Consumer Reports Prods Around 2015 Honda Fit in Detroit

The old Honda Fit/Jazz was one of ConsumerReports’ favorite city cars for its blend of interior space and reliability, but it was always let down by bland looks and a cut-rate scratchy interior. Now, they’ve had a look around the redesigned 2015 model-year Fit and their first report is a very positive one.

They say the most obvious differences are in the looks departments, as both the exterior and interior show a lot of progress. Inside, it now has soft-touch plastics atop the dash, and while many European superminis have had this for over a decade, it’s nice that Honda finally decided that it was the way to go too….

Noteworthy is the redesigned 1.5-liter engine too. It puts out 130 hp (132 PS) and boasts efficiency gains at the same time, plus there’s a six-speed manual gearbox on offer to make the most of that power in a fun way.  The CVT is aimed at maximizing efficiency, but you must really hate rowing your own if you go for that option…

Check out the CR video posted after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

Honda Reveals New US-Spec 2015 Fit in Detroit, will be Made in Mexico

Honda just pulled the veils off their all-new 2015 Fit, and not only did they fall with ease around its distinctly tapered flanks, but they revealed the exact same car we saw back in July of 2013 when the Jazz debuted in Japan. However, that car will be built much closer to its home market, whereas the Fit will roll off the brand new production line in Celaya, Mexico (at a planned rate of 200,000 per year).

Slightly shorter, but with a longer wheelbase, the new Fit promises improved handling, maneuverability and interior space at the same time, plus the added aesthetic benefit of having the wheels closer to the corners of the body.

Despite looking much more modern than the outgoing model, it’s definitely still recognizable as a Fit, and in black it looks properly mean – that could not have been said before, regardless of the color you had it in…

The interior is a direct carryover, with the obligatory swap from right- to left-hand drive. Tech features now available include a multi-angle rear view camera, a moonroof, heated front seats, LaneWatch and the industry-standard seven-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth connectivity and soft touch plastics to cover them all (at least on the top of the dash). One last option that is worth mentioning, since it is a first for the model, are the new leather seats.

The only engine offered at first is the 1.5-liter 130 hp i-VTEC unit (13 hp more than before) which can either be paired to a “slick-shifting” six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission that comes with paddle shifters – it returns a claimed 36 mpg US (42 mpg UK or 6.5 l/100km) on average.

Safety-wise, it’s “anticipated to earn top safety scores from NHTSA and IIHS, including a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating with a GOOD rating in all IIHS test modes, including the rigorous small overlap barrier test,” according to the automaker.

The official US launch is set to take place this spring and is bound to come with more details and news on the other powertrains, including the hybrid which comes with a (unique) seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

By Andrei Nedelea

PHOTO GALLERY

Honda Lays Down Its Auto and Moto Goods for 2014 Tokyo Salon

Just before the automotive world turns its attention to the Detroit Auto Show on January 13, Japan will host the annual Tokyo Auto Salon 2014, one of the top performance and styling events in the industry. Honda will attend the show with a diverse lineup of modified and special edition automobiles and motorcycles.

Honda's parade of vehicles will include custom versions of its two latest models, the Vezel small crossover that's set for launch in North America next year and in Europe from 2015, and the new generation of the Fit (called Jazz across the pond and elsewhere).

Another noteworthy model is the sported-up, N-One Modulo Concept based on Honda's JDM retro-inspired city car, which in our eyes, looks like a Japanese Fiat 500 Abarth proposal.

While Honda did not go into details about its cars and motorcycles, it did release a list of the entire range, which you can read below.

 

[From Honda PR]

Automobiles

1)	VEZEL Modulo Concept, which further pursues a sense of high quality and sportiness of the new VEZEL, which went on sale in Japan on December 20, 2013 as a new vehicle that belongs to a new category of automobiles that fuses together multifaceted values at a high level.
2)	MUGEN  VEZEL CONCEPT, a VEZEL-based concept model by MUGEN.
3)	N-WGN Macaron Color Collection, which presents a “sweet spot” based on the N-WGN, the newest addition to N Series.
4)	N-ONE Modulo Concept, for which Honda pays close attention to the details and realizes the ultimate fun of driving.
5)	N-BOX + ELEMENT Concept, which was developed in the motif of “trail shoes” which can be used actively in urban areas as well as in casual outdoor activities.
6)	Accessorized vehicles including FIT Special Customize, MUGEN FIT RS, MUGEN Odyssey Absolute, and others.

 

Motorcycles

1)	GOLDWING F6C, which was exhibited at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show in November this year.
2)	CBR1000RR SP, which was exhibited at EICMA 2013 (Milan Show).
3)	A customized concept model of the GROM, which was designed through collaboration with the Ninja Turtles, characters from a popular American cartoon.
4)	Other customized models including the accessorized Little Cub 55th Anniversary Special.

 

Racing

1)	RC213V, with which Honda won triple crown - rider's, team and constructor championships - in the 2013 MotoGP class, the highest summit of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix.
2)	CR-Z GT, with which Honda won the driver's and team championships in the GT300 class of the Super GT Series.
3)	SF13, with which Honda won the driver's championship in the 2013 Japanese Championship Super Formula.
4)	Four racing machines which will be used in the N-ONE One-make Race starting in 2014.

PHOTO GALLERY