2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contender: Honda Fit
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Open the dictionary to "right car for the times," and you're likely to see a photo of the all-new 2009 Honda Fit subcompact. Version 1 (2006 in the U.S.) of Honda's cheeky five-seater quickly began selling far beyond its projected rate of 50,000 units per year. With the new, Generation II model, Honda may well move nearly twice that many.
The Fit is a ball to drive. The 1.5L four-cylinder, breathing via VTEC, spins to its 6600-rpm power peak (117 hp) like a puppy on the loose, urging the Fit from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 sec. Sports-car thrust it isn't, but the Fit is so happy at its work you almost don't care. The five-speed manual (a five-speed auto with paddles is optional) works better than units in cars costing far more; it flicks through its gates with a light touch. Clutch takeup is syrup-smooth.
You won't mistake the Fit for a Porsche, but on the twisty stuff you won't feel let down, either. The diminutive, 16-in. 185/55 tires hang on with 0.81 g of grip -- nipping on the new Mazda6 GT and the Audi A4 -- and steering forces build up nicely through the wheel. Stopping is the Fit's weakest performance parameter; the brakes need 138 ft for 60-to-0-mph stops.
Fuel economy is down a bit from the previous model but still checks in at 27/33 mpg city/highway. Not bad considering there's room for four adults (even five for short trips) plus "magic" rear seats that effortlessly fold down -- creating a huge flat cargo floor (and nearly 60 cu ft of room).
Does the Honda Fit have what it takes to be the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year? Find out on Nov. 18.
Photography by Brian Vance and Julia LaPalme
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