2018 Honda Fit: New Tech, Retains Heritage [Review]

2018 Honda Fit
[photo: Honda]
The Honda Fit is in its third generation, and since its introduction in the early 2000’s the entry level Honda has earned a reputation as a fun-to-drive versatile platform. The current model is now three years old and according to Honda is the second best selling car in its segment. For 2018 the Fit has received minor updates both in design and technology along with a slight bump in price.

What’s New

New Design, If you Squint: From the rear and side profile the new 2018 Fit is almost indistinguishable from previous years. A new lower and wider front fascia is more in line with the current Honda line up and provides a more aggressive overall look.

For 2018 the Sport trim has returned with racy front and side treatments, 3-strake rear diffuser and orange accents throughout the interior and exterior. A more pronounced exhaust and front splitter would indicate, yes!, engine improvements but, alas, are noticeably absent.

The new Fit is available now at a starting M.S.R.P of just over $16,000.00. A fully equipped EX-L with navigation will crest $21,500.00.

Performance

2018 Honda Fit HPP
The Fit in HPP trim gets a rear spoiler and defuser along the bottom, special wheels, and a lowered suspension. [photo: Honda]
A 1.5 liter four cylinder is standard across all trims mated to either a continuously variable transmission or very engaging 6-speed manual. While eager to rev, the small and easily excitable mill does not deliver the performance its racy demeanor may suggest. At just 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque, the manual transmission actually produce a few more ponies than CVT models.

While not fast, the 2018 Honda Fit is still a blast to drive on the small tight roads as I found out when Honda flew me out to California to take the car for a spin. When equipped with the precise 6-speed manual, the small Honda bounds from corner to corner with an ease that urges you to push it harder.

Of course most Honda Fit buyers are more likely to be blasting their Fit’s to the Corner Store rather than around hairpin turns, and for everyday use the new Fit should prove immensely versatile.

Comfort & Convenience

The coolest things in this photo? The 6-speed manual and an actual volume knob.  [photo: Honda]
Honda’s magic rear seat is highly configurable and able to adapt to a multitude of odd-shaped items. Even in basic trims the Honda Fit interior is a nice place to spend time. Utilizing a multitude of non-black plastics and varying materials the Honda Fit feels like a much more expensive car on the inside.

Adding to the premium feel is the newly introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (available on Sport trims and up). Along with improved entertainment comes Honda’s suit of safety aids called Honda Sensing. Available across all trims even the most basic fits have the opportunity to come equipped with advanced equipment like adaptive cruise control.

The name isn’t a mistake. More things and people fit in a Fit than you’d think. [photo: Honda]
TFLCAR’s TAKE: With a comfortable interior and zippy chassis the new Fit is a good value, especially if the newest safety tech is a priority. But with the 2017 Honda Civic starting at just under $19,000, this leaves prospective buyers with a dilemma: Is a base Civic or a well equipped Fit a better option?

For more on the new 2018 Honda Fit check out our video review below!