Honda to Begin Sales of the All-New Fit in Japan
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 178
From: NOVA
Honda to Begin Sales of the All-New Fit in Japan
I bought my Honda Fit 2008 Sport MT two days ago, and then saw the following in my news feeds today... hmm might have to trade-in when it reaches the US.
Honda Worldwide | October 18, 2007 "Honda to Begin Sales of the All-New Fit in Japan"
Pics
Honda Worldwide | October 18, 2007 "Honda to Begin Sales of the All-New Fit in Japan"
Pics
TOKYO, Japan, October 18, 2007–Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the all-new, completely redesigned Honda Fit on Friday, October 26, 2007. The Fit has gained popularity as a small car that features outstanding packaging, excellent fuel economy, and advanced styling.
The second-generation Fit was developed following the tradition of Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum<sup>*1</sup> concept with the goal of creating the ideal small car for a new age. To provide values which exceed customer expectations for a small car and to set a new benchmark in the highly competitive small car segment, packaging, utility and driving performance have been further advanced with the all-new Fit.
The packaging of the new Fit is based on Honda’s innovative center tank layout, with a longer wheelbase and wider track for enhanced interior space and practicality, combined with the small-car maneuverability of a 4.7-meter minimum turning radius. The front pillar has been moved forward to create a spacious interior, while the exterior boasts exhilarating styling. An ingenious interior layout helped create a comfortable cabin with space equivalent to a mid-sized sedan. The new Fit’s practicality has also been enhanced with four-mode “Ultra Seat” and three-mode “Ultra Luggage<sup>*2</sup>” storage spaces.
The new Fit’s dynamic performance is made possible by a newly developed 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum output of 73kW (100PS). Combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and newly developed torque converter, the engine provides enjoyable driving and class-leading<sup>*3</sup> 24 km/l fuel economy<sup>*4</sup>. The body rigidity and crash safety performance were also enhanced while maintaining weight equivalent to the previous model. Moreover, the newly designed chassis also helps achieve superior comfort and steady handling.
Newly added to the Fit lineup is a Road Sailing (RS) version which highlights a sportier and sophisticated character with a newly developed 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and a specially designed suspension with enhanced styling and a richer feel.
The second-generation Fit was developed following the tradition of Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum<sup>*1</sup> concept with the goal of creating the ideal small car for a new age. To provide values which exceed customer expectations for a small car and to set a new benchmark in the highly competitive small car segment, packaging, utility and driving performance have been further advanced with the all-new Fit.
The packaging of the new Fit is based on Honda’s innovative center tank layout, with a longer wheelbase and wider track for enhanced interior space and practicality, combined with the small-car maneuverability of a 4.7-meter minimum turning radius. The front pillar has been moved forward to create a spacious interior, while the exterior boasts exhilarating styling. An ingenious interior layout helped create a comfortable cabin with space equivalent to a mid-sized sedan. The new Fit’s practicality has also been enhanced with four-mode “Ultra Seat” and three-mode “Ultra Luggage<sup>*2</sup>” storage spaces.
The new Fit’s dynamic performance is made possible by a newly developed 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum output of 73kW (100PS). Combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and newly developed torque converter, the engine provides enjoyable driving and class-leading<sup>*3</sup> 24 km/l fuel economy<sup>*4</sup>. The body rigidity and crash safety performance were also enhanced while maintaining weight equivalent to the previous model. Moreover, the newly designed chassis also helps achieve superior comfort and steady handling.
Newly added to the Fit lineup is a Road Sailing (RS) version which highlights a sportier and sophisticated character with a newly developed 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and a specially designed suspension with enhanced styling and a richer feel.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 184
From: St. Paul, MN USA
In fact, in Japan, you can get a 4WD in just about any car you want.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 89
From: Jupiter
AWD Fit
jacksan1, thanks for the reply. I lived in Japan for 3 years but that was a long time ago. '74-'77. At that time there were no AWD etc. to speak of and I was just wondering if the info is strictly JDM or will the U.S. models have AWD? Thanks again, phasfit
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 184
From: St. Paul, MN USA
There are currently no plans for the USDM Fit to become available with AWD. It would be nice if they did, though. In those years you were in Japan, only Subaru had 4WD in so-called regular cars. It is rather amazing to see the list of JDM passenger cars today, since you really can count the models that are not available at all with 4WD/AWD with a single hand. Everything else in Japan, regardless of the size and displacement, body type or intended use, is available with 4WD/AWD. That makes sense if you remember that 70% of Japan is classified by cartographers as "mountainous," and it snows a lot in many parts.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 46
From: Orlando, FL
But then again, I think like Toyota, Honda always equips the AWD Cars with a Lower Displacement Engine, like a 1.3L instead of the "Punchy" 1.5L we get.
But I dunno.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 184
From: St. Paul, MN USA
I drove a Fit AWD in Japan (a rental). It came with 1.5. The latest JDM iteration has AWD available in both 1.3 and 1.5.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 66
From: Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Something like this?
Last edited by robwahoo; Dec 11, 2007 at 09:45 AM. Reason: fixed formatting
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 227
From: NYC
One thing I don't like about the evolution of cars is the fact that they always make them bigger. They need to leave the size alone and ignore the typical review stating that they are too small.... small is good , and fun
