FIT won Car of the Year Japan for 2007-2008
November 22, 2007
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the New Fit received Car of the Year
Japan award for 2007-2008.
The second generation FIT was developed enhancing packaging, utility and
driving performance as well as environmental performance to provide values
which exceed customer expectations for a small car and to set a new benchmark
in the highly competitive small car segment. As the number of orders from
customers exceeded 20,000 units in two weeks after its release on October 26,
it has gained very good response from the customers.
Mr. Takeo Fukui, President and CEO, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “It is our
honor that the New Fit has been chosen to be Car of the Year Japan for
2007-2008 among plenty of models from domestics and overseas. This means that
many people accepted our proposed value of the ideal small car, and we are very
happy. And also we understand that the efforts from many people including the
suppliers who supported our development and production are highly appreciated.
We will continue our effort 
to provide more joy for the customers.
As the first generation FIT received Car of the Year Japan award in 2001, the
second generation’s honor resulted in successive awards for FIT.
FIT STORY
In developing the Fit, Honda has succeeded in meeting several
performance goals. The car boasts the world's highest level of safety and
eco-friendliness, superb handling distinctive styling and great driving
pleasure. Honda has raised the bar on the performance expected of a sub compact
car, meeting all customer requirements in a single vehicle.
The metallic instrument panel and independent aluminium faced three-instrument
cluster help create a sporty ambience in the cockpit.
The cabin is designed in chic gray, with metallic accentic throughout. The seat
covers are of high-grade fabric, providing a refined look.
The second-generation FIT sets a new benchmark for the small car segment,
offering major improvements in styling, performance and convenience. Sales of
the new model began October 26, 2007 in Japan, with other markets to follow.
A more spacious and practical interior is made possible by the
wider track and longer wheelbase, providing a mid-size feel while retaining
small car maneuverability and economy. Coupled with ingenious design of the
seating and luggage spaces, this means the new Fit offers unrivalled
load-carrying flexibility.
The new model's dynamic performance derives from a recently
developed 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine that drives the wheels through a continuously
variable transmission (CVT) and newly developed torque converter. Fuel economy
is a class-leading 24 km/L. Body rigidity and crash safety performance have
also been enhanced while maintaining weight equivalent to the previous model.
The original FIT was launched in Japan in June 2001. Since then,
production has expanded to six factories in five countries around the world.
Cumulative sales, in approximately 115 countries, have reached more than two
million units. As of November 9, 2007 the new FIT had already received 20,000
orders, 1.7 times the projected figure.
Exterior
It is designed to change in our mindset about small cars. Drawing from the
"zenshin" (new, progressive and integrated) design concept, Honda designers
have developed a distinctive exterior that builds a fluid form around the basic
frame. At the same time, the cars aerodynamic design contributes significantly
to fuel economy.
Transmission
Honda's new Hondamatic S automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
monitors throttle opening and duration, and automatically changes the driving
mode for optimum control. The transmission delivers a completely natural
driving feel. The doors employ dual sealing arrangement, a main seal covering
the entire door opening perimeter, and a sub- seal installed on the side of the
door, thus reducing the amount of noise penetrating the cabin.
Safety Performance
Honda's G-Control technology achieves the world's highest standard in crash
safety. The interior of Fit is equipped with padding to protect the heads of
occupants, and seats that cushion impact to neck. The Fit is equipped with dual
SRS airbag. The front seats also have the I- side airbag system. The left and
right rear seats are equipped with ISO-FIX compliant child seat installation
bars.
Environmental Impact
The Fit's exhaust system greatly reduces harmful HC and NO emissions. This
cleaning running vehicle surpasses domestic emission control regulations for
the year 2000 by as much as 50 percent.
Almost all interiors formed parts are made of recyclable olefin and Honda has
actually achieved over 90 percent recyclability with FIT.