TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Honda unveiled the all-new 2015 Fit today at the Canadian International Auto Show. Available nationwide this summer, the new Fit has been completely redesigned to offer an innovative twist of sporty style, enhanced interior space, unique driving capabilities, advanced safety and technology features and improved fuel efficiency.
"The 2015 Honda Fit is better than ever with more interior space, increased fuel efficiency and fun driving dynamics," said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada. "We truly believe the Fit will continue to be a leader in the subcompact segment, and I think Canadians will agree that this new model is simply the right fit."
Modern Styling with Class-Leading Packaging
The 2015 Fit offers a sophisticated and sporty exterior style. A more aggressive front fascia showcases a new grille and headlight design. A strong character line runs along the side of the Fit, emphasizing the vehicle's aerodynamic profile. Larger 16-inch tires outfitted with a new wheel design give the Fit a planted and sporty stance. In the back, rear reflectors and LED taillights run along the hatch with a chrome tailgate garnish and rear diffuser, all contributing to the Fit's more substantial and dynamic appearance.
Retaining a similar exterior footprint to the current model, the new Fit is slightly shorter (-40.6 mm) and wider (+7.6 mm) with a longer wheelbase (+30.5 mm), resulting in improved handling and maneuverability. Inside, the Fit builds on its already class-leading interior space, airy cabin and large greenhouse thanks to an all-new efficient platform that incorporates a unique centre-mounted fuel-tank layout. The new Fit also delivers a significant increase in passenger volume (+138.8 L) and rear legroom (+121.9 mm) compared to the previous model. With the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat® offering multiple configurable seating positions, the Fit provides an unrivaled 1492.3 L of cargo space when the second row seats are folded flat. With an overall height of 1524 mm, the Fit allows for easy loading of items into the rear cargo and ingress/egress for passengers.
Enhanced Interior and Technology Features
The 2015 Fit will deliver above-class interior refinement and features while offering value at every trim level. All 2015 Fit models will be equipped with class-leading standard features including Bluetooth® connectivity, a multi-angle rearview camera, and Expanded View Driver's Mirror. For customers looking for premium features in the subcompact segment, Fit will be available with smart entry with push-button start, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, Honda's exclusive LaneWatch™ display and a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface with HondaLink™ smartphone connectivity. Soft touch and premium materials are used throughout and, for the first time, the Fit will be offered with available moonroof and leather-trimmed seating.
Improved Performance, Efficiency and Safety
The 2015 Fit marks the debut of an all-new direct-injected 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine. Generating 130 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 114 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm, engine output is increased by 13 horsepower and 8 lb.-ft of torque compared to the outgoing engine, while reducing weight and improving efficiency. Paired to two new transmissions, a slick-shifting 6-speed manual or a sporty and fuel-efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with available paddle shifters, the Fit powertrain offers superior acceleration and passing performance, with improved fuel efficiency over the previous generation.
Complementing the new powertrain is a revised chassis that provides for improved handling, ride comfort and NVH. A more rigid body, new rear dampers and revised suspension geometry notably enhance the 2015 Fit's ride quality and fun-to-drive handling characteristics.
The 2015 Fit benefits from the most extensive use of ultra-high strength steel in the model's history, providing increased body stiffness while reducing platform (underbody and chassis) weight by 26 kg versus the outgoing model. Equipped with the next generation of the Honda Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the Fit is anticipated to earn top safety scores from the U.S. NHTSA and IIHS, including a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating with a GOOD rating in all IIHS test modes, including the rigorous small overlap barrier test.
North America Production
The 2015 Fit will be manufactured for the first time in North America at the new Celaya, Mexico plant. With an annual capacity of 200,000 units, the facility will begin mass production of the 2015 Fit this month, adding production of an all-new small Honda SUV later in the year. With introduction of the new manufacturing facility in Mexico, Honda's North American automobile production facilities will have a total annual capacity of 1.92 million units, and will have the capability to manufacture vehicles in all product segments, from subcompacts to light truck models.
About Honda Canada
Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969. It has produced more than 6 million cars and trucks since 1986 at its two manufacturing facilities and builds engines at a third manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Both manufacturing facilities are extremely flexible and currently build Honda Civic and CR-V models. Honda Canada has invested more than $2.6 billion in Canada and each year it sources nearly $1.1 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Honda Canada has sold more than 3.8 million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada.
For more information and photos, please visit HondaNews.ca.
Image with caption: "The all-new 2015 Honda Fit is unveiled at the Canadian International Auto Show (CNW Group/Honda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140213_C4057_PHOTO_EN_36715.jpg
SOURCE: Honda Canada Inc.
Maki Inoue (905) 888-4416
Laura Heasman (905) 888-4586
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