Honda has decided to launch the Honda Fit (also known as the Honda Jazz) into the United States next month. They’ve taken their time; it was launched in Japan in 2001. Why has it taken 5 years for it to come to the US? Has Honda been tempted by BMW’s stunning success with the Mini? Maybe not; Honda Fit is a great car but it’s not the same type. Mini is about fashion, sports and fun, whereas the Fit is about practicality, family values, and long lasting efficiency. Is Honda simply reacting to new market demand for smaller efficient cars due to higher fuel prices? Yes probably, together with the Civic growing and leaving too large a gap at the bottom of the range.
Before the launch of the Fit in Europe, Honda introduced the ageing Logo. Many observers were intrigued but it was simply to gain a presence in the small car market before the new Fit arrived. I think Honda is repeating itself, using the Fit to get a toehold in the US small hatchback market. Then its successor arrives to take the market by storm. However that shouldn’t detract from the car about to be launched. It is a fantastic large-small car; I am on my third one.
Little technicalities intrigue me. They get under my skin and enter my dreams. I’ve had a few uncomfortable nights wondering about the auto gearbox on the Fit. Early indications were they had replaced the wonderful CVT with a more traditional 5sp auto. I couldn’t understand why they would go to the re-engineering effort for (in my view) a retrograde step. Kindly a Honda spokesperson has put me out of my misery, and confirmed that a traditional auto gearbox is being used, because Honda felt it better suited American tastes and driving habits.
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