Detroit Motor Show - It's still small, but Honda has found ways to make more room inside its popular Fit hatchback (known as the Jazz in SA and other markets) while adding some pizzazz to the front and high-end amenities to the package.
One of the most anticipated introductions at the Detroit show, the new Fit is technically a tad shorter and wider, but the gains in cabin legroom make it feel like a much more generous mid-sized saloon.
What's more, it comes with an all-new direct-injected 1.5-liter DOHC engine that offers improved fuel economy and more power - its output up from 88kW to 97kW to address criticisms of it being underpowered.
"The Honda Fit is a small car with big aspirations. Faster, more fuel-efficient and more fun, it's a subcompact with larger-than-life-capabilities," said Honda USA's John Mendel.
Honda also migrated some high-end model amenities to the 2015 Fit.
They include improved smart phone connectivity to the 18cm touch-screen monitor, and Honda's Lane Watch technology, which allows the driver to see through right-side blind spots on the monitor.
It also comes with Bluetooth capacity, reverse cameras, and, as an option for the first time, leather seat trim. -AFP