Taking a quick look at the Honda site, I didn't notice any differences between the 2015 and 2016 Fit. the pricing seems to be about the same, too. I'm glad I got the new model because it will be a few years before there is a major change.

 

Price went up a little, and some colors/trim levels will be coming from Japan as well as Mexico. That's about it.


Typically, Honda runs on a six year cycle with a mid cycle "refresh" (change the grille, wheels and lights and make the car a bit uglier). I Expect mid cycle refresh in '18 and the 4th Gen Fit in '21 (give or take a year).

 

Here in Canada the 2016s seem to have added the temperature gauge, missing from the 2015s. Otherwise, the years seem identical.

 

That's a good edition.

EDIT: I don't see one here, on the US model.

http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/pho....aspx#interior

Also, the Canadian EX comes with the cargo cover.

 

The US Fit all have temperature gauges. They are near the odometer, just above the fuel gauge.

 

The US spec Fits already come with an OUTSIDE temp. gauge. I think that's what TB is referring to.


As opposed to an ENGINE temperature gauge, which none of us have that I know of.

 

the difference in US is that the car is made from Japan. that is something that cannot be replaced in terms of TQM and QC controls. I also heard the interior smell is different. I supposed the plastics and fabrics sourced elsewhere is the factor for that.

But the fact that it made in japan is a pretty big deal; only 100 dollars more on the MSRP. From watching the dealer videos reviewing the 2016 from Japan, the doors close more firm, the fit and finish is much more acceptable. And from what i see through the computer screen, no sagging or gaps on front and back bumpers.

the 2016 Canada fit has a improvement that we US Fits do not have. They have the digital touch screen auto climate control just like the JDM Fits. US Fit are still knobs and dials. The same climate control is actually on the HR-V, i think we can interchange parts some how as long as it is not molded around the specific dash. after all the HR-V and Fit share many common components.

Also, the rumor is Mexico plant is stopping Fits for now to tool HR-V, so Japan plant need to supplement while the tooling is being adjusted. If by mid 2016, the Mexico plant is efficient enough, and if they swap the Fit to be made in Mexico again, these 2016 "JAPAN" run fits, could be more sought after as a limited edition type thing. Only in the know for those that care.

 

I was thinking of engine temperature.

 

I've seen four J VIN Fits in the past two weeks. The sagging bumper was absent on one, acceptable on the second, and classic Salao sag on the remaining two. I've seen high end Acura vehicles assembled in Ohio exhibiting the same sag and more of the same build quality detriments that are coming out of Mexico. Can't blame Salao for that. I am firmly convinced that Honda has real quality issues at present.

I think Japanese assembly gives the model incremental increase in build quality, and then only on particular VIN's. Interestingly, the HR-V seems to show more consistency across the board.

I've owned Mazda and Honda vehicles assembled in Japan, and none have been bulletproof. As an industry, in general it's a new world order. Cars out of Japan are no panacea, and vehicles assembled throughout this small world are now substantially better. Yes, this applies more to particular brands and particular models within the brand.

 

also remember that a lot times, majority of the line workers at the japanese plants are not japanese.. they're migrants from 3rd world countries trying to make a yen to send back to their native land so their cultural values are different from a true japanese.

dat said, the real benefit is probably more in the tier1's factories they have vs mexico and ohio, canada honda's. like the major problem the driver door window my wife's GK had... parts all made locally in mexico. i bet the japanese honda's rails, regulator, and glass come from another supplier's factory.