2015/2016 Honda Fit

Fit for a King, Designed Just for You

Subcompact cars rarely instill a great deal of excitement among car shoppers like larger, more powerful models do. But consumers flock to them all the same due to their fuel efficiency, commendable utility, and modest starting MSRP. Indeed, the original Fit offered all of that and more, providing drivers with fun-to-drive road manners, a thrifty yet pliant engine, and a flexible interior with enough space for occupants and cargo.

Now, for 2015/2016, the Fit returns. Only this time, Honda is looking to push the limits even further. Using its bold new looks as a launch pad, the 2015/2016 Fit’s heightened visuals will surely appeal to a wide swath of consumers, while a larger interior, improved fuel economy, and overall higher-quality interior merely add to its impressive list of charms. In truth, the only thing more impressive is the car’s $15,790 starting price.*

Powertrains and 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. And we’re happy to report that trend continues for 2015/2016.

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/37 highway).** And despite our own preference for manuals, the 2015/2016 Fit CVT puts in an excellent shift (pun intended) thanks to a remarkable 35 combined mpg rating (32 city/38 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/41 highway).** 

As for driving pleasure, the 2015/2016 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 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 and Trims

The 2015/2016 Honda Fit is available in LX, EX, EX-L, and EX-L with Navi trim levels.

The 2015/2016 Fit is lavishly equipped, with standard exterior equipment on LX models comprising 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 five-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 seven-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.

Exterior/Interior

Car names often fall short of their mark but that’s not the case with the 2015/2016 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 Fit’s redesign, 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 improved materials in the 2015/2016 Fit’s interior, but it cannot be overstated what an impact this has had. The word "premium" is rarely bandied about with compact hatchbacks but the Fit’s new cabin certainly has that “premium” feel. In addition to new materials, Honda’s designers have also gone about penning an exciting interior that feels every bit as dynamic and as 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 sport a soft and alluring blue glow. Underlining everything is an abundance of cup holders, storage bins, and Honda’s excellent “Magic” rear seat, which can fold completely flat or flip bottom up, further incresing space and utility.

Safety

Small in stature but big on safety, every 2015/2016 Honda Fit includes standard antilock 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.

Bottom Line

Despite its diminutive frame, the 2015/2016 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.

Likewise, Honda’s redesign has totally revitalized the Fit, boosting appeal and value in one fell swoop. Toss in an exciting new interior that boasts a remarkably premium feel, a welcome amount of space for cargo and occupants alike, and there is virtually nothing the 2015/2016 Honda Fit isn’t capable of. And while Honda’s latest model may be 'fit' for a king, it won’t cost you a princely sum to get behind the wheel.

So for the sake of fun, adventure, and maybe even your wallet, be sure to contact us at MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup today and experience the 2015/2016 Fit for yourself.

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $820.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

**29 city/37 highway/32 combined mpg rating for LX and EX 6MT models. 33 city/41 highway/36 combined mpg rating for LX CVT model. 32 city/38 highway/35 combined mpg rating for EX and EX-L CVT models. Based on 2016 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: Honda