This new version is a big upgrade, including a telescoping wheel, even more cargo/seat versatility, and (a big issue for me): more sound proofing. Even my Accord wagon was noisy on the road (so was my Civic wagon, 1986 model), and to me the biggest drawback re my 2007 Fit. Those of you who have the 2008 model -- how is the road noise? Is it exactly the same model they're talking about in this article, introduced in Japan? Do we 2007 owners have a classic car, or a prototype that's been improved since we bought? What about price? Did you get all these extras without a big price jump over the 2007 model?

Honda Worldwide | October 18, 2007 "Honda to Begin Sales of the All-New Fit in Japan"

 

see I dont know... I like my fits front end a lot better, but then again this car does get 10mpg estimated improved efficiency. That and it pulls 120hp instead of 109 (exhaust and intake improvements). I have to wonder if they purposely restrict the exhaust and intake on early gens to allow improvement for the newer gens as a marketing scheme? who knows. Either way, good find man... I have been looking at these for awhile just to see where they go but all in all, I still like the classic honda look!

 

Im not doubting the 2009 Fit will e a solid car for the money, probaly by far the best in its class. I just cant get over the ugly front end, it looks HORRIBLE to me.
Plus i really do think the GD3 in America is and will be an Icon for Honda. Will the next Fit be an Icon, i dont think so.

Tyler

 

New front end looks like an insect. Its not bad, but I like the older design better.

Also according to the specs it gets 24km per liter. Someone check my math.

24km is approx 14 miles
1 liter is approx .25 gal

Soooo 1 gallon should get 56mpg? Am I missing something? Thats pretty darn good!!

 

That is the 1.3L (not avail in US) engine's km/l number! The 1.5L gets 19km/l ~ 44.6 mpg.

 

I dont think they will make numbers like that, how can they be just as good as a hybrid without hybrid technology. I like how they made all the improvments for the newer fits but they shouldnt have to try and "improve" the look of it. it doesnt look as good as our fits. it is just like the new accord also...they are soooo ugly.

 

I don't think that article is the most accurate one, I think they released some information more recently but I'm at work so I can't search. The US Spec is a bit different from what I recall

 

Keep in mind it is talking about a non-North America model and the Japanese fuel consumption estimation is different from NA's.

 

True...I wonder what the US specs are going to be. I bought my Fit totally from a daily driver and mpg perspective. I can like with the dubious looks. Was about to say dam if the new Fit got 56mpg, I am trading up!

 

Irregardless of the information source, the USDM mpg numbers are undoubtedly going to be different than JDM. The '09 Fit does offer some intriguing tweaks... The moonroof being the feature I'll envy most. That said, I'm with TOOL all the way on the cosmetic changes - the '09 front end just doesn't work for me. The overall aesthetic of our '07s and '08s is at the same time unique, yet 100 percent Honda. Icon is a good word. The '09 drifts a little bit too close to being simply a mini-minivan.

However, it will still be a Honda, and there's no denying the cred of its pedigree. It'll be a terrific car, and I'll be surprised if they don't roll out in much bigger numbers than did our current year models.