Detroit motor show: Honda Fit

[Overheat]

Honda is to offer a version of the Jazz supermini in the US, albeit badged as the Fit, the name it takes in Japan.


Aimed at young and first-time buyers as an economy sub-compact, the Fit has been modified for US driving conditions and kitted out with the 109bhp 1.5-litre VTEC petrol unit. Five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

The fold-down, flip-up sliding rear seat is fitted as standard, giving excellent luggage space. Standard-fit kit will include front and side airbags and ABS. However, options will include a 16-watt sound system with iPod connections, larger wheels (the base model has just 14-inchers) and styling accessories - Honda is hoping for a rather younger buyers demographic than its elderly Jazz customers in Europe.
The Fit will go head-to-head with the Toyota Yaris, also launched in the US this week, and cheap models from the domestic car-makers such as the Chevrolet Aveo (aka Daewoo Kalos).

 

[chaos386]

Interesting. I wonder if they'll get the City too? (The City is the sedan/saloon version of the Jazz)

And I hope the 16W stereo was a typo...

 

[Jay]

Boy the Japanese are really ahead of the curve here. First the Toyota Yaris (which is based off the Echo/Scion xA-xB platform) the Honda fit, and Nissan is also introducing the Versa, which looks kinda sorta like a Renault.

 

[mautzel]

Yep, the Japanese find themselves in the lucky position of being instantly able to modify models they've been selling elsewhere for the US and putting them onto the market very quickly, I wouldn't be very surprised to see Opel models sold as Chevys or Saturns in the US rather soon as well.

 

[Blythy]

lets keep the corsa confined to europe.

 

[No Boss]

cool, i think more of these tiny city cars is just what the US needs. The more that come across the pond with cool gadgets and toys, may lead to a decline in SUV sales. (At least in the cities) Which would be good

 

[mautzel]

lets keep the corsa confined to europe.

Don't worry, you won't get it - we want to keep the reputation that European cars are better than Americans

 

[YF19pilot]

lets keep the corsa confined to europe.

Don't worry, you won't get it - we want to keep the reputation that European cars are better than Americans

So is that why all the French companies aren't selling in America?

 

[mautzel]

lets keep the corsa confined to europe.

Don't worry, you won't get it - we want to keep the reputation that European cars are better than Americans

So is that why all the French companies aren't selling in America?

:lol: Let's not forget the bigger Italian ones in particular...