2009 Honda Fit - Overview

Efficient meets cool. All over again.

A spacious, versatile interior and premium features in a compact, affordable, fuel-efficient package made the original Fit a huge success. The all-new Fit is even better. Outstanding fuel economy makes it affordable and environmentally responsible. It's even more spacious, and more powerful, with a super-efficient new 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine. The Magic Seat® now dives down at the flip of a single lever, and flexible interior configurations help you get it all done. Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and other advanced safety features help protect vehicle occupants and provide injury mitigation for pedestrians. And with its super-forward aero-form design, the new Fit has a cool new look. It's already won awards and fans all over the world, but the Fit is not standing still. The ideal small car just got better.

• Super-forward aero-form design
• More powerful 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine
• Outstanding fuel economy and environmental performance
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
• Improved Magic Seat® with one-motion dive-down mechanism
• Available Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (Fit Sport)
• Available Vehicle Stability Assist™ (Fit Sport)

Key Features

• A quick reference guide to everything Fit

Fun Functional

• What the Fit can do for the customer

Safety

• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structureNEW
• Pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle
• Standard dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags
• Standard front-side and side-curtain airbags
• 3-point seat belts in all positions
• Driver and front passenger Active Head Restraints NEW
• Standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Available Vehicle Stability Assist™ (Fit Sport) NEW

Packaging

• More spacious interior NEW
• More rear headroom and legroom NEW
• Lower tailgate opening for easier loading and unloading NEW
• Small car maneuverability
• Wide-opening rear doors

Body Styling and Structure

• Super-forward aero-form design NEW
• Distinctive honeycomb grille and larger, sharply styled headlights NEW
• Large front quarter windows and front windshield for enhanced visibility NEW
• Front body rigidity increased 164% NEW
• Enhanced, stronger body structure NEW

Interior

• Standard air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks
• Tilt and telescopic steering column NEW
• Current and average fuel consumption indicators NEW
• Driver's footrest NEW
• Maintenance Minder™ system
• Driver and front passenger vanity mirrors NEW
• 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (Fit Sport) NEW
• Available USB audio interface (Fit Sport) NEW

Utility

• Improved 60/40 split Magic Seat® with one-motion dive-down mechanism NEW
• Multi-mode interior configurations NEW
• Accommodating storage pockets, compartments and beverage holders

Chassis

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Torsion beam rear suspension
• Improved suspension geometry NEW
• High-capacity Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• 15-inch wheels (16-inch alloy wheels on Fit Sport) NEW

Powertrain

• More powerful 117 horsepower 1.5-liter 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC engine NEW
• Estimated EPA fuel economy: 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (Fit AT)
• 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (MT / Fit Sport AT)
• CARB EPA-rated ULEV-2 emissions, Tier-2 Bin-5
• Low-friction engine design
• Composite intake manifold with torque-enhancing resonator chamber NEW
• Drive-by-Wire throttle control
• Exhaust manifold-integrated cylinder head with high temperature catalytic converter NEW
• Standard 5-speed manual transmission and available 5-speed automatic transmission

Fit Sport

• Fog lights and chrome headlight bezels
• Body-colored underbody kit and rear roofline spoiler
• Chrome exhaust finisher NEW
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Security system with remote entry
• Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated controls
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters with sport mode indicator (5-speed automatic transmission)
• Cruise control
• Map lights NEW
• 6-speaker sound system
• USB audio interface
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) included on navigation-equipped models NEW
• Driver's armrest

2009 Honda Fit - Key Features

Safety

The new Fit offers enhanced safety features. Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) makes the Fit highly effective at absorbing the energy of a frontal crash. It also helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride, which can occur during head-on or offset-frontal impacts with a significantly larger or smaller vehicle. This not only provides improved protection for vehicle occupants, but also helps mitigate damage to other vehicles.

In addition to dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, every Fit features front side airbags with a passenger-side occupant position detection system and a side curtain airbag system to help protect occupants' heads and necks in the event of a side collision. Three-point seatbelts are standard in all seating positions. Also standard is a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, which provides rigid attachment points in the outboard rear seats for up to two child seats.

Additional standard safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and brake assist, front seat belts with automatic tensioning systems, new driver and front passenger Active Head Restraints, and a pedestrian injury mitigation body design in the front of the vehicle. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is available on the Fit Sport.

Body

The new Fit features several design innovations to further enhance its active, smart appearance, aerodynamically sleek form and highly rigid construction. Most striking among these is the new super-forward aero-form design, achieved by positioning the front pillar as far forward as possible, for maximum visual impact. The expanded windshield and large front quarter windows improve visibility while making the cabin feel even more spacious. A distinctive honeycomb grille and larger, more sharply styled headlights add a feel of dynamism and presence. Fluid, arcing lines highlight the sleek contours of the upper body's tapered, aerodynamic form.

Structural innovations in key areas throughout the body and frame increase rigidity with minimum additional weight, resulting in a high-performance body structure with compliant handling and enhanced safety performance. The new Fit's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure contributes to improved vehicle rigidity in addition to frontal collision safety. Strengthening of stress-bearing areas in the frame helps reduce vibrations that can cause noise and hum. The amount of high-tensile steel in the Fit's body has been increased from 40% to 54%, and front body rigidity has been increased 164%.

Packaging

The new Fit offers a further enhancement of the innovative center tank layout, making it even more spacious and easy to use. Extensive design innovations throughout - such as repositioning the windshield and roof peak and installing more slender pillars - enhance spaciousness and utility. And yet the new Fit maintains its distinctive small-car handling and maneuverability, with only marginal increases in length and width.

Interior

The new Fit takes advantage of the super-forward aero-form design to create an airy, spacious interior with added comfort and convenience. Interior layout improvements further enhance interior spaciousness. The newly designed dashboard features large, 3D gauges and a new LCD display that clearly displays current and average fuel consumption and other key information. Air conditioner performance is improved to meet the additional demands of the expanded glass area, and the controls are closer to the driver for easier operation.

The seats are redesigned for greater comfort and the new tilt and telescopic steering column provides maximum flexibility to fit a wide range of driver physiques. The broad footrest adds to driver comfort, and specially selected materials and trimmings throughout the interior enhance the new Fit's premium feel.

The new Fit features a 4-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system (6-speakers in the Fit Sport) with an auxiliary input jack for MP3 player and Windows Media® audio playback capability. The new Fit Sport is also equipped with a USB audio interface for connecting an iPod or other compatible audio devices. Also available on the Fit Sport is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with a 6.5-inch touch screen display and voice recognition which has PC card playback capability.

Utility

The 60/40 split Magic Seat®, a key feature of the Fit's versatile interior, has been made even more convenient with a one-motion dive-down mechanism that allows the rear seats to be folded down with the flip of a single lever, even when the front seats are all the way back. Four different interior configurations are available: Utility, Tall, Long and People modes. The new Fit also offers a full complement of storage pockets, compartments, and beverage holders conveniently located throughout the vehicle.

Chassis

Front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam suspension provide excellent handling characteristics and ride quality while allowing for ample cabin space with a low floor. In the new Fit, the chassis has been further refined to match the more rigid body and achieve an ideal balance between smooth ride comfort and crisp, nimble handling.

Geometry enhancements contribute to a smoother ride. The high-capacity Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides natural, crisp steering response at all speeds.

The Fit's front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes are equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) featuring Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Braking performance has been further enhanced in the new Fit to provide a more linear braking feel. Standard equipment includes 15-inch wheels with wheel covers on the Fit and 16-inch, 14-spoke alloy wheels on the Fit Sport.

Powertrain

The 2009 Fit's new 1.5-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine outputs a maximum of 117 hp at 6,600 rpm - 8 hp more than the current model. It is coupled with either a 5-speed manual transmission (standard) or a 5-speed automatic transmission (available). The Fit's efficient, compact engine features Honda's exclusive intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) valvetrain technology and delivers class-leading performance for the subcompact segment, along with excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

Larger-diameter intake valves and a resonator chamber in the intake manifold contribute more power and a smoother torque curve, while improvements to coolant flow and piston crown design result in increased low-end torque output. Engine friction has also been minimized with such innovations as a patterned coating on the piston skirts for improved oil retention and a self-tensioning ancillary driving belt, reducing engine resistance for better fuel economy. Other environmental performance technologies include an exhaust-manifold integrated cylinder head with high-temperature catalytic converter, along with high-precision air-fuel ratio control.

Improvements to the 5-speed automatic transmission include torque converter lockup to lower vehicle speeds for better fuel economy and a more linear feel. The automatic transmission-equipped Fit Sport features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that enhance the driving experience. The 5-speed manual transmission boasts a shorter shift stroke and lower gear ratios.

Fit Sport

The Fit Sport features a package of exterior and interior enhancements designed to bolster its sporty appearance and performance. Exterior amenites include fog lights, chrome headlight bezels, body-colored underbody kit and rear roofline spoiler, chrome exhaust finisher, and sporty 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior features a perforated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated steering-wheel mounted controls. The 5-speed automatic transmission model also includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a sport-mode indicator. Cruise control, map lights, four cargo tie-down anchors, and a 6-speaker sound system with USB interface for connecting an iPod or other compatible audio devices are also standard. A security system with remote entry provides an added layer of protection for this premium package. Also available for the Fit Sport is an optional package including Honda's Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®).

2009 Honda Fit - Fun Functional

Commuting

With its compact body and nimble handling, the new Fit is the ideal car for city living. Ample visibility both front and rear helps make navigation in tight quarters easier, and the versatile Magic Seat® gives the customer plenty of space to bring along an extra set of wheels. For commuting or going out for a night on the town, this car gets you there with economy and style.

Shopping

Ever tried to get a plant into your trunk? If you have, you'll know that a big problem with shopping can be getting everything home. The new Fit's cargo area gives you all the room you need - and its wide-opening hatch with a low, 24-inch sill makes it easy to load it all in.

Recreation

Stuff comes in all shapes and sizes. The Fit is designed to handle it. The ingenious Magic Seat® folds down at the touch of a lever to give you more than 57.3 cubic feet of carrying capacity. Fit in all your camping gear, bicycles, golf clubs, sound equipment, life jackets, paddles and everything else you need to make your weekend complete. And when you fold the front passenger seat all the way down, you'll be surprised at the long objects this car can handle - like a 7-foot, 9-inch surboard.

Road Trips

What do you look for in a car when planning a trip? The power to pass on the highway. A spacious, quiet interior with all the right comforts. Plenty of room for luggage. How about fuel economy to keep your expenses down? The new Fit offers all that and more. Its new, more powerful 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine delivers up to 35 mpg on the highway when matched with the available automatic transmission.

2009 Honda Fit - Safety

The new Fit: advanced performance in a compact form

With a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to make cars safer for occupants. Some of the new Fit's key safety features are Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™), which provides improved protection for vehicle occupants and helps mitigate damage to other vehicles; dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and a side curtain airbag system; and a pedestrian-injury mitigation front body design.

Standard safety features on all models

• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure NEW
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• 3-point seat belts in all seating positions
• Front seat belts with automatic tensioning system
• Driver and front passenger Active Head Restraints NEW
• Driver and front passenger seat belt reminder
• Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS)
• Front side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
• Side curtain airbag system (front and rear seats)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Side-impact door beams
• Pedestrian-injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle
• Outboard Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system (both rear seats)
• Child-proof rear door locks

Protecting occupants during collisions

The new Fit has an exceptionally strong body, built around the latest application of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology. New on the Fit for 2009, the revolutionary ACE™ body structure makes the new Fit highly effective at absorbing the energy of a frontal crash. It also helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride during head-on or offset frontal collisions with a larger or smaller vehicle. Using a sophisticated computer-assisted design process, the ACE™ body structure creates a network of fully integrated load-bearing elements that helps attenuate peak impact forces by more evenly distributing them across a relatively large area in the front of the vehicle.

Unlike most conventional designs that direct frontal crash energy only to the lower load-bearing structures in the front end, the ACE™ body structure actively channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. By engineering specific 'pathways' that help distribute these frontal impact forces throughout a greater percentage of the vehicle's overall structure, the ACE™ body structure can more effectively route them around and away from the passenger compartment to help limit cabin deformation and further improve occupant protection. Integral to the ACE™ body structure concept is its unique front main structure composed of polygonal frame members.

Newly designed lower dashboard cross-member

The dashboard's lower cross-member has been given a rounded, bow shape to disperse impact energy absorbed by the front frame rail on the impact side through both floor frame rails including the one on the opposite side. This configuration further improves the efficiency with which the impact of a collision is dispersed and absorbed.

Pedestrian-injury migitation: impact-absorbing front body design

The Fit is designed to help absorb energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically reduce the level of pedestrian injury in a collision.

1. Impact-energy absorbing hood

Space is provided with engine room components for the hood to bend and deform, absorbing impact energy.

2. Deformable hood hinges

The hood hinges are designed to deform easily.

3. Impact energy-absorbing front fenders

The front fender mounts and brackets are designed to deform easily to help absorb impact energy.

4. Deformable windshield wiper pivots

The wiper pivots are designed to deform and break away easily.

5. Impact energy-absorbing front bumper

The front bumper beam is designed to serve as a cushion that helps absorb impact energy.

Protecting occupants from impacts on all sides

Already a leader in vehicle safety, Honda continues to implement leading airbag technology throughout the product lineup. Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all Fit models. In addition, the new Fit incorporates 3-point seat belts in all seating positions. Front seatbelts feature an automatic tensioning system and adjustable anchors.

Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags

Both the driver and front passenger are protected by advanced front airbags that incorporate dual-stage and dual-threshold activation technology. These features work together in the event of a deployment while helping minimize injuries sometimes caused by airbags. Honda's sophisticated dual-stage, dual-threshold system is designed to optimize the deployment rate to match the severity of a crash event.

Front side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)

Side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to provide upper torso protection in the event of a severe side impact. In addition, the front passenger's seat is equipped with an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), an innovative system designed to deactivate the side airbag if a child or small-statured adult leans into the side airbag deployment path.

Side curtain airbag system (front and rear)

The side curtain airbag system is designed to rapidly deploy in the event of a side collision to help protect the heads and necks of occupants. The large airbag covers almost the entire side window area, utilizing a low-temperature, compressed gas inflator to inflate. No fewer than five sensors are used to detect side collisions and determine optimum timing for airbag deployment.

2009 Honda Fit - Packaging

Large on the inside and small on the outside, the Fit is now even more spacious and easy to use

The new Fit is even more spacious and easy to use. Determined to make further improvements on the center tank layout, Honda engineers sought to further optimize the Fit's packaging. Extensive design innovations like a repositioned windshield and roof peak, as well as narrower front pillars, enhance its spaciousness and utility. Length and track width are slightly increased but the new Fit maintains its compact exterior footprint.

• More spacious interior NEW
• More rear headroom and legroom NEW
• Lower tailgate opening for easier loading and unloading NEW
• Small car maneuverability
• Wide-opening rear doors NEW

*Figures in parentheses indicate change from current model. All figures rounded to nearest tenth of an inch.

A spacious interior

Thanks to its wider track width and repositioned side windows, the new Fit achieves a new level of interior spaciousness. The front and rear door linings feature sculpted, concave surfaces to provide extra room for arms and shoulders. The backs of the front seats are specially shaped and the roof peak is positioned directly above the heads of the rear passengers to ensure plenty of head, knee and foot room for rear-seat passengers. Increased window area and a forward-shifted windshield create an expansive feeling of interior spaciousness and relaxing comfort.

Wide-opening rear doors

The rear doors can be opened as wide as 80°, ensuring easy access for both passengers and cargo. The doors also feature two intermediate stop positions, making it easier to get in and out if you are parked near another vehicle or other obstacle.

Lower tailgate opening for easy loading and unloading

The tailgate opening has been positioned just 24 inches above the ground to make it easier to load and unload heavy items.

Expansive, easy-access cargo door

Further refined center tank layout and improved packaging efficiency provide for a class-leading cargo volume of 20.6 cubic feet.

A distinctive small-car feel

The new Fit's longer wheelbase is offset by a wider track and maximized turning angle of the front wheels to achieve a minimum curb-to-curb turning diameter of 34.4 feet. The vehicle's tapered front corners help further reduce the practical minimum turning radius. The result: outstanding maneuverability.

2009 Honda Fit - Body - Styling

New super-forward aero-form design for a sporty look

The new super-forward aero-form design gives the new Fit a sporty look. A more expansive windshield and large front quarter windows improve visibility and make the cabin feel even more spacious. A distinctive honeycomb grille is matched with larger, more sharply styled headlights to create an assertive look. Fluid, arcing lines futher highlight the sleek contours of the upper body's aerodynamic form.

• Dynamic, super-forward aero-form design NEW
• Larger front quarter windows for enhanced visibility NEW
• Distinctive honeycomb grille NEW
• Larger, sharply styled headlights NEW
• Larger side mirrors NEW
• Fuel tank lid with push-lift opener NEW

Front view: Sharpness and stability

Viewed from the front, the Fit features a tapered design that gathers toward the centerline to highlight the super-forward cabin.The solidly shaped bumper and large, sharply styled headlights create an assertive look. The honeycomb mesh upper grille gives the car a sporty flare, while the wide lower grille lends it an air of stability. The area between the lower grille and the wheel housing is flared outward to emphasize the car's low center of gravity.

Headlights

The multi-reflector halogen headlights are larger and more sharply styled. Further refined center tank layout and improved packaging efficiency provide for a class-leading cargo volume of 20.6 cubic feet.

Side mirrors

The mirror surface is 30 percent larger to secure a broader field of vision. While the mirror is slightly larger, the side mirror stay has been made significantly smaller and repositioned at the base of the front quarter window for a more graceful side-window design.

Side view: Forward-leaning stance accentuates forward cabin design

The new Fit's dynamic, forward-leaning stance is accentuated by a single, fluid line running all the way from the nose to the roof peak, which is positioned further back to add headroom for rear passengers. This unique form fuses dynamism and solidity. The line extending from the front pillar to the roofline is given the look of a longbow by varying the thickness over its length. It is matched with dynamic surface changes in the lower body section creating sharp character lines that seem to flow out of the mass for a bold, spirited look. This is completed by heavily flared, robust rear fenders, for a broad-shouldered, tough look.

Fuel tank lid

The fuel tank lid blends seamlessly with the body's monoform styling thanks to the use of a push-lift opener that eliminates the need for a lift tab. The lid seamlessly blends into the body.

Rear profile: Spaciousness and stability

Broad, solid contours running from the rear fenders to the tailgate give the Fit an air of stability. The contrasting, powerful lower body lines and compact upper body design around the rear quarter-glass and roof-end serve to highlight the spacious interior and give the cabin a light, airy feel.

Eight body colors, including four new colors

A broad lineup of exterior colors is available to suit a variety of tastes.

Taffeta White NEW
Crystal Black Pearl NEW
Blue Sensation Pearl NEW
Orange Revolution Metallic NEW
Milano Red
Blackberry Pearl
Tidewater Blue Metallic
Storm Silver Metallic

The interior fabric in the Fit is gray, while the Fit Sport wears black inside.

Body Structure

A more rigid yet lightweight body design

Structural innovations throughout the body and frame increase rigidity with minimal additional weight. New for 2009, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances vehicle rigidity as well as frontal collision safety. Strengthening of stress-bearing areas in the frame helps reduce vibration. The proportion of high-tensile steel in the Fit's body has increased from 40% to 54%. Front body rigidity has similarly increased 164%. The result is a high-performance body with exceptional handling and enhanced safety performance.

• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure NEW
• High-tensile steel used in 54% of body NEW
• Front body rigidity increased 164% NEW
• Enhanced frame design for a quieter ride NEW

High-rigidity, lightweight body - key features

High-rigidity body for superior handling

Stronger front end

Load-dispersing frame

The ACE™ body structure with load-dispersing frame enhances vehicle rigidity and frontal collision safety. A lower member has been added and joined to the front frame structure to achieve a highly rigid design. Frame member configuration has also been changed, replacing the current arched shape with one that thrusts upward to join with the lower dashboard member. This provides for a stronger joint construction of local body member connecting points, enhancing body rigidity.

Front bulkhead: fully enclosed box-tyep cross-section

The front bulkhead features a fully-enclosed box-type cross-section design for improved torsional rigidity.

Stronger rear end

Rear frame: larger cross-section side rails and additional center rail. The thinner-gauge steel rear frame rails feature a larger cross-section and a third center frame rail has been added, improving both rigidity and packaging efficiency. The side-sill extension has also been formed into one seamless piece, making it more rigid.

Rear tailgate opening: continuous L-shaped upper-half perimeter construction

The upper corners of the rear tailgate opening are now an integral part of the continuous L-shaped upper-half tailgate perimeter, for strengthened joint construction and improved rigidity.

Suspension mounting points: improved assembly efficiency

The redesigned rear trailing arm bushing mounting points feature a high-efficiency construction in which loads are absorbed within the side wall of the mid cross-member. The improved rigidity results in an outstandingly solid feel when driving. A stiffener connecting the rear shock absorber mounting point to the rear tailgate perimeter frame has also been added,improving vertical rigidity to ensure a more comfortable ride.

A more efficient frame design for a quieter ride

The new Fit features a number of design innovations to minimize noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and ensure a quieter, more comfortable ride.

Body rigidity increased for optimum vibration frequency control

Idling noise, vibration and cruising hum each has its own specific resonance frequency. Honda engineers thus focused on the areas where stresses accumulate - areas such as the attachment points connecting the front pillar lower-base stiffener, the center pillar lower base stiffener, and the side sill member. More rigidly connecting these frame members increases overall rigidity, and dispersing the respective resonance frequencies to ensure a smooth, quiet ride.

Frame member connecting points: highly-efficient joint construction

Lightweight, high-rigidity body - 54% high-tensile steel

The ratio of strong, lightweight, high-tensile steel has been increased to 54% overall. Along with structural innovations such as the use of polygonal cross-section frame members and strategically located weld beads, this helps increase body rigidity without adding weight.

Combining design with body rigidity

The new Fit's super-forward aero-form design positions the base of the front pillar right above the center of the front wheel. This design, along with a narrower pillar cross-section, allows for a larger front quarter window, for an improved field of vision. Along with this new design, rigidity and collision safety have also been enhanced by measures including modifications to the shape of the pillar-to-roof ridgelines and optimized stiffener design.

2009 Honda Fit - Interior

A spacious interior with added comfort and convenience

Thanks to its super-forward aero-form design the new Fit's spacious interior offers added comfort and convenience. The newly designed dashboard features large, 3D gauges and a new LCD display for fuel consumption, and all the controls are closer to the driver. The seats are redesigned for greater comfort and a new tilt and telescopic steering column provides maximum flexibility. The high-quality interior finishing details create a premium feel. A 4-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system (6 speakers on the Fit Sport) offers auxiliary input for audio devices. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with 6.5-inch touch screen display and voice recognition is available on the Fit Sport.

Fit interior highlights

• Air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks all standard
• Current and average fuel consumption indicator NEW
• Tilt and telescopic steering column NEW
• Driver's footrest NEW
• Maintenance Minder™ system
• Driver and front passenger vanity mirrors NEW
• 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (Fit Sport) NEW
• Driver's armrest (Fit Sport) NEW
• USB audio interface (Fit Sport) NEW

Advanced cockpit design

The instrument panel features a sculpted design to create the appearance of depth and expansiveness. Large 3D meters and tightly clustered controls ensure quick recognition and intuitive operation, for a combination of functionality and visual appeal.

Meter displays illuminated for photo

3D meters with an advanced, sporty design

The brushed gunmetal surface treatment imparts an advanced, sporty look, and the meter dials are contoured for a 3D effect. The centrally located speedometer's acrylic markers further enhance the 3D effect. Illuminated, blue-backlit gauges offer superior visibility and a high level of refinement.

LCD display shows current fuel consumption and other key information

The LCD display indicates current fuel consumption - a first in a Honda subcompact. Access to current fuel consumption data helps drivers drive more economically. The readout can also be set on odometer, trip-meter and average fuel economy modes.

Meter displays illuminated for photo

Easier-to-operate A/C controls

Air conditioner controls have been moved closer to the driver, minimizing the eye and hand motions required to operate them while driving.

More efficient A/C performance

To ensure a comfortable interior in extreme climates, the air conditioning system has been optimized, reducing pressure losses in the cabin unit for a 10% increase in airflow.* Straighter ducting between the compressor and the cabin unit means 25% less pressure loss,* further enhancing the system's effectiveness. These improvements not only help keep the cabin cooler, they also improve overall efficiency and fuel economy.

*Compared to current model

More comfortable driving position with new tilt and telescopic steering column and driver's footrest

New on the 2009 Fit is a tilt and telescopic steering column that permits maximum flexibility to fit a wide range of driver physiques. The steering wheel has a telescopic adjustment range of 1.2 inches and a tilt adjustment range of 1.6 inches. A more spacious foot well provides enough room for a footrest, further contributing to driver comfort. The Fit Sport includes a driver's armrest.

A wide-open feel

One design goal was to create an interior that is not only spacious, but also feels like a larger vehicle from the inside. The base of the windshield is 4.7 inches farther forward and the top edge is farther backward, securing 1.2 times more window area. A lower, forward-sloping instrument panel edge and more compact wiper design create an unobstructed field of view for an expansive, relaxing atmosphere.

Large front quarter windows enhance visibility

An expansive front windshield is matched with large front quarter windows - three times larger than in the current model. A sculpted cut-line running from the front door linings to the front of the instrument panel provides a feeling of continuity and enhances the wrap-around feel.

Seats redesigned to provide a new level of comfort

The new Fit's front seats are built with optimized springs and pad shapes. The seat surface and side cushions are designed to achieve a combination of seating comfort and solid lateral support. The Fit Sport includes a driver's armrest. Rounded seatback shoulders secure a more expansive field of view for rear passengers. Rear seating comfort is improved with wider, deeper, thicker cushions and additional knee clearance. The rear headrests fit snugly into the seatbacks to facilitate easy seat arrangement and secure an improved rear field of vision.

Specially selected materials impart a luxururious feel

Specially selected materials and trimmings throughout the interior create a luxurious environment.

Seats and door trim: Dot-pattern fabric with textured highlights. The appearance of the fabric varies with changing light and angle of view.

Roof lining: An elegant knit material with a crisp pattern has been selected to further enhance the refreshing feel of the interior space.

Audio system

The new Fit features a 4-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system (6-speakers in the Fit Sport) with an auxiliary input jack for an MP3 player and Windows Media® audio playback capability. The new Fit Sport is also equipped with a USB audio interface* for connecting an iPod** or other compatible audio device. Other audio features include Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), which automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed, and CD/MP3 text readout with a customizable welcome screen. New for the 2009 Fit is a display now compatible with Radio Data System (RDS). It shows supplemental programming information from participating radio stations while also offering search-by-genre capability (not available on the Fit Sport with Navigation).

* The USB audio interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA, or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.

** iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPod not included.

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (Fit Sport)

The new Fit Sport is available with the latest Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ featuring a 6.5-inch touch screen display and voice recognition system.

2009 Honda Fit - Utility

An interior environment as convenient as it is spacious

The new Fit's interior is not just more spacious, it's more convenient as well. The 60/40 split Magic Seat® is now even more convenient, with a one-motion dive-down mechanism that allows the rear seats to be folded down with the flip of a lever. And there are four versatile interior configurations to choose from.

• Improved 60/40 split Magic Seat® with one-motion dive-down mechanism NEW
• Full complement of storage pockets, compartments and beverage holders

Storage spaces and beverage holders

The Fit interior provides lots of convenient storage spaces, including 10 beverage holders and a range of pockets and compartments in the instrument panel, center console, doors and seatbacks.

Magic Seat® with one-motion dive-down mechanism

The central feature of Fit's unique and versatile interior is its exclusive 60/40 split Magic Seat®, made possible by the centrally mounted fuel tank and H-shaped torsion beam suspension. In the new Fit, the rear seats feature a one-motion dive-down mechanism that allows the rear seats to be folded down with the flip of a lever, regardless of the position of the front seat. This is possible thanks to the new Fit's longer wheelbase, which allows for more space separating front and rear passengers, along with left and right rear headrests that fit snuggly into the seatbacks. When loading large items, the seats can be operated directly from the luggage compartment, eliminating the need to go around to the rear seat. Just pull the lever on the seatbacks and they return to upright positions in a single motion.

2009 Honda Fit - Chassis

Finely tuned and balanced chassis: driving pleasure and passenger comfort

The 2009 Fit features a compact, space-efficient chassis design balanced to heighten driving pleasure while further improving comfort. MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion-beam rear suspension provide excellent handling and ride quality while allowing for ample cabin space with a low floor. Front geometry enhancements and lower spring lever ratio with matching large-capacity trailing arm bushings at the rear contribute to a smoother ride. Longer rear trail arms and optimized rear geometry contribute to superb handling. The high-capacity Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides natural, crisp steering response at all speeds. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) optimizes braking performance according to road conditions and vehicle load distribution.

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Torsion beam rear suspension
• Enhanced suspension geometry NEW
• High-capacity Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• 15-inch wheels (16-inch alloy wheels on Fit Sport) NEW

Newly designed chassis combines solid handling with a smooth ride

To achieve a smooth ride in keeping with the fun-to-drive handling standards Honda has set for its cars, engineers expanded the Fit's basic dimensions while increasing body rigidity. Then they optimized the front and rear suspension geometry to ensure solid handling. The body remains steady while the suspension moves freely - the results are a smooth ride and a solid, connected-to-the-road feel.

MacPherson strut front suspension

The front suspension features MacPherson struts, which offer outstanding space efficiency. Adjustments to the geometry secure optimum wheel alignment when turning, for a more solid handling feel. The axes of the suspension arm mounting points have also been aligned for optimal smoothness.

H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension

In the rear, an H-shaped torsion beam suspension helps free up more cabin space. The new Fit's ride is now even smoother, thanks to a lower spring lever ratio and larger-capacity trailing arm bushings. The trailing arms have also been lengthened to reduce jack-up while cornering, and roll steer and roll camber geometry has been optimized to deliver superb handling.

Newly designed high-capacity Electric Power Steering (EPS) delivers crisp steering feel

The newly designed, high-capacity EPS system delivers a higher steering gear ratio than competing models in the initial 90-degree rotation of the steering wheel around the straight-ahead position, for crisp response to driver inputs. The mounting method of the steering box has been redesigned and the rigidity of the steering box itself increased to take full advantage of the system's high capacity and quick steering gear ratio, contributing to a firm, direct steering feel. Optimized suspension geometry and advanced EPS control deliver natural, crisp steering response at all speeds. Unlike traditional hydraulically-powered steering systems, the EPS does not draw power from the engine, contributing to the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Braking system

The Fit features 10.3-inch ventilated front discs and 7.9-inch rear drum brakes. The standard 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) further enhance stopping performance by adjusting front-to-rear brake pressure according to vehicle load distribution, for optimum brake balance at all times. Sensors at each wheel send signals to the control module, which can modulate braking pressure based on individual wheel speed, optimizing brake pressure balance on all four wheels.

A more linear braking feel

The new Fit features a smaller-diameter, longer piston-stroke brake master cylinder, for a firm, easy-to-control and more linear braking feel. This is matched to a more powerful brake booster and a decreased brake pedal ratio.

Wheels

The Fit comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers. The Fit Sport is equipped with 16-inch, 14-spoke alloy wheels.

2009 Honda Fit - Powertrain

Newly developed i-VTEC engine combines outstanding fuel economy with class-topping power

The new Fit features a new 16-valve, 4-cylinder 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs a maximum of 117 hp at 6,600 rpm. It combines enhanced fun-to-drive performance with superior fuel economy and low emissions. Performance is enhanced with the implementation of a more advanced i-VTEC system, larger-diameter intake valves and a resonator chamber in the intake manifold that creates an air-ramming resonance effect for increased torque at low engine speeds and more linear performance. Improvements to coolant flow and piston crown design further contribute to increased low-end torque. Innovations like patterned coating on the piston skirts for improved oil retention and a self-tensioning ancillary drive belt help reduce engine friction for better fuel economy. Environmental performance technologies include an exhaust manifold-integrated cylinder head matched with a high-temperature catalytic converter and high-precision air-fuel ratio control. The 5-speed manual transmission and available 5-speed automatic transmission have also been enhanced for even more efficient power delivery.

• 1.5-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine NEW
• 117 hp @ 6600 rpm and 106 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
• Estimated EPA fuel economy:
28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (Fit AT)
27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (MT / Fit Sport AT)
• CARB EPA-rated emissions: ULEV-2, EPA-rated Tier-2 Bin-5
• i-VTEC low/high-speed intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control technology NEW

*Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

• Low-friction engine design
• Composite intake manifold with integrated torque-enhancing resonator chamber NEW
• Drive-by-Wire™ throttle control
• Exhaust-manifold-integrated cylinder head with high-temperature close-coupled catalytic converter
• Standard 5-speed manual transmission
• Available 5-speed automatic transmission
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on Fit Sport with automatic transmission

The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine - powerful, torquey performance at all engine speeds

The newly developed 1.5L i-VTEC engine delivers both spirited driving performance and outstanding fuel economy. The two-stage i-VTEC system varies intake valve timing and lift between low- and high-speed settings, while valve overlap is optimized for low, medium and high speeds to achieve a significant improvement in breathing efficiency. The result is power and torque to spare, regardless of engine speed, along with outstanding fuel economy. By comparison, the previous generation's VTEC system effectively deactivated one of the two intake valves per cylinder, creating a swirl effect that enhanced torque below 3400 rpm.

Performance-enhancing technologies

A 4-valve cylinder head with larger intake valves ensures optimum breathing efficiency, for class-leading maximum output. The engine is also specially tuned to deliver abundant low-end torque.

Larger-diameter intake valves

The 4-valve cylinder head is fitted with larger, 28 mm-diameter intake valves, increasing valve surface area by 4%. This improves intake efficiency, resulting in lower pumping losses and significantly increased maximum output.

Improved coolant flow

The water jacket has been redesigned for improved coolant flow. This helps suppress engine knocking, a major facto determining the amount of torque available at low engine speeds. The current engine design, which employed separate coolant pathways for the cylinder head and engine block, has been replaced by a new design with a single pathway routed first through the engine block, then through the cylinder head. This allows coolant flow to be concentrated for increased cooling efficiency. Improved control of combustion chamber temperatures significantly reduces knocking, allowing the engine to deliver outstanding low-end torque.

Simulation of coolant flow speed and distribution

Improved piston crown design

Two other factors that influence engine knocking are residual gases and turbulent kinetic energy. Computer simulations analyzing their distributions led to a combustion chamber shape that more effectively suppresses engine knock. The newly designed piston crown is shaped to prevent the formation of knock-inducing conditions. It features a more compact piston crown design with a thicker outer rim to reduce the amount of residual gases. This allows the engine to produce more torque at low engine speeds.

Intake manifold with torque-enhancing resonator chamber

The intake manifold contains an integrated resonator chamber that takes advantage of the pulse waves from the individual cylinders to produce an air-ramming resonance effect. The capacity and shape of the resonator's chamber and connecting tubes have been tuned to fill in the dip in the i-VTEC engine's torque curve around 3,500 rpm and deliver smoother, more linear driving performance.

Drive-by-Wire™

Drive-by-Wire™ (DBW) ensures increased response to driver throttle input. The position of the accelerator pedal is translated into an electric signal that is sent to the computer which directly operates the engine's throttle valve.

High-strength fracture-split connecting rods

The hot-forged, fracture-split connecting rods are made of high-strength steel for 50% greater fatigue resistance. This allows a 17% reduction of the connecting rod cross-sectional area, resulting in a weight reduction - including the crankshaft balance weights - of approximately 2.2 lb. Lighter connecting rods also lower engine inertia, permitting higher engine speeds.

High-strength fracture-split rocker arms

The L-shaped primary rocker arms are made of a newly developed aluminum-based material that is approximately 20% stronger. The stronger rocker arms permit greater layout freedom, allowing the i-VTEC mechanism to be employed to regulate valve timing and lift between low and high engine speeds. The result is less weight and higher output.

Fuel economy-enhancing technologies

Fuel economy is enhanced through friction reduction and other measures.

Patterned piston coating - a world's first

The piston skirt has been reshaped and its surface treated to reduce friction and piston slapping noise. The piston skirt also features a patterned coating process - a world's first - which improves oil retention to further reduce friction. Other friction-reduction measures include such important details as more elaborate, high-precision surfacing of the cylinder walls and main crankshaft bearings treated with molybdenum disulfide for optimum oil film retention.

Self-tensioning ancillary driving belt

The belt driving the ancillaries has a self-tensioning mechanism. It adjusts belt tension according to load. It also helps absorb dynamic variations in belt tension, contributing to a more stable tension. Belt tension can thus be reduced under low loads, helping reduce engine friction losses for further improved fuel efficiency.

Exhaust manifold-integrated cylinder head with newly developed, high-temperature catalytic converter

The exhaust manifold-integrated cylinder head is combined with a newly developed, close-coupled catalytic converter capable of withstanding higher exhaust temperatures. To this end, the material supporting the catalyst elements inside the catalytic converter unit is now of a highly heat-resistant type to prevent fiber deformation up to significantly higher temperatures. This allows the catalytic converter to operate at up to 40??qC higher temperatures. This contributes to reduced fuel consumption at high vehicle speeds or under heavy engine loads, improving fuel economy in real-world various driving conditions.

Lightweight composite valve cover

The lightweight composite valve cover provides approximately 2.2 lbs. in weight savings compared to an aluminum head cover, further contributing to improved fuel economy.

Environmental performance technologies

The Fit's environmental performance - enhancing technologies have been developed to comply with or exceed all anticipated environmental protection regulations.

Enhanced integration for better environmental performance

In addition to improved fuel efficiency, the exhaust manifold-integrated cylinder head and newly-developed high-temperature close-coupled catalytic converter also contribute to a significant reduction in exhaust emissions. The integration of the exhaust manifold into the engine head allows for the location of the exhaust ports within the cylinder head and brings the catalytic converter that much closer. Like the engine head, the exhaust ports are now made of aluminum for a rapid rise in temperature right after engine start. The exhaust gases reach the closer catalytic converter more quickly, and with less heat loss through radiation, helping the catalytic converter reach its operating temperature more rapidly, for quicker exhaust emissions processing.

High-precision air-fuel ratio control

Along with the implementation of an airflow sensor, the control of the air/fuel ratio has been upgraded, replacing the two oxygen sensor system in the current model with a system combining one LAF (Linear Air-Fuel) sensor and one oxygen sensor. This effectively translates into an even more precise two-stage control of the air/fuel ratio. The result is enhanced emissions processing performance along with reduced requirements for rare metal content within the catalytic converter.

Transmissions

As with the current model, the new Fit comes with a choice of two transmissions, a standard 5-speed manual and a lightweight 5-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel - mounted paddle shifters (Fit Sport). Both are tuned to provide optimum power transmission from the Fit's high-revving engine and deliver quick smooth response to driver input in all gears.

Standard 5-speed manual transmission

The Fit's standard 5-speed manual transmission is specially designed to deliver maximum enjoyment of the powerful 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine. The new transmission combines an even more positive shift feel with lower gear ratios that best match the engine's output characteristics, to ensure smooth, powerful acceleration all the way up to highway speeds. Shift and clutch-pedal stroke and weight have also been optimized to further highlight the unique driving pleasure the standard stick shift provides.

Available 5-speed automatic transmission

The Fit is one of the only vehicles in its class to offer a 5-speed automatic transmission, which delivers high-quality driving performance with smooth shift changes and quick response for a more natural feel. The transmission features an advanced shift management and a compact, 3-shaft design with the lowest 1st gear and tallest 5th gear in its class. The active torque converter now locks up at even lower vehicle speeds, further contributing to improved fuel economy.

Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (Fit Sport)

As always, Fit Sport models with the 5-speed automatic transmission are equipped with steering wheel - mounted paddle shifters that allow the driver to execute fast, easy shift changes with the sporty feel of a manual transmission.