Groovy Car Video

2nd Generation Honda Fit / Jazz

Posted on 05. May, 2009 by Groovy Car in Subcompact

The Honda Fit is a five-door hatchback subcompact car, manufactured by the Honda Motor Company of Japan, first introduced in June 2001 and now in its second generation. The Fit uses Honda’s Global Small Car platform, also used by the City/Fit Aria, Airwave, Mobilio, and the Mobilio Spike.

The nameplate Jazz is used in Europe, some parts of Asia, Australia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa – while retaining the name “Fit” in Japan, China, and the Americas.

First generation

Although the Honda Fit is now one of Honda’s global models, it experienced a very slow progression as it made its way around the world. The car first debuted in June 2001 in Japan. It was then introduced to Europe (early 2002), Australia (late 2002), South America (early 2003), South Africa and South-East Asia (mid 2003), China (mid 2004), and Mexico (late 2005).

A production model for the United States and Canadian markets debuted on January 8, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car was released in Canada on April 3, 2006, and in the U.S. on April 20, 2006. Due to its late introduction in Canada and the US, the first generation Fit was replaced after only three model years by a new 2009 model, which was released for Japan in November 2007 as a 2008 model. Thus, the Fit is an exception to other Honda models sold in Canada and the US, which traditionally have 4 or 5-year model cycles. This reset is to ensure that the 2009 Fit and subsequent iterations will maintain the same platforms worldwide.

Second-generation

The chassis was thoroughly re-engineered, with structural rigidity increased by 164 percent.

The Fit now negotiates the bumps far better than before, while the ride still remains firm. Media publications who tested the vehicle have commented on there being less understeer than before and how the car feels more like a small sedan rather than a small minivan. The new suspension improves straight-line stability. While being tested on Honda’s high-speed proving ground, media outlets stated the Fit felt as stable at 110 mph (177 km/h) as it did at 50 mph (80 km/h) and that the brakes also offer a high amount of stopping power while the pedal felt firm with little brake fade.

The second-generation Fit was officially unveiled as a 2008 model year vehicle on 17 October 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Despite early denials of a hybrid variant, Honda announced in May 2008 that it would, in fact, release a hybrid Fit. In his 2008 midyear CEO forecast, Fukui told reporters that, in light of increasing fuel prices, “a Fit hybrid is now starting to make sense”. The hybrid variant is expected in early 2010.

Tags: honda