Zippy Honda offering clearly Fit for a king

  By Bob McHugh, Postmedia News

 Called the Honda Jazz in other countries around the world, the Honda Fit is one of the most funto-drive subcompacts out there.

It comes with an adaptable interior that offers amazing utility and is cleverly designed to utilize every scrap of space available. The transformation from passenger to cargo hauler can be done with incredible ease and speed.

The last major redesign of Fit was for the 2009 model year, just two years after its Canadian debut. The only significant change for 2011 is the inclusion of an electronic stability control system as a standard feature on the Sport edition.

Like all cars in this category, the Fit offers excellent fuel economy. And considering the highly volatile international oil market, and the quick effect that a change can have on gasoline prices at your local service station pump, owning a fuel-efficient car is certainly a smart move these days.

A little car in your driveway not only says that you want to conserve fuel, it also says that you're doing your part to stop global warming. Fuel usage and CO2 output are directly related, but a surprise for many new to small car ownership is that they can also be very enjoyable vehicles to drive.

That's certainly the case with the Honda Fit, which is offered in three trim levels; a base DX, LX and topline Sport edition. All come with a 117-horsepower 1.5-litre engine, six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, and a unique multi-configurable 60-40-split "magic" rear seat.

The top-line Fit Sport comes with a 160-watt audio system with six speakers, MP3 capability and 5-mode equalizer, remote keyless entry, fog lights, rear roofline spoiler, an underbody kit, cruise control with steering wheel controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The '09 redesign gave the Fit a small increase in length (11 cm), more inside room, more power and improved on its already excellent fuel-efficiency. The new design also positioned the front pillars further forward to create some extra inner space and the prime benefactors, with more leg and head room, were the rear passengers.

Fit's new generation body was made more rigid through greater use of high-tensile steel, up from 40 per cent to 54 per cent. On the inside it also got a new dash with a two-tier glovebox, a wide rest pedal for the driver's left foot and a tilt and telescopic steering column.

THE SPECS: 2011 HONDA FIT

Trim levels: DX, DX-A, LX and Sport

Sticker price: $14,480 to $18,780

Power: 1.5-litre I4, 117-horsepower.

Transmission: Five-speed manual or automatic

Fuel consumption (man): 7.2/5.7 L /100 km (city/highway)

Fuel consumption (auto): 7.1/5.5 l/100 km (city/highway)

Basic warranty: 3 years/60,000 km

Powertrain warranty: 5 years/ 100,000 km

Rust warranty: 5 years/unlimited km