All New 2015 Honda Fit Designed to Top the Subcompact Class

TORRANCE, Calif., April 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With best-in-class passenger and cargo space, increased power, 41 mpg fuel economy¹ and more refined, yet sporty dynamics, the completely redesigned 2015 Fit is poised to lead the subcompact segment. Add to this an abundance of class-above standard features including roofline spoiler, LED taillights, Bluetooth^® connectivity and a segment-exclusive rearview camera for a starting price just $100 more than the outgoing model.

The 2015 Fit goes on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on April 14, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)² starting at $15,525 for the LX trim with 6-speed manual transmission. All Fit models are powered by a new, higher power and highly efficient 1.5-liter engine developing 130 horsepower³ and 114 pound feet of torque⁴,with an EPA fuel-economy rating of 33/41/36 (city/highway/combined)⁵ for the LX with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).   

"I'm thrilled that we've been able to greatly enhance and add to the Fit's already excellent attributes to provide Honda customers with class-above features and refinement at such a value price point," said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Honda. "The 2015 Fit is practical, roomy, efficient, affordable and perhaps best of all, great fun to drive."

The Honda Fit has always been known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, feature richness, high-quality interior and driving enjoyment. For the all-new Fit, the unique combination of these traits has been further enhanced with even greater versatility, fresh styling, a more dynamic and refined driving experience, and substantially upgraded technology and luxury features.

Outstanding versatility is fundamental to the design of the 2015 Fit. With class-leading interior space and versatility courtesy of its center-mounted fuel tank and ingenious Magic Seat^®, the Fit epitomizes smart functionality with spacious and comfortable seating for five and the ability to carry voluminous cargo, including long and tall items. The larger interior features a remarkable 4.9 cubic feet increase in passenger volume and a 4.8-inch increase in rear seat leg room compared to the previous Fit, all the more remarkable considering its even more compact exterior footprint, including a 1.6-inch decrease in overall length.

A highly space-efficient new body structure pairs with an all-new chassis to create a completely new, more rigid and lighter subcompact platform. The new Fit's platform features a longer wheelbase and numerous improvements to front and rear suspension and steering systems that improve overall driving dynamics. The net effect of these upgrades is a more settled and stable, yet nimble and sporty ride, with greatly improved steering and improved ride comfort and quietness. The adoption of a new frame structure, including Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure, also benefits safety performance.

The 2015 Fit also raises the bar on acceleration fun and fuel efficiency with major advances to its powertrain. A new Earth Dreams Technology™ engine significantly increases power, torque and throttle response with support from two newly developed transmissions – a slick-shifting 6-speed manual and all-new CVT with G-Shift Control. The 1.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC+VTC valve and timing control features direct fuel injection, reduced weight and friction, increased compression ratio, and other changes to deliver an 11 percent increase in peak horsepower to 130³, and a 7.5 percent increase in peak torque to 114 lb.-ft⁴.

The 6MT is an all-new design, with closer ratios to aid performance and a wider overall ratio range to improve fuel efficiency. The newly-developed CVT enhances engine responsiveness by providing quicker and smoother acceleration while improving fuel efficiency with a wider ratio range and reduced internal friction.

With the combination of the new engine and transmissions, the Fit has an EPA fuel-economy rating of 29/37/32 (city/highway/combined)⁵ for the manual transmission, 33/41/36 for the LX trim with CVT and 32/38/35 for the EX and EX-L trim with CVT. The new Fit sports a fresh and dynamic exterior design with slimmer headlights that integrate into a solid grille design and an aggressive lower intake. Chiseled sides emphasize the wheels and the dynamically tapered roofline that terminates in a color-matched spoiler. Eight colors, including several new and vibrant options, accentuate the fresh exterior styling.

Inside, the increased interior room and visibility create a sense of airy spaciousness, which is complemented by upgraded, soft-touch materials that raise the feeling of quality. The rich and sophisticated black with silver accented design of the interior surfaces and controls, and blue backlit instrument dials are stylish and functional. The available Display Audio touchscreen interface and first-ever leather seating (EX-L models) further increase the premium feel of this new Fit.

The 2015 Fit boasts a high level of standard and available features and now aligns with other Honda models by being offered in LX, EX, and EX-L trims, each with a higher spec than the previous equivalent trim. New standard features on all Fit models include auto on-off headlights, LED brake lights, Bluetooth^®6 HandsFreeLink^® and a center storage console with armrest. Items such as Smart Entry Push Button Start, a one-touch operated moonroof, 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio⁷ with next-generation HondaLink and heated leather seats are among the upgrades available for the first time in Fit.

The Fit also features a long list of standard safety features. That list includes Vehicle Stability Assist^TM (VSA^®) with traction control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The new Fit targets the highest available crash-safety ratings: a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the (IIHS). Standard drive-assistive features on all trims include a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines and expanded view driver's mirror. The Honda LaneWatch™ display is standard on EX and above trims.

The new U.S.-market Fit will be produced for the first time in North America at an all-new plant in in Celaya, Mexico. View, build and price the 2015 Honda Fit at automobiles.honda.com/fit.

For More Information

Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/fit. To join the Fit community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/Honda/Fit. Additional media information including, pricing, features and high-resolution photography of the 2014 Honda Civic is available at hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-fit.

¹Fit LX trim with CVT

² MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

³ 205 hp @ 7000 rpm (SAE net)

⁴ 174 lb-ft of torque @ 4400 rpm (SAE net)

⁵ Based on 2015 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending driving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained, battery pack age/condition and other factors

⁶ The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

⁷The Display Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and streaming from some current [Apple/Android] smartphones. For safety reasons, always launch HondaLink applications or perform any other operation on your phone only when the vehicle is safely parked. State or local laws may limit use of texting feature, and Assist functions may be terminated without notice. Your wireless carrier's rate plans apply. Please see HondaLink terms and conditions for details.

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SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.