2012 Honda Jazz Si

New Jazz Models for Europe
Two new Jazz derivatives will also be displayed for the first time. The Jazz Si, on sale from Summer 2012, features an upgraded sporty suspension package and styling changes to the interior and the exterior.
The Jazz 1.2, now with Idle Stop, delivers a reduction in CO2 emissions of 3g/km compared to the standard 1.2 model.

Source;
http://world.honda.com/news/2012/4120206Geneva-Motor-Show-Display/index.html

Toyota Prius cedes Japan car market leadership to Honda Fit in Jan.

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid surrendered its leadership in Japan's passenger car market in January for the first time in 20 months, with Honda Motor Co.'s subcompact Fit likely to capture the top slot, industry sources said Tuesday.

Overall vehicle sales in January, excluding minivehicles with engines of up to 660 cc, tumbled 21.5 percent from a year earlier to 187,154 units, falling for the fifth consecutive month, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said the same day.

While sales of the Prius began falling year on year after the government subsidy program to promote eco-friendly car purchases ended in September, Fit sales have been robust due to the launch in October of a hybrid model with a starting price of 1.59 million yen, the most inexpensive in Japan among vehicles powered by electric motors and gasoline.

The sales rankings do not include minicars, but the Fit is likely to have become the front-runner in January for the first time since December 2007 even if minivehicle data are included, the sources said.

In January, Fit sales totaled about 15,000 units, up around 10 percent from a year earlier, with Prius sales at some 14,000 units, down an estimated 40 percent, according to the sources.
The Prius apparently lost some of its potential buyers to Toyota's all-new, fuel-efficient Vitz subcompact, which hit the market in December.

Among best-selling minivehicles, Daihatsu Motor Co.'s Move and Tanto sold some 9,000 units each between Jan. 1 and 28, and Suzuki Motor Corp.'s WagonR about 8,000 units, according to the sources.

The official sales rankings data are due to be released by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Mini Vehicles Association on Friday.

In January, passenger car sales excluding minicars dived 23.8 percent from a year earlier to 167,574 units. Cargo vehicle sales climbed 7.5 percent to 18,863 units, while bus sales tumbled 25.5 percent to 717 vehicles.

Source;
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20110201p2g00m0bu085000c.html

Honda FIT Hybrid *Update*

It's not much, but it's something....
....the long-expected Honda Fit Hybrid, Kondo said:
"There are plenty of people who think that the current Fit meets their needs already [when it comes to fuel efficiency]... a hybrid version might seem expensive. Our engineers are really struggling."

Source;
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/30/honda-insight-too-small-likely-to-miss-sales-targets-fit-hy/

Car and Driver: 2009 Honda Fit Sport Automatic - Short Take Road Test

Kind of a backhanded complimented article, but a good read none the less....

2009 Honda Fit Sport Automatic - Short Take Road Test

The best cheap automatic, period.
BY DAVID GLUCKMAN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK M. HOEY September 2009

When people ask us for car-buying advice, we invariably throw our most recent January issue at them and point to the 10Best Cars list. There may be an annoyed grunt thrown in there somewhere. This reaction comes not because we don’t like talking to people about cars, but instead because they likely won’t listen to us anyway, and the one week we spend each year selecting these cars is enough work without later having to explain the results to friends and family who have inexplicably failed to subscribe to our magazine or read our interweb bleating.

We mention this as we’re preparing to once again head back to the back roads to reselect our qualified top-10 roster. For three years running, the cheapest vehicle on our list has been the Honda Fit, and so it follows that it is the best cheap car. But does it still satisfy when made slower and slightly more expensive by way of an automatic transmission?

How Much Slower, You Ask?
When we got the acceleration test results, they were all positive. That’s positive in a bad way, as in “We’re sorry, Mr. Gluckman, but the test came back positive.” With the Sport automatic, the sprint to 60 took an extra 1.4 seconds (9.9 vs. 8.5) and the quarter-mile was accomplished 1.0 second slower (17.6 vs. 16.6) at a lower speed (79 mph vs. 83). Skidpad grip and braking performance from 70 mph were basically unchanged.

Quantifiables aside, the Fit Sport’s auto is as good a unit as anyone could expect from a car of such economical purpose, with crisp shifts when the lever is in D as well as S (for Sport) mode.

The Sport’s wheel-mounted paddles allow full manual operation and the ability to hold a cog right up to the 6800-rpm redline; D and S will shift at 6500 rpm, just shy of the power peak.

Unlike some other manufacturers’ sporty shift modes, this transmission’s will stay way down in third when fifth would be Drive’s choice. It will also accept multiple shift requests in succession, while even some of Mercedes’ AMG transmissions require a beat between paddle thwaps. The auto’s loss of gusto isn’t unnoticeable, but the engaging qualities of this slushbox manage to retain most of the funky Fit’s fun nature.

Two Kinds of Economy
Interestingly, the Fit Sport auto is rated at the same 27 mpg city/33 highway as are manual Fits, while the plain, non-Sport auto is rated at 28/35, so there’s a small sacrifice for the fun and control of the Sport’s shift mapping. We managed 28 mpg with this example, and have previously milked 31 mpg out of a manual model.

As for the reduction in cheapness, the basic auto tacks $850 onto the bill, but to get the S mode and manual paddles you have to opt for the Sport trim, itself an additional $1560 expenditure. (Sport also adds such necessities as keyless entry, cruise control, two more speakers for the stereo, and a USB audio interface, plus aesthetic niceties like a hatch spoiler, body kit, and chrome exhaust tip; the chef recommends.) Our top-spec model also bundled navigation with stability and traction control—the only way to get that safety tech is to get nav—for an additional $1850. Even once it’s all summed up, you still can’t order a Fit from the factory for more than $20K, although dealer accessories like floor mats (all models come bereft of them) and wheels can take you past that mark.

We’d certainly recommend the manual Fit first, for the obvious enthusiast reasons. But as far as cheap cars go, the Fit Sport automatic offers the best manual substitute for commuters or the clutch-averse. So if you’re one of our friends and want new-car advice, there it is—just try not to be offended if we throw a magazine at you.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/2009_honda_fit_sport_automatic-short_take_road_test

2011 Honda FIT Hybrid

Well, here's another Burlapp special, again, I don't know how he gets these, but hats off to him.

Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/09/2011-honda-fit-hybrid.html

2010 Honda Fit makes its debut

Here's another article on the 2010 Honda FIT, mostly for the US models, as far as I know, we're not slated to get the Navi in Canada.
This is the 2010 Honda Fit, the five-door fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive small sporty car, which truly takes after its name and could “fit anything.” It’s interesting how it’s compact on the outside and yet, it’s incredibly spacious inside.

Using multifunctional interior and high levels of refinement, the car offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations. For excellent outward visibility, the exterior design has a “super-forward aero-form” that contributes to its aggressive, sporty stance. The 1.5-liter, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine produces 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard but a 5-speed automatic transmission is available too.

Under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city/highway fuel economy rating, the automatic transmission Fit achieves f 28/35 miles per gallon. The manual transmission Fit and Fit Sport with either a manual or the available automatic transmission achieves an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 27/33 miles per gallon. Safety features include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE) body structure, standard anti-lock brakes as well as dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, dual front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags. These are standard equipment on all models.

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, is included on Fit Sport models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Standard amenities include air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, power mirrors and power door locks. The Fit Sport adds alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry and cruise control. In addition, the Fit Sport audio system provides six speakers, a five-mode equalizer and a USB Audio Interface. The Fit Sport is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition, featuring a 6.5-inch screen and more than 7 million points of interest.

Source;

http://www.4wheelsnews.com/2010-honda-fit-makes-its-debut/

2010 Honda Fit Performs with Style and Substance

Well, I don't expect any changes from 2009, but if I could be so bold as to offer 2X 'upgrades', Manual Height adjustment for the driver's seat and available Moonroof for the Sport!
08/25/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The 2010 Honda Fit, a perennial favorite of the automotive press and customers alike, offers value and versatility in a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient five-door package.

Compact on the outside yet spacious inside, the Fit stands apart from other entry-level vehicles with its multifunctional interior and high levels of refinement. The exclusive 60/40 split rear Magic Seat® offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations - tall object mode, long object mode and utility mode - in addition to the standard five-passenger mode.

The "super-forward aero-form" exterior design supports excellent outward visibility and contributes to the vehicle’s aggressive, sporty stance. The 1.5-liter, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine is tuned to deliver a rewarding combination of power and fuel economy. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic transmission is available. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on Fit Sport models equipped with the available automatic transmission allow for manual gear selection.

"The Fit offers a long list of standard feature content, outstanding fuel economy and performance while still maintaining a high level of affordability," said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda. "Entry-level customers can receive a tremendous value from the Fit without sacrificing function or design."

Compact on the outside with an overall length of 161.6 inches, the interior provides an impressive passenger volume of 90.8 cubic feet for its class and a rear cargo volume of 20.6 cubic feet. The rear Magic Seat provides convenient one-motion dive-down functionality and can fold flat into the floor to create a rear cargo volume of 57.3 cubic feet.

Safety highlights include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, standard anti-lock brakes and more. Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, dual front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all models. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, is included on Fit Sport models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1.

The engine produces 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Fit equipped with the available automatic transmission achieves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city/highway fuel economy rating of 28/35 miles per gallon2 . The Fit with a manual transmission and Fit Sport with either a manual or the available automatic transmission achieve an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 27/33 miles per gallon2. Emissions ratings are CARB ULEV-2 and Federal EPA Tier 2, Bin 5.

The front MacPherson strut suspension and torsion beam rear suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, refined and dynamic driving experience. Fifteen- and 16-inch wheels (Fit and Fit Sport respectively) feature 175/65 R15 84S (Fit) and 185/55 R16 83H (Fit Sport) tires. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses 10.3-inch ventilated discs in the front and 7.9-inch drums in the rear.

The Fit comes with standard amenities such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, power mirrors and power door locks. The Fit Sport adds alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry and cruise control.

The Fit Sport audio system provides six speakers, a five-mode equalizer and a USB Audio Interface3. The Fit Sport is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System4 with Voice Recognition, featuring a 6.5-inch screen and more than 7 million points of interest.
The Honda Fit has received multiple awards including the prestigious Car and Driver Magazine's 2009 "10Best" list (www.caranddriver.com) and Kelly Blue Book’s (www.kbb.com) "Top 10 Green Car" and "Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" awards.

Basic Specs:
Engine: 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC (all aluminum)
Horsepower: 117 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque: 106 lb-ft. @ 4,800 rpm.
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy, City/Hwy/Comb.: 28/35/31 (Fit AT), 27/33/30 (Fit Sport AT), 27/33/29 (Fit MT and Fit Sport MT)
Emissions Rating: CARB ULEV-2 or Federal EPA Tier 2, Bin 5Seating
Capacity: 5
Length: 161.6 inches
Width: 66.7 inches
Wheelbase: 98.4 inchesTrack (front/rear): 58.7 / 58.1 inchesPassenger / Cargo Volume: 90.8 / 20.6 cubic feet
Standard Airbags: Driver's and Front-Passenger's Dual-stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags; Front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and Side-curtain Airbags
Standard anti-lock braking system: 4-channel with Brake AssistAvailable Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (Fit Sport) (Not for Canada as of yet - probably never)
Available Vehicle Stability Assist™ (Fit Sport)

1 Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.
2 Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
3 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.
4 Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/5151