Honda Fit/Jazz
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| Honda Fit/Jazz | |
|---|---|
| Honda | |
| aka | Honda Fit (Japan, China, and North and South America) Honda Jazz (Europe, most Asian markets, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa) |
| Production | 2001 - Present (Japan) 2007 - Present (U.S.A.) |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body Style | 5-door hatchback, 4-Door Sedan (China) |
| Length | 157.4 in (3845 mm) |
| Width | 66.5 in (1675 mm) |
| Height | 60.0 in (1525 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 96.5 in (2450 mm) |
| Weight | 2432 MT/ 2514 AT |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic CVT / CVT-7 |
| Engine | 1.2 L L12A i-DSI I4 1.3 L L13A i-DSI I4 1.5 L L15A i-DSI I4 1.5 L L15A VTEC I4 |
| Power | 109 hp @ 5800 rpm 105 lb-ft of torque @ 4800 rpm N/A hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm |
| Similar | Toyota Yaris |
| Designer | Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort) |
The Honda Fit/Jazz is a five-door hatchback automobile produced by Honda of Japan, first introduced in June 2001. The vehicle is marketed as the "Fit" in Japan, China, and North and South America. It is called the "Jazz" in Europe, most Asian markets, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa.
Although the Fit is now one of Honda's global models, it experienced a very slow progression as it made its way around the world. The car first debuted in June of 2001 in Japan. It was then introduced to Europe (early 2002), Australia (late 2002), South America (early 2003), South-East Asia (late 2003), China (mid 2004), and Mexico (late 2005). A production model for the United States and Canadian markets debuted on January 8, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car was released in the US and Canada on April 20th, 2006. Unlike most Honda models, which traditionally have 4 or 5-year model cycles, the current generation Fit will remain around for a longer period of time due to its late release in North America.
See WikiCars' comprehensive Honda Fit Review.
Recent Changes
- For 2008, The Honda Fit/Jazz is all new. With styling borrowed from the handsome european civic hatchback, the new Fit/Jazz will be bigger than its predecessor. Details are scarce but JDM engine options are a new 1.3L VTEC providing 100 PS @ 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 13.2 kgm @ 4,500 and a 1.5L VTEC producing an output of 120 PS @ 6,300 rpm with a maximum torque of 14.9 kgm @ 4.800 rpm.[1]
Basic dimensions are as follows:
- Length: 3,900 mm (+55 mm or 2.2-inches from previous model)
- Width : 1,695 mm (+20 mm or 0.8-inches from previous model)
- Wheelbase: 2,500 mm (+50 mm or 2.0-inches from previous model).
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- The Honda Fit/Jazz has received a tuner garb from Honda's in-house tuning outfit Mugen. Included are two distinct bodykits: the more aggro RS Aero Kit and the sedate L/G Aero kit, both feature restyled front and rear fascia, a roof spoiler, side skirts, chromed exhaust pipes, alloy-wheels, aluminum pedals, extra gauges, sports exhaust system, quick shifter, sport suspension, brake pads and high-performance air-filter. [2]
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Styles and Major Options
The Fit is sold in 5 variations. All Fit models throughout the world utilize one of these 5 distinct codes. They are found in the vehicle’s identification number (VIN):
- GD1: 1.3 L L13A engine 2WD
- GD2: 1.3 L L13A engine 4WD (Japan only)
- GD3: 1.5 L L15A engine 2WD
- GD4: 1.5 L L15A engine 4WD (Japan only)
- GD5: 1.2 L L12A engine 2WD (Europe only)
Pricing
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| MODEL Trims | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fit 5-Speed Man | Fit 5-Speed Auto | Fit Sport 5-Speed Man | Fit Sport 5-Speed Auto | Fit Sport w/ Nav 5-Speed Man | Fit Sport w/ Nav 5-Speed Auto |
| MSRP | |||||
| $14,550 | $15,350 | $16,060 | $16,910 | $17,910 | $18,760 |
| Invoice | |||||
| $Price1 | $Price2 | $Price3 | $Price4 | $Price5 | $Price6 |
Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
| Trim | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit Manual | Fit Auto | Fit Sport Man/Auto | Trim4 |
| MPG | |||
| 27 city /33 highway | 28 city /35 highway | 27 city /33 highway | c/h |
Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
Performance
Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.
If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.
Reliability
- Consumer Reports states that the Fit's reliability has been well above average.
- RECALL ALERT: On January 19, 2008, Honda announced a recall affecting 34,300 MY 2007-2008 USDM Honda Fits originially sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The problem stems from a faulty sensor that is supposed to detect child seats and out-of-position passengers. In states that use road salt, the salt in melted snow water on a driver's shoes can penetrate into the carpet and corrode the wires for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) where it is routed. Severing that connection means that the passenger's front and side airbags will go off even if a child is in the front seat.[3][4]
Safety
Photos
2008
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Drivetrain
Depending on the region, the Fit is equipped with either a 1.2, 1.3, or 1.5 liter i-DSI engine, or a 1.5-liter VTEC engine. All four engines are based on Honda’s L-series engine family. The 8-valve i-DSI (intelligent dual & sequential) engines use two spark plugs per cylinder, allowing for a more complete burn of the gasoline, thereby reducing fuel consumption, and emissions, while allowing for maximum torque at mid-range rpms. The 1.5L VTEC engine has the typical 16-valve configuration. The engines are mated to a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), again depending on the region. Two forms of the CVT are offered: the regular, and the CVT-7. The CVT-7 has the traditional choice of gearless shifting, and a smooth, continuous flow of power with the added option of seven computer-controlled "gears" controlled by paddle shifters on the steering column.
Interior
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.
Resale Values
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| <MODEL> Year | |||
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| Year X | Year X-2 | Year X-3 | Year X-4 |
| Resale Value | |||
| $ | $ | $ | $ |
Platform
The Fit utilizes Honda's Global Small Car platform, which is also used by the Fit Aria/City (a sedan version of the Fit), the Airwave (a wagon version of the Fit Aria/City), the Mobilio, and the Mobilio Spike. One of the unique characteristics of the Fit, which is also present in the Fit Aria and Airwave, is the location of the fuel tank. Rather than placing it under the rear seats, it is located under the front seats, thereby freeing up valuable room in the back. It also allows for Honda’s "Magic Seat" system, called ULTR seat in Japan, which has five distinct seating modes:
- Normal: seats are in their normal position with seating for five.
- Utility: Either section (or both) of the 60:40 split rear seat sink down into the rear foot well as the rear seat back is lowered forward. This offers a low, perfectly flat surface that increases the cargo area substantially.
- Long: The rear seat behind the passenger folds down similar to utility mode, but the front passenger seat folds backward, leaving an area that can hold items as long as 2.4 meters (7.9 feet).
- Tall: Either section (or both) of the rear seat cushion fold up against the rear seat back, allowing for an area of 1.28 meters (4.2 feet) in height.
- Refresh: With the headrest of the front seat removed, the front seat back can be folded down to form a lounge-style sitting area.
Production
The Fit is produced in 5 factories throughout the world. Suzuka (Japan), Sumaré (Brazil), Guangzhou (China), Ayuttaya (Thailand), and Karawang (Indonesia). Models produced in Japan are Honda's home market, exported to Europe, as well the Canada and United States. The Brazilian factory supplies all of Latin America and the Caribbean. Chinese models are sold in the region, and also exported to Europe.
Regions
The Fit is marketed in different ways and has different characteristics throughout the world, depending on which region it is sold in.
Japan
Two engines (1.3 i-DSI and 1.5 VTEC) were initially offered, each with a number of trim lines ranging from the basic "Y" to the sporty "S". The 1.3 L i-DSI was available with only the regular CVT automatic. 1.5 L VTEC models are available with either the 5-speed manual, or the CVT-7. Unique to the Japanese market, the Fit is also available in 4WD. The 1.3 L engine was dropped in mid-2005.
Brazil
In Brazil, the Fit has the same two engines from the Japanese models (All Brazilian Honda cars have engines imported from Japan) and there are three trim levels available. Base model LX features the 1.3 i-DSI engine (which is marketed as 1.4 in Brazil). The second model in the range, the LXL, features the same engine from the LX, but has extra equipment. The top model is the EX, which has essentially the same equipment from the LXL, but comes with the 1.5 VTEC engine. All models are available with the 5-speed manual or the regular CVT automatic. There are neither side airbags nor side curtains available for the brazilian version. Note the position of the radio antenna position in the picture. Honda started selling the 2007 model in February 2006 with new bumpers and some cosmetic changes. The reference price is R$52,910 (around US$25,200) for Fit 1.5 EX MT on April 2006.
Europe
The European market also has two engines available. The European-only 1.2 i-DSI is offered as the base model in many countries, and can only be purchased with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.4 i-DSI is identical to the 1339 cc 1.3 i-DSI sold in Japan, but marketed as a 1.4 L to differentiate it from the smaller 1.2 L engine (ironically, at 1244 cc, it's closer to being a 1.3, than the bigger one is to a 1.4). 1.4 L models start out well-equipped with the 5-speed manual standard and the CVT-7 available as an option. All European models have ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes standard on every model. Side airbags are standard on 1.4 L models. In the United Kingdom, the Honda Jazz has received a serious amount of very good press. Most notably, the UK's biggest automotive service, by Top Gear, revealed that the Honda Jazz was the 4th best vehicle on UK roads, as voted by UK car owners. The enormous popularity of the Jazz has made it Honda's best-selling model in the region, comprising 30% of all European Honda sales. Honda originally intended to name the car Fitta, but did not take a liking to word's meaning in some languages ("fitta" is Swedish and Norwegian for "cunt"), resulting in a last-minute change.
North America
The Fit went on sale in the United States and Canada in April of 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle. It replaced the Civic hatchback (now exclusively sold in Europe as of 2006) for North America. Honda hopes to sell 33,000 Fits in 2006 and 50,000 per year afterwards to combat rival Toyota Motor Corporation's Scion marque. The Fit takes over for the Civic as Honda's chief entry-level subcompact; the Civic continues to grow in size and price and it was reclassified as a compact (larger than a subcompact) in 2001.
In keeping with Honda's safety initiative, the Fit is offered in North America with standard side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and ABS, in addition to the mandatory front airbags. Due to differing safety regulations, North American Fits have larger bumpers than the rest of the world, resulting in a slight increase in overall length.
The Fit is offered in two variants, Base and Sport. Differences are primarily limited to cosmetics and standard equipment. All models share the same 1.5 L 109 hp (81 kW) engine and standard 5-speed manual transmission. A conventional 5-speed automatic transmission is optional, instead of the CVT found throughout the rest of the world. The Fit Sport receives paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel when ordered with the automatic. The base model is priced at US$13,850, with the automatic transmission adding $800 and the Sport package adding $1,320.
Hybrid Models
A Honda Fit Hybrid is planned for the near future.
Awards
The Fit was named one of Car and Drivers "Top Ten" cars for 2007.
Design Quirks and Oddities
- Tamiya offers a model kit of the Fit in 1/24 scale, in two versions; one is a regular display model and the other a motorized version with a small electric motor and steerable front wheels, with parts to build a right- or left-hand drive version.. Ebbro offers a 1/43 scale diecast model in regular and Mugen versions, as well as a Fit Aria.
See also
