Checked out the 3rd generation 2015 Honda Fit as a possible replacement for Maria's 2009 2nd gen, but it was a big "no". They cheaped out on materials, the seats aren't as supportive and they've made some significant ergonomic errors. Passenger space went up, but cargo space went down. The nail in the coffin, so to speak, was the new 6-speed manual transmission has the same overall gearing as the top gear (5th) in the outgoing model. So the engine is still going to be screaming along at 4,000 RPM at 80mph. The alternative? A CVT transmission. No thanks!

Maria did give two thumbs up for the new 7th generation 2015 VW GTI. We'll wait until later in the year to test drive the Performance Package with limited slip, more horsepower, and bigger brakes (of course!)



Did like the exterior styling on the new model.

 

i'm pretty sure the Jacob Javits Center is in NYC...

 

LOL! That will teach me to post when half asleep. It won't let me correct the title. You're correct, we were at the NY Auto Show.

 

In fairness to the Fit, your desire for a replacement is a need for a vehicle that is more powerfull. Therefore, the GTI. Its also $10k more than a GD LX manual. Nevertheless, a good choice. You know what they say "Fahrvergnügen".

As for your personal gripes of the Fit (seat, space, gearing etc....), its subjective to each individual especially seat comfort. Either one likes it or not. No one can convince your body better than you. Here's a thought, for an extra $1K, a REcaro add-on could be the solution!!! You'll save $9k!!!!

 

the new VW Golf would be the ideal car for us - size and features wise. But I cannot ignore the long term reliability issues with VW vehicles, based on personal experience and that of a few friends and co-workers.

Waiting to see the new Fit in person, but Honda Canada has no clue when it will arrive in stores, or so says their customer service person..

 

A sub-contracted CS rep who answers the phone for Honda Canada won't have a clue but, upper mgt. will.

YOur best bet is to go to your area Honda Dealer(s) and ask to talk with the GM. He will, at the very least, have an idea. All Honda dealer GM's were invited to the Fit reveal held in San Antonio first week of April.

Posted on another thread that Canadian availability will start this August Hope this helps.

 

personally i think the 2015 vw golf is butt ugly from the front...it's like they tacked on a 2013 vw jetta front to a hatchback, but to each their own

 

keep in mind that the golf or the GTI... though may be bigger on the outside, is actually MUCH smaller on the inside, surprisingly. They really did do a good job with the cargo space and the magic seats on the Fit. And I've driven a GTI - though I do like that it is powerful, the steering is TERRIBLE compared to the Fit's steering. It's very vague and not very precise on center, and definitely nowhere as nimble. That said, the GTI is a bit more stable on the highway, but I'd rather have good steering and than mediocre steering and a bit more stability.

 

How about the 2015 WRX? A little rough around the edges but it has been getting great reviews. I'm waiting for a chance to test drive and get a more accurate mileage numbers (I'm hoping Subaru is being conservative).

You're giving the VW the benefit of a real test drive, I think you should do the same with the Fit before drawing any conclusions. I've been going back and forth trying to decide and there's always something to compromise.

 

As for the engine spinning at 4000 RPM at 80 mph, I really don't mind it, since the Fit's engine, to me, sounds amazing, and my music is usually loud enough to drown out the sound anyways. Though I do prefer it to be revving a bit lower for fuel economy reasons, I'm not complaining too much since my GE8 gets close to 40 mpg on the stretch of highway that I take. Also - for me, at least, I rarely drive 80 on the highway - it's usually 72 max to not get caught by the cops, and for fuel economy reasons.

 

rumor has it that the WRX will come in hatch form in a few years - that will be something to look forward to.

 

Wow, how could Honda make such a huge mistake with interior seats. That was one of the reasons I sold my 2011 and now the 2015 is not any better than 2nd Gen. Unbelievable. Maybe they can place more embargos until they get things correct.

 

So, you actually have sat in one?
Would be interested to find the details of your conclusion about the Honda mistake.

 

I was replying to DZeck and his comments on the seats and this has also been my concern from the start. Yes, I have sat in a new EX and my feeling concerning seats and interior space is same as his views. This is a forum and comments are listed, good and bad. Not interested in MT or CVT so this is another downer for this car. I am happy you are fired up about this car, but I think Honda needs another year to try to fix their shortfalls.

 

YOu've sat in the car and you surely must have driven it, as the CVT, in your eyes is a downer. This is truly a forum where comments can be good or bad. All I ask was for some actual physical interaction with the GK and now that you have confirmed sitting and driving, your view is respected. Being committed is a total difference from being "fired up". A year from August, I may be kicking myself!!!! (Doubt it though)

Why not share in more detail the reasons behind your conclusions. I for one, would be interested in reading these details that led to your conclusions. A new thread would be fitting. Go for it!!!

Its a perfect venue to explain further and share with the FF community the need for Honda to fix exactly the details of what you specifically want done.

On the other hand, if you sat in a unit at a Car Show, it may not be representative of a retail unit. Pre-production cars for newly introduced units usually undergo some changes prior to full production meant for the retail market.

 

I sat in the car, with approval of Honda reps, at the Detroit auto show and did not drive the vehicle. My GE seats were very uncomfortable and I saw little if any improvement in the GK seats. If the pre-production car is different than the mass car, then that would be an improvement as the seats in the auto show car were not comfortable. I am older than most FF participants and the interior comfort is very important to me. Did not see a big improvement in the front seat space and it still felt cramped to me. I have a CVT vehicle now as well and I do not believe the CVT and the GK will be a good match as it appears most FF people are of the sportier mode than myself. Since it appears most early production of the GK is going the CVT route, I think there will be many concerns once this vehicle is purchased. There is a big difference between CVT and a good 6 speed auto and I feel that Honda has made a monetary and mileage sacrifice in bringing this vehicle out in a CVT.
I truly hope everyone who is dedicated to Honda enjoys this car, but for me, I will wait for problems to be resolved before once again considering a fit.
Enjoy you MT.

 

If you found your GE seats uncomfortable, being a previous Fit owner, that is totally credible for your expectation that the GK may follow suit. After your sitting in one you just confirmed it for yourself. Good for you!

You may be older than most, but so am I with 4 sons ranging from 24 to 39 puts me a bit above the older FitF gang. People in this forum think that 50 is old. Believe me, it ain't. Must agree though, that once we set our minds, its hard to change. That's our privilege!!! Isn't it!!!

I like comfort too but at 5'5" I "Fit" into any car.

As for CVT, my point is, the tranny in your current car "could" be a totally different designed CVT then that in the GK and without actually driving it, reviews from people (accordguyintake and ColinS) who have, hold credibility.

FF being sporty??? Not me, those days have passed me many moons ago. Just learned from this forum about hypermiling which I'm implementing in my GD. Maybe not sporty anymore but am always willing to learn something new and listen to differing opinions.

Honda made a sacrifice (monetarily and MPG)? Maybe, but their primary goal is to churn a healthy profit year after year. Funny, but that is the goal of every business. What they can sell most, profitably, may not suit you or me. Thats why we all have choices.

Hopefully down the road, Honda will one day address the issues that concern your comfort requirement, but in the meantime enjoy driving your current CVT vehicle as I will continue to enjoy driving my high mileage, problem-free (for now) GD Fit.

 

Agree 100%. Will give Honda a year or so and see if they make improvements in my concern areas.

 

I'm back from 4 hours at the auto show.


I'm bloody exhausted, but I'm happy, too. At least from seat time in about a dozen competitors, even those at a higher price point, there is almost no possibility I'd buy anything but a new Fit EX.


I'm not a handy person, but I had the seats in all possible configurations in 5 minutes. I love that you can flip down the rear headrests.


Likewise I'm no techie, so it's beyond me how anyone complains about the utterly intuitive infotainment system. (P.S. to the poster who prefers fixed to dynamic line in the back-up camera: it's a setting. I found it immediately.)


The visibility is brilliant, the materials and execution are a cut above (I really like the Jetsons fabric pattern), and the sunroof is overhead, unlike so many swoopy cars where it's behind me.


The only things I didn't like were the way you could see the seat rails under the front seats, and that the tailgate was a tad rattly when closed...but then every other one was too save the Golf. Big whoop.


The Kia Soul felt more claustrophobic even with that gorgeous panoramic sunroof, and the doors clang. The Sonic was woeful. The Buick Encore was way too expensive. The Ford Focus' interior suddenly seems baroque, and not very airy. I loved the Fiesta ST, but, not having owned a car in decades, can only imagine the insurance and my inability to appreciate or control its performance (cheap if you get nothing but the moon roof at $21K, though). And it was truly very small inside. The interminable rest aren't worth mentioning.


I just loved sitting in that Fit seat, looking at that dash, and out those windows. In case you wonder, I work for the phone company, not Honda.


Anyway, my 2 cents, and I'll post in other threads for convenience. (3rd and last)

 

Curious - what did they have at the NYC show? Did they have more than one Fit, and was one of them a manny? Was going to blow off the show, but might now go after work tomorrow. Thanks.