Autoblog reviewed the next-generation Fit Jazz Hybrid (not US for now). I'm impressed - gives the Fit a Subaru Crosstrek feel and must-refreshed interior layout. Your thoughts?

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/06/10/...t-first-drive/

 

I think this could easily compete against the crosstrek. The question is how will this compete vs the HRV. It sounds like there’s no way it will be cheaper than the Hrv. In fact I wonder if this might just BECOME the Hrv and the Fit nameplate is retired.

The 187 lbft torque will be fine, but plenty of ppl will compared the 107hp unfavorably with competitors. I imagine either Honda needs to up that, or accept limiting the market to ppl who care only about the mini suv look and don’t care about hp bragging rights. 107hp will make for some concerning on-ramp behavior for big ‘ol US drivers in cities with higher highway speeds.

I’m imagining Honda is weighing production concerns here. They’ll have to find a place to produce it so it can get a high enough US domestic parts %, and that investment might look questionable given the current economic concerns. Easy to imagine they figure the old hrv design is selling well enough and just give that a facelift, as uncompetitive a car as I think that is.

 

I did the same - went to see the Fit - got steered to the HRV - saw the huge markup for AWD and poor MPG and less usable cargo area, and said give me your base LX (no MTs to be had in the NE last summer when I needed a car).

 

There are many parts of the world where the Jazz/Fit is the family car just like families that are struggling - see this article from a family limping their Subaru to keep running. Reminds me when I worked in R&D at a food company - their 101 training first described the target family for some of their products - those families in the SE USA had median incomes of $26,500 (2005 year).

article: https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...ueled-by-hope/

A 260,000-Mile Subaru Fueled by Hope: The Fear of Failure

Millions of Americans don't have enough in savings to cover a car repair. They also have cars regularly in need of repair. What's it like when your car is a blessing and a curse?