2006 HONDA FIT
Reliability is the name of the game with Honda, and they've achieved not just that but also excellent value, versatility, safety, and superb handling with their subcompact Fit. Alongside all the traits that make subcompacts desirable, such as a low upfront cost and excellent fuel consumption, the charms of the Fit make it the ideal vehicle for Honda's target demographic of younger drivers and their families.
Despite being discontinued in North America due to the rise in popularity of the compact SUV, the Fit continues to hold a loyal following in the domestic Japanese market, China, and Southeast Asia thanks to its impressive reliability, affordability, and overall value.
Origin
Honda aimed to introduce the world to the benefits of the kei-class vehicle but in a somewhat larger, more accessible size. This goal led to the birth of the Fit in 2001, which combined the features of a small hatchback and a compact MPV. Also known as the Honda Jazz in some markets, the Fit quickly gained popularity due to its practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Its unique design allowed for ample interior space despite its small size, making it a popular choice for urban drivers. The Fit's optional hybrid engine technology, introduced later on, also made it an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Overall, the Honda Fit was a successful addition to the automaker's lineup, appealing to many consumers.
1st Generation (2001 - 2007)
The bug-shaped first-generation Fit was launched in the Japanese domestic market, featuring a short hood, tall windscreen, and teardrop headlights. It was surprisingly spacious for its size, having enough cabin room to fit five adults, although the rear was a bit of a squeeze. If you need more space for extra storage, you can fold away the Fit's rear seats with "Ultra Seat" capabilities.
Depending on the region, the engines for the first generation were a 1.2L, 1.3L, 1.5L i-DSI, or 1.5L VTEC inline four-cylinder petrol.
2nd Generation (2007 - 2013)
The second-generation Fit made its appearance at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It was longer and wider than the previous generation, and while the overall height remained unchanged, the interior floor-to-ceiling was raised by 7.6mm. In this generation, more priority was given to occupant seating comfort, with boot space reduced by 0.58 m3.
Petrol engines were the 1.2L L12B (Europe), 1.3L L13A, and 1.5L L15A inline four-cylinders, while the hybrid Fit, released in 2010, came with the 1.3L LDA-MF6.
3rd Generation (2013 - 2020)
The third generation Fits retained everything that made the previous generations great, like the configurable "Ultra Seats", but also showcased Honda's all-new Global Small Car Platform, and for the first time in any Honda vehicle, the Japanese manufacturer's updated design language known as "Exciting H Design". These designs employed ultra-high-strength steel for a quarter of the Fit's body, reduced overall length, increased wheelbase length, and increased rear legroom and passenger volume.
Powering this generation were the petrol 1.2L L12B, 1.3L L13B Earth Dreams, 1.5L L15A 1.5L L15B Earth Dreams, 1.5L L15Z inline four-cylinders, and the hybrid 1.5L LEB.
4th Generation (2020 to present)
Honda aimed to electrify this generation of the Fit, equipping it with more advanced hybrid technologies in conjunction with selling only a hybrid version in Europe. The 4th generation vehicle has enhanced safety features with a revamped front pillar and cross-sectional design. This structure improves the car's ability to absorb impact in a collision.
Petrol engines are the 1.3L L13B Earth Dreams, 1.5L L15ZF Earth Dreams, and 1.5L L15BU Earth Dreams (China) inline four-cylinder, while the hybrid is the 1.5L LEB-H5 Atkinson cycle.
Engine Performance & Technology
Honda's advanced technologies make an appearance in all Fit engines. These include the intelligent VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) i-VTEC that enables equipped engines to achieve higher output with greater fuel economy and lower emissions, and also Honda's Earth Dreams Technology, an array of changes that improve fuel efficiency.
As part of Honda's electrification efforts with the fourth generation, their hybrid powertrain, marketed as the e:HEV, uses their new dual-motor i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid system. The i-MMD switches between three modes based on the driving situation to achieve better fuel efficiency.
Safety & Reliability
Besides the usual array of standard safety features, the Fit also incorporates Honda's proprietary safety technologies that help it consistently receive high scores on safety tests. One such is Vehicle Stability Assist, which combines the Anti-lock Braking System with a Traction Control System with slip-slide control that stabilizes the Fit whenever it over or under-turns. Since 2009, all Fits feature Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that redistributes energy evenly and redirects it away from the passenger compartment in a crash, minimizing injuries to the driver and passenger and damage to the Fit and other involved vehicles.
In later models of the Fit, more highly sophisticated safety systems such as Road Departure Mitigation and Collision Mitigation Braking as available as options.
Trim Configurations
In the domestic Japanese market, the trims of the first generation Fit were the base Y, the fully-equipped A, and the luxury W. From the second generation onwards, the base became known as the G, the luxury as the L, and the sports model as the RS. For its latest generation, the trims are the Basic, Home, sports RS, Crosstar with 4WD, and the lavish Luxe.
Conclusion
The Honda Fit has no rival for its price, features, and reliability. It's a car you can drive for decades comfortably and upkeep affordably. For a well-priced Honda Fit in excellent condition, do your car shopping with us here at BE FORWARD.
BE FORWARD : Excellent cars stocked in Japan, Singapore, UK, UAE, Thailand, and Korea, safely delivered worldwide to your location.
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