2009 Honda Fit First Drive at ABG, Hybrid Model Around 2010
2009 Honda FitThe friendly people at AutoblogGreen had a chance to drive a new 2009 Honda Fit, one of the small cars that Americans suddenly can't get enough of because of rising gasoline prices.
Honda Fit Hybrid Coming Around 2010Even more interesting than the regular Fit is the hybrid version that Honda is working on for around 2010. It should be built on the same platform as the 2009 Fit (more photos below), and AutoNews reported that it would be only about $2000 more expensive than the non-hybrid version. No info yet on fuel economy. We'd also like to see a 'clean diesel' version, but there is no word about that from Honda yet.
Technically, The Same But ImprovedThis new version of the Fit (known as the Jazz in most parts of the world) seems to be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. Most of the elements that made the original a good small car are still present, and despite being 44lbs heavier than the previous generation, the 2009 Fit gets slightly better fuel economy with 28 MPG city/35 MPG highway (automatic transmission). The 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine produces 9 hp more and 1 lb-ft of torque more than the previous model (117 HP and 106 ft-lb of torque). You still get the magic seats and relatively spacious ergonomic interior.
How Much Will it Cost?Prices are up about $600, with a starting point of $14,550, going up to $18,760 for a loaded model.
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