Yahoo Autos 
2015 Honda Fit Preview
Fast Facts:
Completely redesigned
Larger interior, more cargo space
More powerful and efficient engine
New CVT with paddle shifters
Expanded list of options
Next-generation safety structure
Built in Mexico
Introduction
Since it arrived in America nearly a decade ago, the Honda Fit has proven itself to be dependable, practical, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive. A regular Car and Driver "10 Best" award winner, the Fit has not set sales charts afire, a situation that Honda intends to rectify with the completely redesigned 2015 Fit.
"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 John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., speaking about the new Fit during its debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. "It's simply the best Fit to date and, we believe, a new benchmark in the small-car category."
Exterior Features
Honda calls the new 2015 Fit sleek, modern, and sporty. Shorter in length, broader in width, and equipped with a longer wheelbase, the 2015 Honda Fit is equipped with standard 16-inch wheels and LED taillights.
Interior Features
Honda says the new 2015 Fit is fitted with soft, premium materials throughout its larger interior. Greater rear-seat legroom improves comfort, and the redesigned Fit retains its signature Magic Seat--a rear bottom cushion that flips up to carry tall items in the rear seating area, and that folds flat to create 52.7 cu. ft. of maximum cargo capacity. That's nearly as much cargo capacity as a Jeep Cherokee.
Optional Features
Honda offers the redesigned 2015 Fit with numerous upgrades that were not available for the previous model, such as leather seats, heated front seats, a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and HondaLink smartphone connectivity and mobile services. Honda will also offer the 2015 Fit with an optional power sunroof, Smart Entry with push-button starting, LaneWatch technology, and a navigation system.
Under the Hood
As it has done with other recent products, Honda installs a new Earth Dreams powertrain into the redesigned 2015 Fit, one that adds power at the same time that it improves fuel economy.
The Fit's new direct-injection, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generates 130 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, or buyers can opt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. Honda is projecting fuel-economy ratings of 33/41/36 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the CVT.
Honda also says the new 2015 Fit's chassis and suspension are tuned for an improved ride, better handling, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness.
Safety
In addition to installing an expanded-view driver's side mirror that helps the driver to see into the car's left blind spot, and a standard multi-angle reversing camera, Honda makes its LaneWatch technology available for the 2015 Fit. LaneWatch uses a camera mounted to the right side mirror, which displays traffic, curbs, pedestrians, and objects that are immediately adjacent to the right side of the car.
Additionally, the 2015 Honda Fit is constructed around a next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that is designed to meet modern crash-test performance standards set forth by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Technology
Bluetooth connectivity is standard for the 2015 Honda Fit, and a navigation system is optional. The new Fit is also offered with HondaLink smartphone connectivity and cloud-based mobile services for the first time.
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