Vancouver, BC - As an XL sized person living in a mid-sized world, my first drive of the Fit put a grin on my face. Honda's slogan for this car should be (if it isn't already) "small on the outside and big on the inside". First impressions count for a lot and when I got into the driver's seat, I was comfortable.
Adjusting the seat took next to no time because it is the same frame as the one used in the Accord. This also means that I had a folding arm est in the middle to make those long trips a bit more comfortable. Another unusual feature, if not class first, is a tilt/telescopic steering wheel which really makes getting comfortable easy.
The rear seat has a few unusual features as well. The seats fold forward in the standard 60/40 split just like they used to, but you no longer have to remove the headrests to get the seat down. Just as in the previous generation the seat cushions can be folded up into the seat backs.
In addition, one of the seat bases has a small inconspicuous cubby hole that you can use to keep a few small items out of sight. Add to the versatility features the fact that there is plenty of leg and knee room for two full sized adults in the rear.
Back up front, the instrumentation follows the theme of keeping it simple. The speedometer is the largest gauge and sits right in front of you. The tach is on the left while the fuel gauge is in the pod to the right. All other engine functions are monitored by warning indicator lights.
At the top of the centre stack is the rather far out stereo control module. Located to the right of the module and down the side of the stack are the HVAC controls. The knobs are large and clearly marked. Once used to the location, you tend to wonder why more companies don't use this approach.
I actually had to get back out of the car to look at the differences between the new and old Fits. The new one is more than just a pretty face that has undergone a slightly more aggressive facelift than usual. Those who drive one every day will notice a change in the tail as well with lights and a redesigned hatchback.
 |
| The 2009 Honda Fit MSRPs will range from $14,980 to $20,480. |
Adjusting the seat took next to no time because it is the same frame as the one used in the Accord. This also means that I had a folding arm est in the middle to make those long trips a bit more comfortable. Another unusual feature, if not class first, is a tilt/telescopic steering wheel which really makes getting comfortable easy.
The rear seat has a few unusual features as well. The seats fold forward in the standard 60/40 split just like they used to, but you no longer have to remove the headrests to get the seat down. Just as in the previous generation the seat cushions can be folded up into the seat backs.
In addition, one of the seat bases has a small inconspicuous cubby hole that you can use to keep a few small items out of sight. Add to the versatility features the fact that there is plenty of leg and knee room for two full sized adults in the rear.
Back up front, the instrumentation follows the theme of keeping it simple. The speedometer is the largest gauge and sits right in front of you. The tach is on the left while the fuel gauge is in the pod to the right. All other engine functions are monitored by warning indicator lights.
At the top of the centre stack is the rather far out stereo control module. Located to the right of the module and down the side of the stack are the HVAC controls. The knobs are large and clearly marked. Once used to the location, you tend to wonder why more companies don't use this approach.
I actually had to get back out of the car to look at the differences between the new and old Fits. The new one is more than just a pretty face that has undergone a slightly more aggressive facelift than usual. Those who drive one every day will notice a change in the tail as well with lights and a redesigned hatchback.
 |
| At the top of the centre stack is the rather far out stereo control module. |