Overview Versatility and flexibility personified
Pros Passenger/cargo configurations, fuel economy, CVT
Cons Front seats, wind noise at higher speeds
Value for money Average
What would I change? More thigh support in the front seats
When the Honda Fit first debuted it was a truly boxy affair. The second-generation partially addressed the look issue, but it was still very square. For 2015, the chunky facade of old has gone in favour of something with some real style and significantly more road presence. It’s now an appealing carryall.
When it comes to that aspect, few cars offer the sort of mix-and-match ability the Fit brings to the road. With all seats upright there is more rear seat space thanks to the 30-millimetre stretch in the wheelbase and 470 litres of cargo space. Fold the 60/40-split/folding rear seat down and that number blossoms to 1,492 L. This, however, only scratches the surface. If you need to carry a tall object, simply raise the rear seat base and lock in the upright position. This delivers a floor-to-headliner height of around 1,200 mm.
2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi
Graeme Fletcher, Handout
Then there’s the “Refresh” mode. Simply move the front seat fully forward, remove the headrest, recline it and you now have a chaise lounge-like seating position — climb into the back seat and rest your legs on the front seat. True, this setup will not see much use, but the ability to fold the rear seat down and then fold the front seat flat opens up a running length of 2.4-metres between the dash and tailgate. This ability addresses an often-overlooked safety issue — carrying a longer item in a hatchback with the tailgate ajar brings the risk of flooding the cabin with carbon monoxide. Not exactly the safest thing in the world, but the Fit makes it a non-issue because of its built-in flexibility.
The rest of the interior follows this early promise. The materials are of typical Honda quality, there are large knobs for the HVAC and a well-conceived set of instruments. The EX-L Navi tested also arrived with a seven-inch iPad-like central controller. As with other infotainment systems it gives quick access to all facets. The lone exception is the size of the volume touch point — it is too small. The good news is it’s made redundant by the steering wheel-mounted audio controls. When compared to the Civic’s convoluted two-tier design, the Fit all about simple elegance.
2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi
Graeme Fletcher, Handout
The letdown proved to be the front seats. It feels as though the seat base slopes down at the front. It does not, at least according to my spirit level, but it means there is little in the way of thigh support, which makes for a fatiguing drive. Moving the seat a long way rearward did straighten my legs and put my thighs on the seat, but this set up brings a less-than-ideal driving position.
Over time, safety devices that were once exclusive to high-end cars are now universal. The list includes anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. The next technology that deserves to join the universal list is Honda’s LaneWatch. Whenever a button on the right turn signal is operated it activates a camera in the right side mirror. This gives a crystal clear view of everything that’s in the driver’s blind spot and displays it in the central screen. It is very cool. So, why should LaneWatch become universal you ask? To check the right side mirror takes roughly a second because you have to turn your head and look at it to check the blind spot. At 100 kilometres an hour the car has travelled almost 28 metres, and it has done so without the driver looking at the road ahead. LaneWatch eliminates that — it takes no time to glance at the central screen and ensure a lane change is safe. It is a simple but brilliant piece of technology.
2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi
Graeme Fletcher, Handout
The Fit is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. As they appear on paper, they look a little weak. Driving the Fit tells a different story. The response to throttle input is crisp off the line and that continues through the mid-range. It also remains refined across the entire operation range.
The engine can be teamed with six-speed manual or continuously variable (CVT) transmissions. Normally, I would rail about the vagaries of the latter — I hate the way most force the engine to the top of the rev range and hold it there until the driver reaches speed or submits because of the monotonous racket. In this case, the CVT is remarkably well thought through — it is nowhere near as annoying as most and it gives the driver access to seven predetermined ratios that are accessed through paddle shifters. In the end, I could live with this transmission, which makes it only one of two I have been able to praise instead of pan.
2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi
Graeme Fletcher, Handout
In the ride and handling department, the Fit shines in spite of its rather basic suspension design. Using front struts and a rear twist beam the setup manages to deliver a comfortable ride and agile handling — through my favourite set of sweeping curves the Fit displayed minimal body roll and understeer only surfaced when liberties were taken. The EX-L Navi’s larger P185/55R16 tires certainly helped and they brought better feel and feedback from the electrically-assisted steering. Generally, these systems are overly boosted and, as such, vague. The Fit’s system has some real life to it.
The latest Honda Fit brings everything its predecessors had, but wraps it all in a better-looking package. During my time with the car, I hauled large boxes, carried four passengers and the Fit did it all in fine style. It also returned a highway-only economy run of 5.6 L/100 km, which is better than its posted rating and exceptionally good for a non-hybrid. All wonderful stuff except for the front seats — they could be the deal-breaker.
2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi
Graeme Fletcher, Handout
The Specs
Type of vehicle Compact Crossover
Engine 1.5L, DOHC, inline-four
Power 130 hp @ 6,600 rpm; 114 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,600
Transmission CVT
Brakes Front disc/rear drum with ABS
Tires P185/55R16
Price (base/as tested) $14,495/$21,295
Destination charge $1,840
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 7.3 city, 6.1 highway
Standard features Automatic climate control, power locks, windows and heated mirrors, power moonroof, leather upholstery, height-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, LaneWatch, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, 180-watt AM/FM/CD audio with six speakers and USB/AUX/HDMI inputs, 7-inch touch screen with navigation, smart key with push-button start, back-up camera, trip computer, rear wiper/washer and more
Notable options None
2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi
Graeme Fletcher, Handout
