>>JAMES: The Honda Fit may be a sub-compact car on the outside, but inside, there's nothing
sub- or even regular compact about it.
If you want to get the most space and versatility out of an economical and efficient car, this
is it.
>>JAMES: Just like the past two generations, the secret to this all-new Honda Fit' s versatility
is its so-called Magic Seat.
It folds completely flat into the floor, creating a total capacity of 52.7 cubic feet.
That's nearly as much as some compact SUVs and for comparison, a Ford Fiesta has only
about 25.
>>JAMES: But that's only part of the "magic."
You can flip up the back seat bottoms to provide a place for a big screen TV box, a bicycle
or perhaps a 65-pound hunting dog.
>>JAMES: For people, the back seat now has more legroom, making it the most spacious
in the segment -- by far.
But the front seat doesn't move far back enough if you're tall, like me.
>>JAMES: More notably, though, the Fit's cabin is now up to par for the segment, with better
materials, more sound deadening and available niceties like heated leather seats.
>>JAMES: We're less enamored with the EX trim's new touchscreen interface.
There are too many steps required to go between menus and the touch-operated volume control
is annoying.
On the upside, this interface gets you access to a low-cost navigation system and other
apps that stream from an iPhone5.
>>JAMES: Power for the new Fit comes from a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder that's matched
to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic.
With the CVT, fuel economy ranks at the top of the segment, but when pushed, it does make
the engine sound like a blender.
>>JAMES: The Fit feels more composed and substantial at highway speeds than the old one, and also
more confident when going around turns.
>>JAMES: Although we'd recommend checking out the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent -- especially
if you'd prefer a sedan -- the 2015 Fit's improved interior and driving experience make
it more appealing for anyone -- not just those looking for SUV space in a subcompact body.