Test Driving The 2009 Fit?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 442
From: Ohio
Different engine (although it's still called 'L15A), theoretically higher mileage due to i-VTEC (continuously variable camshaft phasing) vs. VTEC on the 08s.
For fuel efficiency, new piston skirts and piston pattern coating (first for a mass production engine), an automatic belt tensioner on the A/C, alternator belt (less drag at low RPM = better fuel efficiency), integrated exhaust manifold (say goodbye to swapping out the header
, hello to integrated turbo manifold 
), they're even so obsessive as to change the valve cover from aluminum to plastic to reduce weight to increase fuel economy, like they did on the R-series. Something people who live in congested areas might be interested in is Creep Control to reduce wasted fuel during bumper to bumper traffic.
For anyone curious about power, the differences between these two include full 16 valve operation during both mild and hot camshaft engagement to optimize valve timing, vs. 12 valve operation during mild and 16 valve operation during the "hot" cam (intake valve area is up 4%). Essentially, this creates better airflow efficiency, increasing horsepower and torque over the entire powerband. The L15A also has a new rocker arm design and revised coolant passages in the water jacket to significantly reduce knock and increase low-RPM torque. New piston crowns, an integrated chamber-type resonator (induces sonic resonance to reduce a dip in torque at a specific RPM, but I can't remember off the top of my head where).
For fuel efficiency, new piston skirts and piston pattern coating (first for a mass production engine), an automatic belt tensioner on the A/C, alternator belt (less drag at low RPM = better fuel efficiency), integrated exhaust manifold (say goodbye to swapping out the header
, hello to integrated turbo manifold ), they're even so obsessive as to change the valve cover from aluminum to plastic to reduce weight to increase fuel economy, like they did on the R-series. Something people who live in congested areas might be interested in is Creep Control to reduce wasted fuel during bumper to bumper traffic.For anyone curious about power, the differences between these two include full 16 valve operation during both mild and hot camshaft engagement to optimize valve timing, vs. 12 valve operation during mild and 16 valve operation during the "hot" cam (intake valve area is up 4%). Essentially, this creates better airflow efficiency, increasing horsepower and torque over the entire powerband. The L15A also has a new rocker arm design and revised coolant passages in the water jacket to significantly reduce knock and increase low-RPM torque. New piston crowns, an integrated chamber-type resonator (induces sonic resonance to reduce a dip in torque at a specific RPM, but I can't remember off the top of my head where).
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 442
From: Ohio
EDIT: Oop. Got it
Current L15A - The Truly Amazing Honda Fit/Jazz
2009 L15A with i-VTEC - Honda L-Series SOHC i-VTEC Engines for the new GD Honda Fit/Jazz
And resonance is 3500RPM
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 516
From: new jersey
I just found another picture of the usdm red fit and it does have maplights. I was going to post the pic but it seems a bit complicated for right now.
I'll do it this way. http://picasaweb.google.com/home
Oops, try this, Picasa Web Albums - lenny
I'll do it this way. http://picasaweb.google.com/home
Oops, try this, Picasa Web Albums - lenny
nice investigative work
thanx!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 442
From: Ohio
Yes actually, I spoke to my contact at Honda two days ago and he let me know that the cars are out of paint and should be ready to be picked up. I was originally going to pick them up tomorrow, but I have something to take care of so I will hopefully be flying out Tuesday. If I make it out there and pick them up, expect a review in regards to real-world fuel efficiency, comfort, etc.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 831
From: Kentucky
Yes actually, I spoke to my contact at Honda two days ago and he let me know that the cars are out of paint and should be ready to be picked up. I was originally going to pick them up tomorrow, but I have something to take care of so I will hopefully be flying out Tuesday. If I make it out there and pick them up, expect a review in regards to real-world fuel efficiency, comfort, etc.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 549
From: Dublin, CA., USA
Different engine (although it's still called 'L15A), theoretically higher mileage due to i-VTEC (continuously variable camshaft phasing) vs. VTEC on the 08s.
For fuel efficiency, new piston skirts and piston pattern coating (first for a mass production engine), an automatic belt tensioner on the A/C, alternator belt (less drag at low RPM = better fuel efficiency), integrated exhaust manifold (say goodbye to swapping out the header, hello to integrated turbo manifold ), they're even so obsessive as to change the valve cover from aluminum to plastic to reduce weight to increase fuel economy, like they did on the R-series. Something people who live in congested areas might be interested in is Creep Control to reduce wasted fuel during bumper to bumper traffic.
For anyone curious about power, the differences between these two include full 16 valve operation during both mild and hot camshaft engagement to optimize valve timing, vs. 12 valve operation during mild and 16 valve operation during the "hot" cam (intake valve area is up 4%). Essentially, this creates better airflow efficiency, increasing horsepower and torque over the entire powerband. The L15A also has a new rocker arm design and revised coolant passages in the water jacket to significantly reduce knock and increase low-RPM torque. New piston crowns, an integrated chamber-type resonator (induces sonic resonance to reduce a dip in torque at a specific RPM, but I can't remember off the top of my head where).
For fuel efficiency, new piston skirts and piston pattern coating (first for a mass production engine), an automatic belt tensioner on the A/C, alternator belt (less drag at low RPM = better fuel efficiency), integrated exhaust manifold (say goodbye to swapping out the header
, hello to integrated turbo manifold ), they're even so obsessive as to change the valve cover from aluminum to plastic to reduce weight to increase fuel economy, like they did on the R-series. Something people who live in congested areas might be interested in is Creep Control to reduce wasted fuel during bumper to bumper traffic.For anyone curious about power, the differences between these two include full 16 valve operation during both mild and hot camshaft engagement to optimize valve timing, vs. 12 valve operation during mild and 16 valve operation during the "hot" cam (intake valve area is up 4%). Essentially, this creates better airflow efficiency, increasing horsepower and torque over the entire powerband. The L15A also has a new rocker arm design and revised coolant passages in the water jacket to significantly reduce knock and increase low-RPM torque. New piston crowns, an integrated chamber-type resonator (induces sonic resonance to reduce a dip in torque at a specific RPM, but I can't remember off the top of my head where).
RDS, I like what I hear from you! I might hate the front end extension and not be thrilled with stock look, but '09 is growing on me from the "inside"(with exception of 10 cup holder necessity logic!).
VTEC is not exactly genuine VTEC when you just take valves that are staying dormant and get them to work at at some higher rpm, IMO!
I am also curious to hear your impressions of the actual driving position. Does telescopic wheel has enough length in it's adjustment to get comfortable (unlike current Fit), or even allow for more reclined driving position. I am not laying in my seat like some, but I am more comfortable with 120+/-10 degree inclination like I enjoy in my CRX. Speaking of CRX, they had the best seats for my comfort preferences. If you could reference between current Fit seat and CRX seat as a reference in your evaluation, that would be awesome.
Considering your expertise level, I do not think that we could have hopped for a better and more accurate review of '09 Fit.
Thanks for your contributions!
Ivan
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 316
From: Tucson,AZ
Yes actually, I spoke to my contact at Honda two days ago and he let me know that the cars are out of paint and should be ready to be picked up. I was originally going to pick them up tomorrow, but I have something to take care of so I will hopefully be flying out Tuesday. If I make it out there and pick them up, expect a review in regards to real-world fuel efficiency, comfort, etc.
