Honda Fit Sport: Quick Test

There are several obvious requirements for an "economy car", none more important than being frugal with petrol. Beyond thriftiness at the pump, it must also be economical to buy and to own. And ideally, it should offer a level of no-brainer practicality that affords economy of thought.

All of these things are givens.

But the 2009 Honda Fit Sport throws an unexpected characteristic into the mix that makes it the obvious standout in its class: The Fit is FUN!

The first time you row through the gears of the five-speed manual transmission, you'll think that somewhere there must be a Honda S2000 missing its gearbox - such is the Fit's crisp feel.

With a 1.5-liter i-VTEC-equipped inline four delivering a modest 117 hp, the new Fit is no rocket ship, but it does move pretty well, with a 0-60 time of 8.5 sec. and a top speed of 114 mph.

Shifting gears in the Fit is satisfying and an integral part of the fun. Choose the optional five-speed automatic, though, and you'll still have a good time shifting via paddles fitted behind the steering wheel.

And then there's the handling: Softer and more compliant than its firm-riding predecessor, a quick romp through the twisty bits erases any thoughts about the new Fit's cornering capabilities.

Arriving at a time when downsizing to efficient, responsible vehicles is the "in" thing to do, the new Fit is more practical and efficient than before as well. A longer wheelbase and length combined with a slight increase in width equals greater comfort for four. And if you're hauling things other than people, the space available with Honda's Magic Seats folded flat - a full 57 cubic feet! - will have you looking for the smoke and mirrors.

Here's the secret: Honda magicians hid the flat 10.5-gal. fuel tank under the front seats.

Speaking of clever, there's more fun to be had inside thanks to the "Instant Fuel Economy Gauge" - admittedly it's a different kind of fun, but you'll soon find yourself feathering the throttle to keep the gauge up in the 35-40 mpg zone.

With an excellent seating position, a great steering wheel lifted straight from the rambunctious Civic Si, and a slick shifting five-speed gearbox, the Fit Sport proves that fun doesn't always have to involve lots of horsepower and speed. Sometimes low weight, good balance and great controls can do the trick, with practicality and economy to boot.

The Honda Fit Sport is one of the most economical cars out there - and it's FUN in the process!

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Honda Fit Sport

Performance
- Acceleration: Not exactly overwhelming, but the fantastic manual gearbox makes the adequate acceleration somewhat fun
- Handling: Better than expected given the economical nature of the car and its nose-heavy balance - actually fun to drive quickly (quickly being relative)
- Braking: It'll wiggle around a bit when you're on the binders hard, but the ABS isn't as obtrusive as anticipated - still, rear drum brakes are barely acceptable these days, bargain price or not

Design
- Exterior: HUGE improvement over the dorky styling of the previous model - actually good to look at
- Interior: Typical Honda quality with a well thought out design that is also modern and good looking

Utility
- Comfort: Excellent seats - impressive space even for rear passengers, especially considering its size
- Space: Clever "Magic" seats give you several options for cargo carrying - again, bigger inside than you'd expect

Safety
- Dynamics: Good, direct steering, but all-season tires and narrow track don't add up to tons of stability in evasive maneuvering
- Technology: Airbags galore, but stability control can only be had as a package with navigation system

Value
- Price: Starts to sneak up on the more conventional and refined Civic (crazy to write refined and Civic in the same sentence, but true)
- Mileage: One of the most economical cars out there - and FUN in the process!

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Nah. That's not exactly its mission though
- Fun to spank: Fun to drive, not exactly to spank

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.5 liter, inline 4
Power (SAE): 117 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 106 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Curb Weight: 2510 lbs.
0-60 mph: 8.5 sec.
1/4 mile: 16.7 @ 83 mph
Top Speed: 114 mph
Mileage: 27 city / 33 highway
Base Price: $16,060
Competitors: Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Kia Rio5, Dodge Caliber, Honda Civic