tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post1237617235955118561..comments2024-03-24T20:30:55.379-07:00Comments on Subcompact Culture - The small car blog: Review: 2015 Honda Fit EX-L NaviAndy Lilienthalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08962844660116593646noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-83338135386196639492015-02-17T05:22:38.920-08:002015-02-17T05:22:38.920-08:00I test drove a '15 Fit LX with the 6-speed man...I test drove a '15 Fit LX with the 6-speed manual last night and I think your comment about this new model being less fresh and spirited is spot on. I have an '08 and '11 Fits in the family for comparing the new model to. The first word that came to mind while driving the '15 was "mature" and it stuck over the rest of the ~25 minute drive. I have a feeling it would be more comfortable and less tiring on long trips because it feels smoother and is less twitchy in a straight line. It feels more substantial and solid than the older models and in turn safer, which the crash tests confirm.<br /><br />The reason I bought my 1st gen Fit back in '08 was because of how it drove, the first impression when I drove the '08 was 'light on its feet." It kind of reminded me of my old '83 Rabbit GTI. The steering ratio seems slower and more weighted on the '15, which I think might be part of why it feels less spirited. I note that wife hates my '08 and I think this is because steering is too quick for her tastes - she says it's too twitchy on the highway. The '15 also seems to understeer more than the older fits, at least the the stability control off. I didn't really push the car that hard but as I live in Wisconsin where roads are currently either snow or salt covered (neither are great for traction) and there are lots of roundabouts in the area it was easy to test this.<br /><br />A few of other impressions: <br /><br />The radio in the LX trim doesn't use a touch screen; it does have a video screen for the radio display and backup camera, but all the functions are controlled knobs and buttons around the screen or on the steering wheel. <br /><br />While the '15s have a 6-speed manual, the gearing in 6th is basically the same as 5th in the older cars: the '15 as well as our '08+'11 are at about 3700 RPM at 75MPH. I find this disappointing since I was really hoping for a higher top ratio which would give lower engine speed on the highway for less noise and better fuel economy. I drove a CVT '15 Fit earlier and as I recall to was closer to 3000RPM at 75MPH and it is rated 4 mpg better (41 vs. 37) in the highway. I imagine Honda left the top ratio low in the manuals the so the engine would closer to the power band at highway speeds giving it a peppier feel and requiring few down shifts for hills and passing. I understand that having owned she pretty underpowered cars in the past, but still I be willing to do some extra shifting for a few more MPG and less engine buzz on the highway.<br /><br />Speaking to peppiness, the extra power of the new engine it nice. It seems to require less revving to get to the power as well - found myself up shifting a few 100 RPM earlier than in my old model.<br /><br />The LX doesn't have the big chrome trim strip across the tailgate and without it I think it looks a little less Volvo like.<br /><br />Overall, I liked to the '15 Fit, and I think my wife would prefer its ride, steering and feel, but honestly I was happy to get back behind the wheel of my 7 year old/127k miles one. To me the new just doesn't have that special feel that set it apart from other small cars. <br /><br />On a side note, I had a '15 Yaris LE hatchback a few weeks ago as a rental and actually quite in enjoyed it. I put 900 miles on it in in 2 days and was comfortable the whole way - not something I could have said about my '08 Fit. The handling seemed much improved over the '13 Yaris I rented a while back, also a LE. The '13, while comfortable on the highway, was frankly kind of scary when driven quickly around corners due to body lean and bump steer. The '15 had a French VIN and I recall reading that Toyota recalibrated the Yaris suspension for '15, which at least to me, feels much improved in the corners while still comfortable in a straight line. I drove a used '12 Yaris SE after renting the '15, the '15 isn't SE sporty, but it seems like nice compromise.N Deehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08869086247527513112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-55130581768060663742015-02-15T05:57:53.608-08:002015-02-15T05:57:53.608-08:00But the car, in EX 6 speed form really seems the v...But the car, in EX 6 speed form really seems the value out there. Sunroof. Great upholstery. Well equipped. Manual ac ( a plus in my book). 18kAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09511820024193294456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-2790078635613415422015-02-14T11:05:22.243-08:002015-02-14T11:05:22.243-08:00I always buy yellow motorcycle helmets for the sam...I always buy yellow motorcycle helmets for the same reason. And I agree, too many cars with too much on touch screens. Do we really need all that ?Ducati Scottyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16001755380772637359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-40576756688830234242015-02-14T03:38:05.935-08:002015-02-14T03:38:05.935-08:00Some additional thoughts about the Fit that would ...Some additional thoughts about the Fit that would prevent me from buying one. I hate CVT and I loath having anything like that touch screen in any car I own. Why in the world do automakers have to over complicate things. What is wrong with having simple knobs on a car radio for goodness sake.Barry Traylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14134880916215990198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158601016174103420.post-88238722331149671452015-02-14T03:23:45.894-08:002015-02-14T03:23:45.894-08:00Usually I am not a big fan of the color yellow, bu...Usually I am not a big fan of the color yellow, but I must say on this car anyway it looks quite cheerful. Easy for other drivers to see it on a rainy day that's for sure.Barry Traylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14134880916215990198noreply@blogger.com