2014 Honda Fit Expert Review
Reviewed by Karla Sanchez
Vehicle Overview
The Honda Fit set the standard in the subcompact car market when it was introduced in 2007, but the segment has become more crowded with quality entrants since then. While the 2014 Honda Fit is offered as an electric-only model, the 2013 Fit carries over until the completely redesigned 2015 model arrives.
The two trim levels available on the 2013 Honda Fit four-door hatchback are the Fit and Fit Sport. Both house a 1.5-liter four-cylinder underneath the hood that produces 117 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. Standard equipment for the base Fit includes 15-inch wheels, power doors and windows, keyless entry, cruise control, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Seats split 60/40 for maximum versatility. Although the Fit Sport doesn't get any power enhancements, it does look the part with bigger 16-inch wheels, rear spoiler, unique exterior appointments, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and paddle shifters (with automatic transmission). The Honda Fit is EPA rated at 27/33 mpg city/highway for manual-equipped models, and 28/35 mpg for automatic-equipped models.
Available only in select markets is the Fit EV, which is motivated by a 92-kW electric motor and 20-kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined 118 mpg-e. According to the EPA, the car can drive 82 miles on a single battery charge.
While the Honda Fit's 117 horses may not very impressive on paper, the Fit still feels decently quick. In MT testing, the 2012 Honda Fit
sprinted from 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, and although that won't set the world ablaze it's still able to keep up with traffic. We also lauded the Honda Fit for its crisp and direct steering. Perhaps the Fit's biggest trick though, it's its versatility, thanks to the Magic Seat, which is what makes the Fit the master of configurations. The seat can be folded flat, while the front seat can be folded down to accommodate longer items. For comparison, the Honda Fit swallows cargo with 57.3 cu-ft worth of space (with seats folded down) while the Chevrolet Sonic, and Kia Rio only offer 47.7-and 49.8 cu ft, respectively.
What's New for 2014
With an all-new 2015 model coming out in mid-2014, the 2013 carries over until then. The 2014 Fit is the low-volume EV model.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
Trying to fit in
