbor, MI last week.

As is typically the case with new models, the updated Fit has grown a bit (about 4 inches in overall length), but it's only about 44 pounds heavier than the outgoing model. Also in the usual fashion, Honda strove to increase the refinement of the Fit while not losing any of the fun-loving qualities of the original. In the process, it has had to deal with rising raw material and shipping costs while keeping the price from getting out of hand. Read on to find out if the spiritual descendants of Soichiro Honda have succeeded.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda goes to the dogs

Merritt Johnson — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Lifestyle

Click the photo above for fur friendly Honda images.

Many folks consult their best friend before making a big purchase. Since the dog is known as man's best friend, owners tend to cater towards their pets when buying a new car. In the United States, that means dog lovers often end up with trucks, SUVs or crossovers. However, in Japan, efficient use of space is a bit more of a priority. That is why Honda Japan developed the Honda Dog website. It all started with the Honda Vamos Dog Edition, but has since expanded to include other offerings. While the site features Honda's pet friendly accessories such as strap-in carriers and mats, it also shows how easily your Corgi will fit into your Fit.

Honda Dog touches upon all dog owner concerns. There are pictures showing how you can arrange pet crates in a variety of Honda vehicles. It even provides dimensions on the best entryway for your small to full-size tongue-wagger. Worried about all that pet hair or soggy dog odor? Honda Dog contains analysis on the ease of pet hair cleanup from vehicle interiors. It also indicates how Honda's advanced deodorization filter can reduce allergens and undesired smells. For some reason, the site even finds it necessary to point out how toys and water bottles fit nicely into the interior compartments such as the glove box, in case you couldn't figure it out for yourself. View the gallery to see a sampling of what Honda Dog has to offer.

Gallery: Honda Dog

[Source: Honda Dog]

Honda goes to the dogs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

North America Ford Fiesta rumored to come in under $15k

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Click the image above for high res images of the new Ford Fiesta

When it comes to the 2010 Fiesta, Ford has promised the buying public the moon and stars, with great fuel economy, expensive-looking sheet metal, quality interiors, and a rewarding driving experience. That formula is already a smash hit overseas, where customers are willing to pay a premium for a quality small car. Here in the States, however, we pay for our cars by the pound, and word on the street is that Ford will comply with a starting price under $15,000.

A lot of amenities that make a car exciting for the next generation of car buyers puts a dent in the MSRP, but Ford is working with suppliers to create great looking, high-quality materials that don't break the bank. The Blue Oval will also likely offer a full range of options that can push the price-point over $20,000 for those of us with a bigger budget and a strong desire to achieve 40 mpg on the highway.

Right now the B-segment isn't exactly bursting with great products, and only the sporty Honda Fit and more expensive Mini have stood out in the crowd. The Fiesta will surely add some soul to the competition, but even at a mere $15,000, it'll be priced at top of the segment. If Ford can deliver on everything it has been promising, however, we're sure there will be more than just 16-29 year-olds that will be more than happy to pay $15k and more.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Inside Line]

North America Ford Fiesta rumored to come in under $15k originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York 2008: 2009 Honda Fit gets in shape

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Honda

Click above for more high-res pics of the 2009 Honda Fit

The 2009 Honda Fit has landed, and done so with everything the previous Honda fit was lacking. Judging by the sales numbers of that previous Fit -- over 2,000,000 globally in six years -- it wasn't lacking too much. The car gets Honda's voice-recognizing satellite-linked navi; 3-mode, single-motion dive-down Magic Seats in back (parents, it's not what you think); a revised suspension and more rigidity. And with the addition of a USB port for MP3 players and another storage bin -- because there simply wasn't room for all your stuff before -- the new Fit comes with even more fun. The lone engine is an updated version of the current Fit's 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Fit Sport model also includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel, though we doubt shifting will be as much fun as turning in this car. Check out the gallery of hi-res pics below, and you can read the official press release from Honda after the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading New York 2008: 2009 Honda Fit gets in shape

New York 2008: 2009 Honda Fit gets in shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Fit F154SC concept by Mugen

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for a gallery of live pics and a few high-res press shots.

The Honda Fit has established itself as a viable platform for tuners in Japan and with the apparently minimal amount of love being heaped upon the new Civic Type-R, aftermarket firms are focusing more attention on the Civic's younger brother.

Mugen's close ties to Honda have yielded yet another concept that takes the Fit to the next level. Typical for the Fit and Mugen, the F154SC has a supercharger slapped onto the L15A that boosts the power of the 1.5-liter four to 150 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. Everything that could have been modified has, including a full coilover suspension, exhaust, intake and upgraded brakes, along with the prerequisite body modifications that widen the track and feed more air into the engine bay.

Autoblog Chinese grabbed some shots of the F154SC on the show floor and we've added a few press pics to the gallery, thanks to our friends at LeBlogAuto.

Gallery: Mugen Honda Fit F154SC

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Fit F154SC concept by Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda gets 20,000 orders for redesigned Fit in Japan

Dan Roth — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Honda

Honda has received a flood of orders for the newly redesigned Fit in the two weeks since its launch. That's a good thing for Honda in its home market, where its sales have been flagging. Instead of the projected 12,000 Fits per month, there have been 20,000 orders for the roomier and more efficient Fit since its announcement. The deluge of demand for the new Fit could help Honda take over the top spot as Japan's best-selling car, toppling the Toyota Corolla. It's important to note, however, that in Japan, new model announcements are routinely followed by initial order numbers that exceed expectations (which are then trumpeted by the automakers). In the United States, the clamor around the Fit remains hot, as well, so when the new one makes it here - reportedly within a year - it should equal further positive numbers for Honda.

[Source: Guardian Unlimited]

Honda gets 20,000 orders for redesigned Fit in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo Motor Show: 2008 Honda Fit gets Civic-minded makeover

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 01:56:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

Click the image above for a gallery of live and press shots of the new Honda Fit.

Honda's redesigned Fit was on the floor for all and sundry to kick tires, snap photos and enjoy the economy-class interior provided by the Big-H's sub-compact offering. Although the Fit apes the styling of the Euro-Civic, much of what's aft of the A-pillar will look familiar, with a few subtle tweaks to differentiate it from its predecessor. Powertrain choices include a 1.3- or 1.5-liter four, with an all-wheel-drive option.

Our previous post has all the details and the gallery below has a selection of live and press images.

Gallery: 2008 Honda Fit (JDM)

Tokyo Motor Show: 2008 Honda Fit gets Civic-minded makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 01:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2008 Honda Fit bows in Japan

Dan Roth — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

UPDATE: 60+ images added to the gallery.

Click the image above for more high-res images.

The second-generation Honda Fit drops in Japan on October 26th. The new Fit refines the basic recipe of the current car, marrying innovative packaging and a carved-out interior with efficient mechanicals. Honda has also added a sportier "Road Sailing" trim level that adds a larger engine. The A-pillar has moved forward and stretched the wheelbase two inches, utilizing that space to add four-mode "Ultra Seats" that flip and fold in a variety of ways to increase cargo capacity, or even create a bed when set to "Refresh mode." They've also found room for ten (!) cupholders in there somehow, but Honda swears that the interior volume is equivalent to one of its mid-size sedans.

Five new exterior colors bring the available hues to a total of 12, and the exterior design has evolved into something more handsome than the current Fit. It's still not terribly stylish, but for its homeliness, but we doubt that anyone would argue that the outgoing Fit looks better. A 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine is the base powerplant, upgradeable to a 1.5-liter unit, and both powerplants are available with an all-wheel-drive system when mated to a 5-speed automatic. There's also a CVT and a five-speed manual available to transmit twist to the road. Prices start at about $9,800 (1.14 million Yen) and go up to about $14,600 (1.7 million Yen).

Honda's full press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: 2008 Honda Fit (JDM)

Continue reading 2008 Honda Fit bows in Japan

2008 Honda Fit bows in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cracks in the dam: Redesigned Honda Fit images hit the web

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Honda

The Honda-obsessives over at the Temple of VTEC were able to get a number of pre-release images showing the redesigned Honda Fit, and according to the writer, we'll see a host of official images coming out of Japan at the end of the month.

The first shot (right) reveals a heavily redesigned front clip, with headlamps pulled steeply towards the A-pillar, along with a new bumper and hood that takes cues from the Euro-spec Civic.

Along with the front-end, the rear gets a revised hatch, new taillamps and bumper and a mildly tweaked D-pillar with more of an up kick, reducing the size of the hatch's rear window.

We'll be on the lookout for more images in the next few days, but in the meantime, you can check out all the shots TOV procured here.

Top tip, Bennet!

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Cracks in the dam: Redesigned Honda Fit images hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

By Jove, they've done it! Honda adds a few more MPGs to Canadian Fit

John Neff — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Hatchback, Honda

Autoblog regulars will remember the ongoing feud between Honda Canada and the Canadian government. The conflict centers around Ottawa's new budget that contains the ecoAuto program, which offers between $1,000 and $2,500 rebates on certain fuel efficient vehicles and up to a $4,000 penalty on gas guzzlers. The Honda Fit, which is very popular in Canada, missed the cutoff for being eligible for a rebate because it consumes 6.6L of fuel every 100 kilometers, just one tenth of a liter more than the federal criteria for the rebate. The Civic misses the mark, however, by one-third to a half liter every 100 kilometers.

Honda threw a fit at what it saw as a federal endorsement of fuel economy over safety, as well as the unfair advantage it gave to competitors like the Toyota Yaris, which did qualify for the rebate but performed less well in crash tests. Honda even went so far as to offer its own $1,000 rebate on the Fit in protest.

In the meantime, Honda engineers have been going over the Fit to eek out a few more miles per gallon, and they've done it on the Fit equipped with a manual transmission. While confirming that they did not reduce the vehicles weight by deleting safety options to achieve the fuel savings, Honda was mum on exactly how it was achieved except to say "internal tinkering" was involved.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look they'll be able to perform the same miracle with the Fit that's equipped with an automatic, though in Canada the manual Fit sells more anyway. The Civic, which is less fuel-efficient than either Fit, has pretty much no hope of ever meeting the governments criteria for the rebate.

Thanks for the tip, Steve!

[Source: The Star]

By Jove, they've done it! Honda adds a few more MPGs to Canadian Fit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda: 2,000,000 Fits sold worldwide

Alex Nunez — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Honda

We've only had it here in the US since April of 2006, but the plucky little Honda Fit has been on sale in Japan and other markets since as far back as 2001. Suffice to say that the subcompact found an audience, as Honda has formally announced that as of the end of June, over 2 million Fits (including the name-engineered Jazz, which it's called in Europe and Asia/Oceana) have been sold worldwide. Unsurprisingly, Japan accounts for the lion's share, with almost half that number (962,000 to be exact) sold in the home market. Europe is next with 417,000. The US accounts for 77,000 cars since introduction last year. The next-generation Fit/Jazz is (finally) expected to bow at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Honda]

Honda: 2,000,000 Fits sold worldwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New CRX won't show until 2011, but will be a hybrid

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Hatchback, Honda

Back in February we relayed some information to you about a possible new Honda CRX. Our friends over at Winding Road told us that Honda was finally admitting to developing a new CRX based on the Fit platform. The success of small, affordable, fun cars like the MINI proved the market was viable and Honda eventually gave the car the green light. Well, now comes some additional info stating that besides the green light, Honda is giving the new CRX a green powerplant. Some might recall the poor-selling, but much-loved-by-a-few Honda Insight, as well as its resemblance to the wickedly fun but economical CRX. Marrying both loved vehicles into one model makes some sense, too.

WR is reporting that its inside info says the car will definitely be a hybrid, and should emulate the styling of the original CRX rather than its successor, the Del Sol. Good news so far. The catch is that rather than seeing the car in 2009, as originally thought, it is going to debut around 2011 instead. Geneva's Small Hybrid Sports Concept and Los Angeles' Remix were seen as possible CRX design ideas, but it seems that an homage to the original is more likely. We'll probably see a concept version in Tokyo in October.

[Source: Winding Road]

New CRX won't show until 2011, but will be a hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda still mulling over Mazda2, while Honda dealers clamor for more Fits

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:08:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Toyota

According to Mazda President Hisakazu Imaki, "As soon as North American dealers see this, they ask for it." That, in reference to the new Mazda2, a freshly styled sub-compact that is set to go on sale in Europe this fall.

The only problem is that Mazda execs are still waffling on whether or not to throw their hat into the ring in N.A. to compete with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Currently, Mazda's focus is set on the ever-expanding crossover segment, and Mazda's corporate cousin, Ford, is working on the release of a Mazda2-based vehicle for sale in the U.S.

But Mazda (and Ford's) delay is causing buyers to head on down to their local Honda dealer to place an order for a Fit. The only rub: they still can't keep enough in stock. Honda's production plans for the Japanese-manufactured Fit is only 54,000 units per year, and both Honda bigwigs and U.S.-based dealers admit that it isn't enough to keep up with demand. In 2006, 27,934 Fits were sold in the U.S., and in the first six months of this year, they've moved 23,769 units off the lot. In a fuel-efficiency crazed market, demand is off the charts, but until Mazda/Ford and Honda get its act together, buyers are laying down their cash for the Yaris, xB and Versa.

[Sources: Mazda2 - Automotive News (Sub. Req.); Fit - Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Mazda still mulling over Mazda2, while Honda dealers clamor for more Fits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments