Honda Not Bringing Fit Hybrid to the US

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

If anybody knows of a car with a better designed interior space, with anywhere near as much flexibility as the Honda Fit/Jazz -- please tell us!

My brother, who is over 6'-6" can sit comfortably in the Honda Fit. It has nearly 2X as much storage behind the rear seat as the Scion xD (which is bigger and heavier). The 2009 Fit has even more interior room, and is just 22 pounds heavier than the current model.

[Daox]

The only recommendation I have is the Matrix/Vibe.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

The Matrix is a bigger and heavier car, with a 1.8L engine:

Overall height 61.0
Overall width 69.5
Overall length 173.0
Wheelbase 102.4

Curb weight (lb.)
5-speed automatic 3140
EPA passenger volume (with moonroof) (cu. ft.) 94 (91)
Luggage capacity, rear seats up/down (cu. ft.) 19.8/48.9

Mileage estimates (mpg city/highway):
Manual not available
Automatic 21/29

The Fit has a 1.5L (or 1.3L overseas):

Wheelbase (in.) 96.5
Length (in.) 157.4
Height (in.) 60
Width (in.) 66.2
Track (in., front/rear) 57.3 / 57.1
Curb Weight (lbs., MT/AT) 2432 / 2514 (Sport model) 2471 / 2551

Cargo Volume (cu. ft., seat up/down) 21.3 / 41.9
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 90

5-Speed Manual (City/Highway/Combined) 28 / 34 / 31
5-Speed Automatic (City/Highway/Combined) 27 / 34 / 30 (Sport model) 27 / 33 / 29

So, the Matrix is 589-708 pounds heavier, and 15 1/2" longer. It has less cargo room with the seat up, and more cargo with the seat down. And it doesn't seem to be available with a standard shift transmission. The EPA city estimate is 6-7MPG lower; and highway is 4-5mpg lower.

[Daox]

Yes, there definitly are differences. But, thats the only thing close to the Fit.

It is avaliable with a standard trans. Finding one may prove a bit more difficult unfortunately. It took me about 6 months to find one that fit my needs/wants.