The changes to the 2015 Fit have one overall theme, “more.” It has more interior volume, more power, saves you more at the pump and has more features.
This month marks the introduction of the all-new 2015 Honda Fit, which is the third-generation of the popular subcompact hatchback. Since the second-generation Fit which arrived for the 2009 model year, the subcompact segment has gotten more competitive with new models like the Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic and the Nissan Versa Note. Does the 2015 Fit have what it takes?
The 2015 Fit rides on a new platform and is completely revamped from the ground up. Compared to to the previous two generations, the 2015 Fit now has more road presence and looks more substantial than before. Compared to the last Fit, the 2015 Fit is now 0.3 inches wider with a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, but biggest change is that the 2015 Fit is 1.6 inches shorter than the outgoing Fit.
Related: 2015 Honda Fit Starts at $15,525
Even though the 2015 Fit is 1.6 inches shorter than the outgoing Fit, its interior volume has increased, which is what matters most in this class. Rear legroom has increased a whopping 4.8 inches and the total passenger volume is up 4.9 cubic feet. The 2015 Fit now has more passenger volume and rear leg room than the Nissan Versa Note and Ford Fiesta. Also just like the previous two generations, the 2015 Fit retains the Magic Rear seat, which has four different modes: Utility, Tall, Long and Refresh.
The 2015 Fit’s interior is also much better than the last two generations with new features like leather seats, push button start, heated front seats and a moonroof. The rear seat also now has more legroom than larger models like the Civic and Accord, with the only drawback being a slight cut in cargo capacity at 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seat down. Either way, the Fit still has more cargo capacity than everything else in its class.
Under the hood the 2015 Fit is powered by a new direct-injected 1.5L four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque. Compared to the last engine, the new engine now has 13 more horsepower and 8 lb-ft. of torque. The 1.5L can be mated to a new six-speed manual or a CVT transmission. The CVT equipped Fit is rated at 33/41 mpg, while the manual is slightly less at 29/37 mpg.
Compared to the last Fit, Honda’s engineers obviously put most of their efforts into making the interior bigger and more comfortable than before in addition to making the entire package more efficient. With that the 2015 Fit is quieter than the last model and can reach 60 mph without a lot of fuss. If you choose the CVT transmission, it’s not bad and doesn’t have the whine that other CVTs like to generate. The CVT also comes with paddle shifers on the top EX-L trim, but you probably won’t use it that much.
Unfortunately the six-speed manual is only available on the lower LX and EX trims, so that means if you want leather and a navigation system, then you have to make due with a CVT transmission. Speaking of the six-speed manual, usually a manual is the better choice if you want a more engaging drive, but the manual in the 2015 Fit doesn’t really inspire any “sporty” driving.
Speaking of “sporty” driving, the last Fit seemed a tad sportier with more steering feel and a suspension that was a bit tighter. The 2015 Fit doesn’t have the rear anti roll bar like the past Fit Sport, so that could be part of the problem.
Overall if you liked the last Fit, you have no reason to not like the new Fit. The changes to the 2015 Fit have one overall theme, “more.” It has more interior volume, more power, saves you more at the pump and has more features. All without really a big price increase. The base Fit only starts at $100 more than the outgoing model at $15,525.
2015 Honda Fit:
Pros: More rear legroom, 41 highway mpg rating, standard features
Cons: Steering feel, not quite as fun as before
