2017 Honda Fit
Keeping Fit
Someone once said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," and Honda has wisely applied this sage advice to the 2017 Honda Fit. The 2017 Fit arrives with minimal changes, but that's not a bad thing. While the average subcompact car rarely instills excitement among car shoppers like larger, more powerful models do, it's worth noting that the Fit is not your average subcompact.
Indeed, the Fit is a car worth getting excited about. Why, you ask? It's simple: the Fit features plenty of high-tech options, a nifty Magic Seat® that makes it easy for owners to maximize cargo space, and a peppy yet fuel-efficient engine that makes trips to the gas station an infrequent chore.
Performance
Providing a fun driving demeanor while forgoing the type of wallet-sapping fuel economy often associated with larger vehicles proved the cornerstone of past Fit models. We’re happy to report that trend continues for 2017.
Under the Fit’s stubby hood lives a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that serves up a delightful 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, while customers looking for a more hands-off approach can opt for a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
As mentioned, fuel economy is strong across the lineup thanks to its direct fuel-injection technology. The six-speed delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined (29 city/36 highway).** And despite our own preference for manuals, the Fit CVT puts in an excellent shift (pun intended) thanks to a remarkable 34 combined mpg rating (32 city/37 highway).** For true fuel frugalists, it's important to note that the Fit LX gets even better gas mileage, earning an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined (33 city/40 highway).**
As for driving pleasure, the 2017 Honda Fit is happy to oblige. Zipping around town still appears to be the Fit’s natural habitat, but it’s more than capable of getting up to highway speeds in a jiffy and it maintains a great deal of composure even at higher speeds.
Cornering is another area where the Fit feels focused. Drivers will find the new six-speed manual a breeze to operate, while even the CVT proves more than capable thanks to smart downshifts that provide ample acceleration when called upon.
Features
The 2017 Honda Fit is available in LX, EX, EX-L, and EX-L with Navi trim levels.
The 2017 Fit is lavishly equipped, with standard exterior equipment on LX models comprised of 15-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and a rearview camera, with the latter a fairly uncommon feature within this segment, let alone a standard feature.
Other standard equipment includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth® phone connectivity that allows for hands-free calling and music streaming, and a 5-inch display screen. The Fit also comes with a four-speaker sound system with CD player and USB/iPod ports.
Customers wishing to step up to EX models get 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, and a sunroof. Honda also ups the car’s tech quotient with a larger 7-inch touchscreen, Honda’s LaneWatch™ blind-spot monitoring system, and an upgraded six-speaker audio system that adds native Pandora® music streaming functionality.
Finally, the top-of-the-totem pole EX adds a number of creature comforts such as heated mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated front seats, while the EX-L with Navi adds a navigation system with voice recognition features for hands-free searching.
Design
Car names often fall short of their mark, but that’s not the case with the 2017 Fit. In keeping with its moniker, the Fit is taut and handsome, with just the right amount of athleticism mixed in to keep owners and onlookers excited.
Previous models were certainly fun, offering up a good mix of character and dynamism, but with the current-generation Fit, the bar has been raised across the board to create one attractive car that is simply leaps and bounds above the competition.
We already mentioned the use of quality materials in the 2017 Fit's interior, but it cannot be overstated what a difference this makes, and it's just another area in which the Fit bests its rivals. The word "premium" is rarely bandied about with compact hatchbacks, but the Fit’s new cabin certainly has that “premium” feel. In addition to top-shelf materials, Honda’s designers have also gone about creating an exciting interior that feels every bit as dynamic and eye-catching as the exterior.
The front bucket seats are a particular highlight; they’re nicely bolstered and offer excellent support. Instrumentation has also been given equal attention and now sports a soft and alluring blue glow. Underlining everything is an abundance of cup holders, storage bins, and Honda’s excellent Magic Seat®, which can fold completely flat or flip bottom-up, further increasing space and utility.
Safety
Small in stature but big on safety, every 2017 Honda Fit includes standard anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and active head restraints.
Notable advanced safety features include Honda’s LaneWatch™ blind-spot system (EX and EX-L trim), which instantly switches the 7-inch screen's display to a low and wide view of the passenger side blind spot when the right turn signal is engaged.
Verdict
Despite its diminutive frame, the 2017 Honda Fit has a lot to offer. Few vehicles are able to match the car’s sprightly handling and impressive performance while delivering outstanding fuel economy.
So for the sake of fun, adventure, and maybe even your wallet, be sure to contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 to arrange a test drive. While it's helpful to read about it, the Fit's true merit is best experienced behind the wheel.
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $875.00 destination charge and options.
**29 city/36 highway/32 combined mpg rating for LX and EX 6MT models. 33 city/40 highway/36 combined mpg rating for LX CVT model. 32 city/37 highway/34 combined mpg rating for EX CVT and EX-L models. Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
Image Credit: Honda