Playing to Its Strengths: Honda Fit Hybrid
Honda Fit e-HEV Hybrid is a winner in an ever-changing car world.
We were more than suitably impressed by the all-new Honda Fit when we drove it back in August. But we were always intrigued by the prospect of the hybrid version. Mad in Japan, Fit replaced the Indian-built Jazz in this market. It encapsulates the notion of “yunobi.” Which recognizes the beauty in objects perfected over time to become ergonomically more appealing and satisfying. ‘Fit’ for purpose, so to say
It may not be available in the US, but the Fit is completely reimagined from the ground up. Fit chases a more diverse new customer profile while still looking after loyal existing owners. It’s a cool monobox city car that best combines efficiency and usability, ready to meet the needs of modern consumers. Unique as Jazz always was, Fit’s styling is also divided office opinion. Either way, it’s slightly lower, more compact stance. Punctuated by premium DRL headlamps and a refined roof spoiler, cuts a cool pose.
A Comfy, Spacious, High-Quality Cabin
Narrower A pillars and hidden wipers deliver a clear view out of a comfortable, spacious, and high-quality cabin. Especially at the rear. Austere, practical, functional, and simple, it’s uncluttered and clean. Durable soft-touch finishes highlight its inherent quality, and best of all, it’s clever! The seats deliver greater lumbar support and minimize fatigue and the central armrest is height-aligned with the door rest.
Fit’s clear, easy to read, and simple driver centric dash has 7-inch full TFT instrumentation is slim. The ergonomic smartphone-style fully configurable 9-inch HMI central touchscreen infotainment system is seamless, quicker and more intuitive. The wireless Auto and CarPlay system and its shortcuts do have some quirky connectivity habits. Best of all, Fit also happily returns to tactile buttons and key controls. And conventional dials for heating and ventilation settings. In place of that horrid previous touchscreen solution.
Rear legroom leads the class, and a broader tailgate accesses a versatile flat-floored 10.9 cu ft trunk. Fit’s Magic Seat configuration has a flip-up rear seat. Or fold the rear seats flat for an impressive 42.7 cubic foot bay.
Fit Introduces Honda’s New e:HEV Hybrid Tech
Fit Hybrid introduces Honda’s lightweight, compact and efficient e:HEV two-motor powertrain. It comprises of a pair of compact, yet powerful electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery. The electric drive motor delivers maximum torque from 1 rpm. It spins up to 13,300 rpm at Fit Hybrid’s 108 mph top speed. The e-motor works in tandem with a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine. It both powers the front wheels and drives a separate second electric motor generator.
An electronically controlled fixed gear ratio CVT transmission allows Fit Hybrid to seamlessly and secretly. switch between three driving modes. It motors in either EV Drive on pure lithium-ion battery power, in Hybrid Drive. Or when the engine turns the electric generator to power the electric motor. Or Engine Drive, where the petrol engine engages the wheels directly via a lock-up clutch.
It transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive modes to ensure optimum urban driving efficiency. Engine Drive then takes over at highway speeds. Open road performance is also boosted on demand by the electric drive motor. In Hybrid Drive, the petrol engine turns the generator to recharge the battery. Which is likewise charged by regenerative braking when in EV Drive
Fuel Efficiency is Fit e:HEV Silver Bullet
Producing 107 HP and 187 lb.-ft, Fit Hybrid’s intelligent power control unit ensure smooth and direct response. For a compelling blend of performance and efficiency. Honda claims 60 mph in 9.4 seconds. Our tests proved better than that. Our Fit broke nine seconds to 60 with brisk overtaking numbers, too. But its real-world economy is Fit Hybrid’s real silver bullet is its fuel economy. Honda claims 3.7 liters per 100km.
The beauty of the Honda Fit’s novel e:HEV Hybrid system is that it maximizes the strengths of its driving Modes. It takes advantage of its torquey electric motor to propel off the line. And accelerate to a point where the petrol engine takes over at its optimum. A conventional petrol engine uses most fuel to get off the line and accelerate to cruising speeds. The electric motor only uses free, rechargeable battery energy to pull away and accelerate. The electric motors is least efficient at higher speeds, where the petrol engine is at its best.
That perfect storm allows the Honda Fit Hybrid to return almost impossible fuel consumption. We easily matched its 63.5 mpg average in mixed driving conditions. On one trip even managed to break 80 mpg. Motoring on gas on the opening road and taking advantage of that harvested free electric energy in the traffic. Our overall test fuel use was 60 mpg. Put in layman’s terms, there was more than a third of a tank of gas left. After a week and over 300 miles of mixed driving. Pretty astounding, may we add.
Smart Hybrid a Splendid Global Warming Solution
The regular petrol Honda Fit really impressed when we drove it. And we wondered how good the Hybrid would be. To be honest, this Golf and Corolla rival does everything its petrol sibling does, just as well. If not considerably better. It’s more powerful, quicker, faster, and far more economical. Because it is a far smarter car and a splendid solution to the pressures of global warming. And its’ pretty well priced and backed too.
We reckon Honda has a winner in the Fit e-HEV Hybrid in this ever-changing motoring world. It really and truly plays its many strengths to perfection.
ROAD TESTED: Honda Fit e-HEV Hybrid Engine: 107 HP and 187 lb.-ft 1.5-litre petrol-electric I4 Drive: Hybrid Automatic CVT FWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 3.92 sec 0-60 mph: 8.95 sec 0-75 mph: 12.87 sec ¼-mile: 17.3 sec @ 83 km/h 50-75 mph 6.77 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 108 mph Fuel: 63.5 mpg RATED: 9
Photos: Giordano Lupini
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