I'm in a bit of a situation.
The 2009 honda fit seems to be a more refined car (loaded) than the 2008 but in the pictures it just looks huge. I understand that the videos that I see on honda.jp.co are of the japanese model. It looks small and sporty. The US version featured at the auto shows just looks bulbous like a ford focus.

Can anyone tell me how much longer the new fit is vs the old fit. JDM vs. US length? This is going to be a big deal to me because I'll just get a 2008 because I want a smaller nimbler car (even if it has a shorter wheelbase). If the difference is negligible than I'll just sit and watch my calendar for the new one (and just JDM the snot out of it).

Thanks freaks

 

Search, look through the 2009 Fit thread, etc. This has been discussed a ton.

 

2009 USDM overall length 41??mm
2009 JDM overall length 3900mm

old USDM overall length 3999mm
old JDM overall length 3845mm

 

Thanks....

That 2009 fit thread was 51 pages long. Saved me time

 

Supposedly the 09 Fit isn't bigger outside; they moved the front compartment forward a liitle rakingthe windshield back more and moved the rear compartment rearward to yield extra back seat room. (thats one of the two items the Fit fails the Versa, the other being power). And of course the power is increased to 119 (compared to 122); they don't mention the torque difference and CVT transmission, which still separates the two.
For those who think that doesn't matter, compare the sales of Versas vs Fits. (2:1)
The real advantage of the FIt is its superior handling compared to the Versa but I don't know yet if thats been affected in 09. I owned both and can assure you the Versa drives like my father's Oldsmobile.

 

I believe they did also increase the wheelbase by ~2".

 

IIRC the difference in volume had to do with Honda underestimating the popularity of the car in the US market, not the hp delta in comparison to the Versa.

 

For those of us who participated in taking a survey of actual buyers of both Versas and Fits we beg to differ. Interior room for working family buyers was a big turnoff. Only where a family would not have only the one car did the Fit shine. Honda reacted with extra rear seat room in the 09's for exactly tthat reason.
PS the Toyota also sold more than Honda but many were turned off by its small size, but still bought anyway because it was a Toyota.
PPS It was even suggested to Honda that the 1700 cc engine be siamesed a la VW's 6 in order to fit in the engine compartment of the Fit.
As some have pointed out the 1500 works too hard for American driving and many Civics easily gave better mpg than the Fit. Honda is aware of that.