Test drive Honda Fit ev since 2012 Hatchback
Overview of hybrid hatchback Honda Fit RS Hybrid for the Japanese market
Primus inter pares Fit Hybrid RS ... When I first heard the name, I was immediately reminded of the famous advertising in Japan insect repellent with the slogan smells and does not stink. The announcer says that this tool is not only effective against arthropods, but also has no unpleasant smell of naphthalene. On the contrary, it pleases the consumer sorts with light floral aromas. By combining the two in one, this product enjoys in Japan is very good demand.
Also Fit Hybrid RS: on the one hand advertising slogans do not stop praising its efficiency, on the other RS \u200b\u200babbreviation makes it clear that this is not nothing but a sports car. Sportiness and fuel economy? At first glance it may seem that these two concepts are not tally with each other, and therefore the model initially causes mild surprise. What are there still more?
Premiere of a new late model Honda Fit in May 2012. In addition to the said version of the RS, the lineup of hybrids also added a complete set and XH She's. XH represents the luxury model. It boasts a luxurious exterior and interior, as well as excellent noise isolation. She's a female version of the development team was created specifically for women, and a stylish design. The basis of RS concept are concepts such as quality improvement, pleasant movement and control. Cost of the car is 1.96 million yen (about $ 23,600), making it the most expensive representative of the lineup and builds into the category of top configuration Honda Fit.
sales of hybrid versions of the Fit is growing every month, hence there was a need to diversify the product range. Do not forget that the RS, as well as the female version of the Fit Hybrid is a typical marketing ploy.
The propulsion system of CR-Z
While the base model is equipped with a 1.3-liter engine producing 88 hp, RS equipped polutoralitrovye engine capable of delivering 114 horses.
Additional 26 hp Provide wide freedom of action and influential dynamics. In both models there is an electric motor with a capacity of 14 hp A similar tandem of an electric motor with a 1.5 liter engine is not a novelty: the CR-Z model is equipped with exactly the same power setting.
The new Fit Hybrid RS received both the variator and the 6-speed mechanics. We decided to experience a version with the variator. The car has three driving modes: Sport, Normal and Econ. Management of modes is carried out using the appropriate buttons the next similarity with CR-Z. The buttons themselves are distinguished far from the right bottom of the dashboard. Because of them, they constantly have to reach, they are not very convenient to manage them. In my opinion, they should be placed immediately to the right of the devices, as did it in the CR-Z.
Normal mode is the default mode. During the test drive, we decided to use economical ECON mode as often as possible. In this mode, for a more economical fuel consumption, the engine undertakes turns, and the transmission rapidly increases the transmissions. The responsiveness of the motor to work the gas pedal becomes quite sluggish. The mode is ideal for slow motion in the transport stream, but does not allow you to enjoy the car dynamics.
In ECON mode, the car tries to spend the minimum of electricity, so the air conditioner also switches to the energy-saving mode. During stops, the start-stop system is shuffling the engine, while often with it is turned off and air conditioning. Hot summer this flaw will probably be especially noticeable.
In order not to experience strong discomfort on the way, during the start of the engine on the traffic light, you can switch to Normal mode, and gaining a certain speed, go back to economical mode. Our test drive mainly passed in suburban conditions, the traffic lights were not enough, so this way of driving perfectly corresponded to the situation. On crowded roads, Tokyo, the situation, of course, is completely different.
Dramatic change in behavior Compared with Honda CR-Z sensations while driving softer. The model was created on the basis of a family car, so the difference in the characters is noticeable. The car was equipped with elements that reduce aerodynamic resistance, and a falseradiator grille was decorated with LEDs in general, the appearance of RS is not as threatening and aggressive as CR-Z. As for the interior, the updates mainly affected the steering wheel and the dashboard, but the general features of the design here are the same as the basic model.
In hybrid cars, the speedometer is usually present graphically displaying energy consumption, but the developers of this model abstained from the implementation of such a function. Probably decided not to distract the driver with excess flashes before his eyes. But it is worth switching to the Sport mode and the devices will still make it felt. Light bulbs that first glowed blue or green, sharply light up with an energetic red color, reviving the salon and attending the driver.
Captural change in the behavior of the engine you feel without all of these visual effects. First of all, it is manifested in sound. Quietly buried the motor as if wakes up after a long hibernation and is filled with energy. The keen roar of the engine sets a combat mood. The slightest pressure on the gas pedal and the car, rapidly gaining momentum, starts immediate acceleration. As in CR-Z, in this model, two completely different characters have been embodied.
During the test drive, we drove without a small 400 km. Fuel consumption with full tank amounted to 19.7 km / l. Shortly before that, I happened to drive about the same distance on the CR-Z. The fuel consumption was 16.2 km / l. Despite the fact that both models are equipped with the same power plant, Fit demonstrates greater efficiency. True, unlike the tested model, the CR-Z was equipped with a mechanical gearbox, which put it in a slightly less favorable position. By the way, when I tested the standard version of Fit Hybrid, the expense was 17.4 km / l. Of course, it all depends on the road conditions, and it is often often impossible to carry out an accurate comparison. And yet, RS can be rightfully called surprisingly economical car.
Developers provided RS magnificent dynamicity, without forgetting the main dignity of hybrid cars low fuel consumption. In addition, RS per 500.000 yen (about $ 6.000) is cheaper than CR-Z. I am confident that this hybrid with a sports filling will have to do with many souls.
Honda Fit Hybrid RS (front wheel drive / variator)
Cost: 2 262 500 yen (about $ 27 250)
Specifications:
Total Length: 3915 mm
Total width: 1695 mm
Total height: 1525 mm
Wheel base: 2500 mm
Mass: 1130 kg
Drive Type: Front
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder 16-valve SOHC volume of 1.5 liters
Maximum power: 114 hp / 6000 vol. min.
Maximum torque: 14.7 kgm / 4800 vol. min.
Electromotor: 14 hp / 1500 about. min.; 8 kgm / 1000 vol. min.
Cost: 1 960 000 yen (about $ 23,600)
The cost of the test model: 2 262 500 yen (about $ 27 260): Honda HDD INTER NAVI system + Linkup Free: 250,000 yen system (about $ 3,000); Honda Smart Key: 52 500 yen system (about $ 630).
A source: carview.co.jp.