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2011 honda fit hybrid review

honda fit hybrid
This is the final piece in the Fit puzzle we've been waiting for -- the Honda Fit Hybrid. According to chief engineer Kohei Hitomi, Honda wanted to test the hybrid waters before launching a gas-electric version of its hugely popular Fit. The Fit Hybrid's 1.3-liter powerplant and IMA system sit snugly inside the tiny engine bay, and, more to the point, the battery pack and IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) "fit" cleanly under the rear floor section without sacrificing luggage space.

The Fit Hybrid employs the Insight's 1.3-liter 4-cylinder IMA powertrain with CVT that develops roughly 98 horsepower combined.

"Customers paying a higher price for the Fit Hybrid will naturally expect a quieter, more comfortable ride than that of the Insight or current Fit, so we had to reduce NVH levels substantially," admits Hitomi.
honda fit hybrid
The Fit hybrid is significantly quieter at speed than the base Fit.
Should you buy a 2011 Honda Fit or wait for the 2012 Honda Fit? The 2012 Fit is likely to receive Fit’s first appearance updates since its model-year 2009 introduction. The 2011 Honda Fit’s styling is a rerun of the 2010 Fit’s. Fit has a short snout highlighted by big, swept-back headlights. The 2011 Honda Fit reprises a three-model lineup: the base Fit, the Fit Sport, and the Fit Sport with a navigation system. As before, the 2011 Fit Sport models are distinguished from the base version by standard fog lamps, rear roofline spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip, and slightly larger tires on alloy wheels.

Mechanical: The 2011 Honda Fit gains a noteworthy safety enhancement as Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system expands to become standard equipment on the base and Sport models. This antiskid technology was previously exclusive to the Fit Sport with Navigation. Otherwise, the 2011 Fit is a mechanical repeat. Transmission choices for the 2011 Fit base and basic Sport models are a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Fit’s suspension is also subcompact-typical, with a rear torsion beam and drum brakes. On that score, at least cruise control is now standard on all 2011 Fits.

All Fit Sport models now also come with fitted floormats, which previously were an extra-cost accessory. Beyond these changes, the 2011 Fit features list mirrors the 2010 version’s.

The navigation system continues to be limited to the Fit Sport, where its addition creates a separate model.

Exclusive to Fit Sport models are a security system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cabin map lights. Fit’s audio system is a 160-watt single-CD unit with four speakers on base models and six on Sports. Fit’s defining feature remains an innovation Honda calls the Magic Seat. The front passenger seatback also folds so Fit can carry long items such as skis.

The 2011 Honda Fit price range is $15,850-$19,990. Depending on model, that represents an increase of $130-$450 over 2010 Fit prices but still represents fine value. (Fit prices, and base prices for other cars mentioned in this review, include the manufacturers’ destination fee. Honda’s fee for the 2011 Fit continues unchanged at $750.)

Price for the 2011 Honda Fit base model $15,850 with manual transmission and $16,650 with automatic. The 2011 Honda Fit Sport is priced at $17,610 with manual transmission and $18,460 with automatic transmission. That’s an increase of $450 over the 2010 Fit Sport, rather steep considering this model gains only the antiskid system and carpeted floor mats.

The 2011 Fit Sport with Navigation is priced at $19,990 and comes only with automatic transmission.