Even though the third-generation Honda Fit (known as Jazz in some markets) is no longer a secret, the Japanese carmaker has released a teaser photo of the North American version of the car, which will debut at next month’s Detroit Auto Show as a 2015 model.
The automaker doesn’t offer further detail, but one can’t expect any significant differences to the car that is already on sale in Japan, as the teaser photo reveals (you can compare it with the Japan-spec Honda Fit featured in the photo gallery).
The third-generation Honda Fit keeps its small minivan-like stature while adopting a different styling than the previous models. It has a sharper front end with thinner headlights and a rear that features upright taillights, stretching all the way up to the ceiling.
The interior is also redesigned and brings sharper lines as well as new comfort and technology features including full-touchscreen controls on the center console. We don’t know yet what engines will be on offer in the U.S., but in Japan the Fit comes with three options: a 1.3-liter unit delivering 100PS (99hp), a 1.5-liter engine producing 132PS (130hp) and a hybrid version fitted with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle (high expansion ratio cycle) engine.
The latter is the first model to feature Honda’s new Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) system for small-size vehicles that consists of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a built-in high-output motor, and IPU (intelligent power unit) incorporating a built-in lithium-ion battery. As a result, the Fit Hybrid is more than 35 percent more fuel-efficient, returning 36.4km/l (85.6mpg US – 2.7l/100km – 102.8mpg UK) on the Japanese driving cycle.
The U.S. market Fit will be produced for the first time in North America at an all-new plant in in Celaya, Mexico.
Note: The light blue Fit pictured in the gallery is the JDM-specification model
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
