Toyota showed the Yaris in Los Angeles a few days ago, now here is Honda’s offering for the North American
small car segment – the Fit. With Honda’s formerly-small Civic moving upmarket, the company is targeting the Fit at
first-time and cost-conscious buyers.
Aimed primarily at young buyers (the ones Mark Fields hopes to target
with Ford’s B-segment concept at the Detroit show), the Fit hits all the hot buttons: iPod capability, versatile cargo
space, and fun driving dynamics.
Erin reports that the 1.5L 4-clinder VTEC engine puts out 109 hp/105 lb./ft
of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed AT, which Honda claims is
first-in-segment. The Fit Sport will have wheel-mounted paddle shifters with the AT selection and a 160-watt six
speaker audio system. Fuel economy is rated at 33/38.
The Fit is expected to hit dealerships in April.
More pics after the jump…