Test Drive Honda Fit 2008 - 2010
Report on the test drive of the updated version of Honda Fit (including a hybrid model)
Minor changes perfect result! Significant external changes have undergone the facial part of the car. The main emphasis here was made to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the model. The lower part of the car and the engine compartment are covered with aerodynamic kit. The photo shows the basic model 13G. It has halogen headlights, and the side mirrors are not equipped with an electronic control system and a light signal. Side mirrors in the SMART SELECTION and F-Package sets are coming with an electronic control system and light diodes. The tire size on the front-wheel drive model is 175/65 R14, on the model with a full drive 175/65 R15. The top 2x modification is equipped with 175/65 R15 tires, and sports RS has 185/55 R16 tires.
Sport model RS. The front and rear parts of the car are equipped with aerobampers, body sidewalls are installed on the sidewalls. Also in the rear, you can observe a large spoiler and nozzle on the exhaust pipe. The radiator grille has a cat-shaped structure, fog lights are installed in the front bumper. 16-inch wheels are equipped with aluminum cast discs.
Honda Fit does not need a presentation. It is enough just to say that this car occupies a leading place for sales not only in the compact car market, but also among all Japanese cars in general. At one time, Honda Fit produced a real extension, bypassing the number of registered cars at that time toyota Corolla.
Honestly, I was surprised how small changes were subjected to a model range this time, and how perfect result turned out. Of course, the release of modifications with a hybrid engine deserves a separate conversation. The remaining models of the line in the second generation began to show their individual traits brighter. So, RS has given even more sportiness, in 15x the main emphasis was made to reduce fuel consumption, and in the base model 13G / 13L, almost everything was polished to the brilliance.
The leader in the number of sales will certainly be the basic model 13G / 13L. At first glance, the appearance did not undergo special changes. However, if you look good, in the front of the car you can see several new parts, and the LED rear lights give a completely new appearance of the back of the car. In the cabin, all the buttons and switches are now much friendly in appearance, and the trunk has become much more convenient to use. If you compare the new fit with the previous version, you can see that almost every car detail has been subjected to one or another improvements.
However, the most close attention deserves not external, but the inner side of the updated Fit. Fuel consumption in 13G / 13L in test mode 10-15 decreased to 24.5 km / l (4.1 liters per 100 km). The model also has improved aerodynamic characteristics, the LEDs used in the rear headers are consumed at times less electricity, and to improve the engine performance during the cold, a heat exchanger is installed, heating fluid in the variator. Well, in order to most effectively use the possibilities of the car for economy fuel consumption, the ECON mode, familiar to us since the Insight times. Qualitatively new level?
Salon of the basic model 13G. In the configuration of the F-Package, the driver's seat can be adjusted in height. Rear seats, as in the models of the previous generation, you can add and completely omit. The luggage separation of top models is increased by 1200 mm. The rear seat is equipped with a two-point middle seat belt. Side pillows and security curtains are optional for top models, which once again makes you think about the level of safety of the car.
On the right in the photo shows the ECON mode switch mode of the economical fuel consumption. In my opinion, he is the place on the steering wheel. On the left there are switches of the new Optional Smart Parking Assist system, which helps the driver during car parking. With its help, the car can move forward at a speed of up to 10 km / h and back at a speed of up to 7 km / h, the volume volume level can be changed (this option is only available for model 13G).
Only passing a little on Honda Fit, you can truly realize how the model has advanced in its development. The first thing that makes the impression is the car handling. The car is confidently moving on a straight line, while there are no no negative sensations. Machine has become easy and pleasant.
I also pleased the incomplete ECON mode. During the ride in this mode, the responsiveness of the gas pedal is slightly dulled here, in principle, and the whole difference. With an open choke, you can easily achieve normal acceleration. The difference in the fuel consumption level is not particularly noticeable at first (if only not to count it every few minutes), but the final result is striking makes sense to use this mode every day.
The basic model, undoubtedly, came out gorgeous. What you can not say about 15x, the basic improvements of which were directed to Downsaising (in the Japanese automotive industry, the Concept Downsaysing involves improving the efficiency of the engine to reduce fuel consumption, reduced volume while maintaining power characteristics, etc.). I do not think that such a change will be very in demand. In this model, as well as in the Hybrid configuration, which will be discussed below, and in contrast to 13G, the lower part of the car was a major role. It's nice, of course, do not hear the noise in the way, but now you start paying attention to other outsiders, such, for example, like wind noise. Honestly, it can hardly be called perfect noise insulation. By gaining the speed, I follow the turnover of the engine, I note that on the one hand the car is not noise, it disappears quietly, with the other I have the feeling that the engine work volume is definitely not enough.
However, most of all I was disappointed with the appearance and design of the interior. The notorious qualitative changes are a new radiator grille and several parts of the trim, the interior has become more chromed, and the dashboard was painted into silver metallic. Brown interior decoration gives a car solidity.
Unfortunately, all this is only decoration the quality of the car remains the same as before. It is not clear why it was called similar changes to the transition to a qualitatively new level. The current owners of Honda Accord or Legend will rather prefer some imported VW Polo than new 15x.
Meet the new Hybrid!
As in Honda Insight, in Honda Fit Hybrid, the IMA system works in conjunction with a 1.3-liter I-VTEC engine. The Integrated Motor Assist system helps the engine during overclocking, braking and throughout the path, there is a function of recuperative braking feature characteristic of hybrid cars. During test tests, the FIT fuel efficiency was 29.0 km / l, yielding in this indicator insight 1 km / l. However, thanks to the improved improvements, this model was 70 kg more easily than Insight, the aerodynamics had improved significantly, the friction force at the tire became much lower, the brake resistance also decreased. All this eventually allowed Fit to compensate for the precious 1 km / l. Fuel consumption in JC08 mode is 26.0 km / l (3.8 l per 100 km).
The devices in their appearance do not differ much from those presented in Honda Insight. The photo shows the backlight while driving in normal mode, in economy mode the instruments just as in Insight begin to glow green. All IMA information is displayed on the display in the middle of the speedometer. There is also a function of evaluating the degree of efficiency of the ride and the function of providing the driver of useful tips. The new Hybrid advanced is aimed primarily on people who prefer advanced technology. Without a doubt, his popularity will be much higher than at the downsaysing version 15x.
The hybrid engine is a tandem of 1,3-liter motor and IMA system similar scheme is also used in Honda Insight. This model is inferior to insight on aerodynamic characteristics, however the weight of the machine, several parts that improve the aerodynamics, as well as new tires allowed to achieve a fuel consumption similar to INSIGHT 30 km / l (3.3 l per 100 km) in test mode 10-15.
The charm of the new hybrid version is not limited to low fuel consumption. Excellent car handling is also able to cause admiration. The difference in acceleration dynamics compared to the 1.5-liter motor is small. Car throughout the way will delight a decent acceleration. Due to its light weight, as well as the electric motor, Hybrid is robberly and stable.
Driving this machine is also easy and nice. The location of the heavy battery in the rear of the car helped better distribute weight.
However, Hybrid is unlikely to become a good acquisition for people who just want to try something new. Yes, the possibilities of the motor were significantly increased, but it still does not boast of high performance. 1.5 liter engines still have a much larger torque and output power.
As in the case of 15x, there are no significant insulation in Hybrid. Noises from the bottom of the car are practically not heard, and nevertheless, while driving in the ears there is a slightly annoying hum. Yes, and the noise of the notorious high-tech engine does not caress the hearing. In short, while this model clearly does not reach the title of a silent car or the car of the future.
Equipped with a car, of course, in full program. But it is hardly able to offer his owner something new and original. Of course, many will say that hybrids phenomenon is no longer new, and in general this model is very good. However, whether they will want to overpay for such pleasure and tootold will have to be undeloable: the cost of Hybrid is 1 million 590 thousand yen ($ 20,900). In my opinion, this is another important moment. RS surpassed expectations
Sports model RS, equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with I-VTEC system. The suspension stiffness is increased by the front strut and new levers. Optionally, you can install special front and rear shock absorbers, 13-inch brake discs, enlarged rear and front stabilizers, reinforced torsion suspension and EPS. Handling RS, if compared with the previous option, has become more stable and pleasant.
The model is equipped with exclusive seats, steering wheel and gear shift lever are covered with genuine leather, pedals are equipped with sports metal linings, instruments also have a unique design. The gear selector works more than on Civic Type R.
But RS, on the contrary, surpassed all the expectations. If the model of the previous generation did not have pronounced individual traits and, in fact, did not particularly differ from 15x, now the appearance, and the design of the interior, and the driving qualities, everything is unequivocally indicated by the sports orientation of the car.
The RS suspension is a bit rigid, however, along with it, the body of the car has significantly strengthened, so that there are no extra oscillations during the ride. Comfort ride at a qualitatively new level. Also significantly improved the overall reaction of the car. The return of the steering wheel is exceeding almost to perfection, control this model is a pleasure.
The output power of the engine is the same as in 15x. Compared to the variator (CVT), the manual gearbox allows in the range of low revolutions to fully open the choke and confidently start from the scene. To use a new 6-speed manual gearbox simply delight: the transfer numbers of the first three speeds are approximated, the manual transmission operates exceeds, I want to constantly stick the transfer for the transfer, even if it will not make sense!
What else to pay attention to immediately, it is on the absence of unpleasant noise from the mechanical gearbox. Both MCPP and the variator are equipped with a special silencer, thanks to which the sounds from their work do not cut the hearing at all. However, since the variator is aimed primarily on saving fuel, if while driving on low revolutions to sharply press the accelerator pedal, the sound will not be the most pleasant. Moreover, it is typical for all cars. On the other hand, in the car's cabin with a manual box during switching to a higher speed, absolutely no extra sounds are heard.
Enjoying the trip to RS, I thought: What is the same charm of the Fit model range, for which many people like this model? I came to the conclusion that it is most likely ease of use. Probably, the age of comfortable cars has come. But if all the models have these qualities, why do you need 15x, RS, Hybrid will not enough for one 13G? This car is inexpensive, the driving quality is good, and there is plenty of place in the cabin. And since one model is able to combine ease of use with good practicality and inexpensive cost, will people give preference to her exclusively? ..
Something Fit is missing?
Hybrid can be equipped with special environmental tires. The 100-kilogram rechargeable battery improves the car balance, and soft tires increase the feeling of comfort when driving. True, the next year the release of the new gasoline Mazda Demio is scheduled, the fuel consumption of which will reach 30 km / l. And for Europe, where the limit on exhaust emissions is 104 GR / km, as it is impossible, a new model from Nissan is suitable, equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharger engine, the fuel consumption will be as much as 95 km / l. All these factors are unlikely to contribute to the growth of hybrids in the near future.
The new model changed the appearance and location of the air conditioner switch, the console backlight appeared, the shape of the meaning drawer has changed. In general, the convenience and functionality of the car switched to a qualitatively new level. Still, all the models are good and have the right to exist! But in my opinion, such models, like 15x or hybrid, would have to differ harder from 13G and to exercise more individual traits.
Recently, cars coming from Honda pipelines are increasingly specific, characteristic of this feature manufacturer. And I think Fit also has these features. Honda Fit is a revolutionary project carried out under the corporate slogan of Honda a smaller car more. So Honda Fit, belonging to the European classification of passenger cars to class B, or a small class, is not inferior to cars with its internal space. Only Honda could embody a similar into life.
However, something is definitely not enough of this model. Excellent performance and ease of use This is definitely very good, but it is also important and delight that covers the driver, it is worth it only to touch the car, getting driving behind the wheel. The perfect car should be so that sowing behind the wheel, I wanted to chase everything in the light and clock on the roads, without having a clear destination.
Model 13G is not bad in itself. But it is not bad only as a reliable means of movement from point A to point B, no more. And hardly such a car can be called perfect.
And at the end I would like to write a few words about the cost and equipment. Currently, a hybrid model is leading in terms of sales, but over time, when the hypertension on the hybrid engine will slightly subsides, the first place will probably be for the 13G model equipped with a variator. Its value is 1 million 230 thousand yen or $ 16,185 (for comparison, the cost of the model of the previous generation was 1 million in 197 thousand yen or $ 15,750). Approximately the same amount is Nissan March 12x 1 million 229 thousand 550 yen or $ 16 184.
True, the consumption of fuel at the 13G model is not as low as Nissan March equipped with the Idle Stop system (26 km / l or 3.8 liters per 100 km), also the base model has no side mirrors equipped with an electronic control system, glass, protecting from ultra-purple rays, and the rear seat is not equipped with a two-point medium seat belt. However, all these joys are included in the F-Package package.
Soon, the model range will update the Toyota Vitz. I am pleased to spend another comparative analysis. I hope the new model, in addition to good value, the running characteristics and equipment, will also please their future owners just one fact of its existence. And I wish the Honda concern to not lose the enthusiasm with whom they proceeded to the project to improve their bestseller, and in the future it is also brighter to express the individuality of each model.
A source: carview.co.jp.
