2007 Honda Fit Road Test | Automobile en Direct

April 3, 2006
2007 Honda Fit Road Test
by Alexandra Straub , Canadian Auto Press

It Just Fits

As odd as it seems, the cars I most look forward to driving are those

This long row of Fits includes the base DX, mid-grade LX, and top of the line Sport. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

in the subcompact class. I know I've mentioned this before in previous reviews, but my enthusiasm for the budget-mobile was recently reaffirmed while testing out the 2007 Honda Fit, which is anything but bargain-basement in execution.

Just when I thought the entry-level division couldn't get any better, it does, all thanks to Honda. But that's no surprise now is it? After all, Honda has built its strong reputation by producing quality, reliable vehicles and doing so affordably. I have no doubt that this reputation will continue to strengthen with the latest addition to the family.

Upon meeting Honda's new bambino, I was honestly blown away. I am generally impressed with what Honda has to offer, but I was flabbergasted with the Fit. It's just an amazing little car for an amazing little price. Need I say more? Well, of course. I need to tell you why this car is so fantabulous. Yes, fantabulous.

Just

Functionality contributes to the Fit's unique styling. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

look at it. Its clean curves yet edgy overall styling are just a couple of reasons why I found myself staring at it. Actually, I wasn't just staring, I was admiring. While it might not be the best or most exciting looking car out there, its exterior and interior attention to detail make it more appealing than many costing thousands more. For example, the multi-reflector halogen headlights with body-coloured bezels make the Fit look sophisticated and sporty at the same time. Additionally, the Fit's wide-opening front doors allow the passengers' and driver's entry and exit to be as easy as possible. How? By designing in three distinct detents to hold the doors open at various degrees; at its widest, the doors are open at nearly 80 degrees. How's that for a Fit?! Oh the plays-on-words are endless. It's just too easy.

Moving from the outside in (through the wide-

Three pods and bright blue backlighting give the Fit a sporty demeanor. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

open doors, of course) my fondness for the Fit increased exponentially. I can honestly say that this is the best looking interior in its class, hands down. From the convenient placement of the buttons to the colour and construction of its 3-ring instrument panel with blue back-lighting and accented silver trim, everything just fits so well. I can also honestly say that the interior quality of the base DX model, which has a starting price of $14,980, is even better than some cars in more expensive classes, even those that sell for an additional $10,000 or so. Now that's impressive.

As I mentioned above, the Fit comes in a base DX model, but is also

All Fits are powered by a rev-happy 1.5-litre SOHC VTEC engine... 110 horsepower is plenty for a car this light. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

available in LX and Sport trim levels. While each trim designation comes a list of standard and available features, the former of which includes air conditioning and a variety of decent audio systems. What's more, all three trim levels are laced with the same 1.5L, 16-valve, SOHC 4-cylinder VTEC engine producing 109 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. I had the opportunity to try both the base five-speed manual gearbox and the available five-speed automatic transmission. I'll mention that Honda is the first manufacturer to offer a 5-speed automatic in the entry-level subcompact segment, with most rival automakers still using four-speed units in their upper-rung compact models, and also the first in its class to offer wheel-mounted paddle shifters with the automatic transmission on models boasting Sport trim. Both transmissions felt great. The transitions from gear to gear in the manual Fit were very smooth and its shift lever and clutch easy to apply, while the auto was much the same sans the shifter lever and clutch.

< page 1 - 2 - 3 >