*** have to wait until Oct. I guess ***

 

It will be very interesting to see what Honda does for the North American market Honda Fit, which (in my opinion!) will probably arrive in the USA probably late spring 2008 at earliest (if imported from Japan) or by September 2008 (if Honda uses the new Greensburg, IN assembly line to build the new model).

It's most likely we'll see the following:

1) Longer bumpers to meet NHTSA safety regulations.

2) Only the 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine will be available, rated at around 116-118 bhp SAE 08/04 net. However, Honda could offer the 1.3-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine if they can figure out how to make the car with this engine accelerate in a way that better suits American drivers.

3) May switch from 5AT to CVT automatic on the new model.

4) Will NOT offer the glass roof for safety reasons.

5) Might get unique-to-North America center front dash panel. Honda could offer a navigation system as a US$800 option.

 

Yes, we'll just have to wait and see where it goes. Good thing is, the aftermarket will have a year headstart before it arrives, so good chance for parts to be available by the time we'll need them. I do disagree w/ #4 though, only because the Scion tC has had an all-glass panorama roof for some years now, so it's at least a possibilty, though very unlikely.

 

was hoping for something with a bit more pep .
In the middle east the Honda Jazz already gets the 1.5L 121hp and 119 lb trq engine....

Was hoping newer models would get a slight improvement in the power department.

 

did they say the new fit would have a larger sized engine bay...maybe enough to fit a k20

 

Not that I've heard yet. K20 swaps aren't particularly popular over there, so I'd be surprised if it's something they're even paying attention to at this point. If I see something though, I'll post it.

 

You guys are on the lucky side for power it seems, so no telling what you may get by the time the car trickles down to your area -- I wouldn't write anything off just yet.

 

Maybe, maybe not. Since the first US market Fit was not originally designed for the US market, the front end was modified to meet standards. I have owned a few cars requiring such mods, one example was my long departed Renault Medallion with its longer nose than the attractive European R21 model.

But, the Yaris and Mini have the same bumpers as the cars were intended for US sales at design.

Another factor could be the changes to the European pedestrian safety standards that have required a few front end mods for some cars, the new Mini is an example.

Either way, time will tell.

Any mention of the rumored diesel motors for the US market?

 

It is an immaterial difference, but the official release date is now set for October 18, and the first date of delivery is October 26, which is the day before the Tokyo Motor Show opens this year. In other words, the press will get to see the next-gen Fit on October 18, and the dealerships in Japan are permitted to start delivery eight days later.

 

*** have to wait until Oct. I guess ***

 

Chikubi:

Please do post the real info about the engines! And of course other info you are allowed to post. *itch* *itch*

 

I think the new design looks great! The front grill looks like the design the new Accord uses.

Is there ANY possibility that the new generation of Fit will be smaller than the current model? I read that the wheelbase is longer - can anyone get the dimensions of the new US model?

Sounds crazy - but I actually want a smaller call - 90% of the time it's just me driving.

I see that the new model is supposed to get about 10 more HP - any word on fuel economy compared to the last gen?

 

The Honda boss did mention in an interview that there will be some total different gear in the new Fit!?
Do you have any more detailed information about the CVT?

 

No more than what I posted. Once the catalog, etc. gets here I'm sure I'll info in spades, but for now I have to wait and see if anything new pops up in blogs.

 

It's getting bigger(though by only a bit), and I don't see that trend changing anytime soon.

 

From the pics it looks like the gas tank can't be opened from the outside unlike the current Fit. Also it looks like there will be audio controls on the steering wheel. Someone else mentioned the headrests going all the way down so they won't have to be taken out. Hopefully Honda decides to release this for the 2009 model year in the U.S.

 

*** have to wait until Oct. I guess ***

 

I like the new one. I wouldn't trade in my NHB baby for a second gen Fit (F2, anyone?), but if I needed to add another car, I'd definitely get either one of the new ones, or maybe the Stream, as Autoblog reported today that the North American market may be getting that model for '09.

 

Just a short note -- I've removed the detailed 2nd gen Fit info at the request of a friend in order to prevent trouble for him. For now I guess everyone will have to wait again until Oct. or info leaks out else where. At least you got a little teaser.

 

More details and pictures including 2009 fit sitting in parking lot.

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