Honda to Begin Sales of the All-New Fit in Japan

JCN Newswires, Oct 18, 2007

Tokyo, Japan, Oct 18, 2007 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to begin sales on Friday, October 26, 2007, in Japan of the all-new, completely redesigned Honda Fit. The Fit has gained popularity as a small car that features outstanding packaging, excellent fuel economy, and advanced styling.

The second-generation Fit was developed following the tradition of Honda's man maximum, machine minimum[1] concept with the goal of creating the ideal small car for a new age. To provide values which exceed customer expectations for a small car and to set a new benchmark in the highly competitive small car segment, packaging, utility and driving performance have been further advanced with the all-new Fit.

The packaging of the new Fit is based on Honda's innovative center tank layout, with a longer wheelbase and wider track for enhanced interior space and practicality, combined with the small-car maneuverability of a 4.7-meter minimum turning radius. The front pillar has been moved forward to create a spacious interior, while the exterior boasts exhilarating styling. An ingenious interior layout helped create a comfortable cabin with space equivalent to a mid-sized sedan. The new Fit's practicality has also been enhanced with four-mode "Ultra Seat" and three-mode "Ultra Luggage[2]" storage spaces.

The new Fit's dynamic performance is made possible by a newly developed 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum output of 73kW (100PS). Combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and newly developed torque converter, the engine provides enjoyable driving and class-leading[3] 24 km/l fuel economy[4]. The body rigidity and crash safety performance were also enhanced while maintaining weight equivalent to the previous model. Moreover, the newly designed chassis also helps achieve superior comfort and steady handling.

Newly added to the Fit lineup is a Road Sailing (RS) version which highlights a sportier and sophisticated character with a newly developed 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and a specially designed suspension with enhanced styling and a richer feel.

Honda Fit was first introduced in Japan in June 2001. It is now being produced in six factories in five countries and sold in approximately 115 countries around the world, with cumulative sales of more than two million units[5].

Key Features of the New Fit

Exterior styling:

The exterior styling is intended to express both spaciousness and dynamic motion, with front pillars moved forward for an advanced, super-forward form. The fuel lid dovetails seamlessly with the monoform styling thanks to Honda's first application of a push-lift opener. The door mirrors provide greater visibility with 30%[6] more surface area supported by a compact mount located at the base of the front quarter light. The addition of five new colors brings the total available body colors to twelve.

Packaging:

The center tank layout was carried over from the previous model to help maintain the maneuverability expected of a small car while allowing enhancement of cabin space and practicality. The overall length has been increased 55 mm[7] to 3,900 mm and the width 20 mm[7] to 1,695 mm, while the 1,525 mm[7] height remains the same as the previous model, allowing for use of tower parking.

While the wheelbase has been increased 50 mm[7] to 2,500 mm, the tread size has also been increased to help optimize the steering angle and maintain the minimum turning radius of the previous model at 4.7 meters.

An emergency tire repair kit is provided instead of a spare tire, freeing up 64 liters[8] of storage space beneath the floor. Combined with the space in the luggage room this brings the total available luggage space to an amazing 427 liters[8].

The rear hatch opening is located 605 mm from the ground, making it easy to load and unload luggage. The rear doors also open to a wide 80 degree angle, providing even easier access for passengers and facilitating loading and unloading of luggage.

Interior:

The cabin features an ingenious layout with equivalent space as one of Honda's middle-class sedans, providing passengers a natural feeling of comfort.

The large three-meter cluster provides superior visibility with permanent illumination. The speedometer, located in the center of the cluster, features a large LED display providing of a broad range of information, including current fuel economy and range indications.

To ensure a comfortable driving position for all drivers, a tilt and telescopic steering column[9] as well as a ratchet-operated seat height adjuster[10] have been applied.

The front quarter windows are three times[11] of the size of those in the previous model, and the width of the front pillar has been reduced by 20 mm[11] to provide enhanced visibility. A new Sky Roof provides even more sense of space and comfort in the cabin. The power sun shield can be opened and closed with the touch of a switch for a comfortable cabin all year round.

The front seat is based on the seat frame of a middle-class sedan and fitted with springs and padding optimized for seat hold and ride comfort. The rear seats are 20 mmwider[11], 15 mm deeper[11], and have cushions 10 mm thicker[11] for enhanced ride comfort. The left and right headrests fit into the seat back for easy seat arrangement and 30%[11] better rearward visibilities.