Honda’s 2018 Fit hatchback has a new look, great fuel economy, starting price of $16,190

The 2018 Honda Fit EX-L Navi model is shown here. The Fit has been redesigned for 2018, with a starting price of $16,190 for the base LX with a manual gearbox. This model lists for $21,520, and is the top of the line.

By G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III

Honda’s Fit subcompact hatchback has arrived for 2018 with some key updates, along with fuel economy of up to 40 mpg highway and a starting price of $16,190 (plus $890 freight).

That brings the base LX model with a six-speed manual transmission, or consumers can choose the LX with a continuously variable automatic for $16,990.

For 2018, there is a new Sport trim, as well as two new exterior colors, Helios Yellow and Orange Fury.

The Fit comes in just one body style – a five-door hatchback. Although it’s just 161.4 inches long (161.8 inches with the Sport), it’s quite roomy inside, and even three people can fit in the back seat if necessary.

Besides the fuel economy and affordable prices, the Fit brings Honda’s legendary quality. While not a complete makeover, this is a “refresh” of the third generation Fit, Honda says.

There are four trim levels offered. Besides the base LX and the Sport, there are the EX and EX-L (leather). These are further differentiated by transmission and content.

Besides the base LX models, there is also the LX CVT with Honda Sensing ($17,990).

The new Sport model (starting at $17,500) comes with an aero front spoiler and rear diffuser, bright orange pin striping, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with gloss-black finish, chrome exhaust-pipe finisher and side-sill garnishes, and a black interior with orange contrast stitching.

Other versions are the Sport manual ($17,500), Sport CVT ($18,300) and Sport CVT with Honda Sensing ($19,300).

The refresh of the third generation Honda Fit enhances the five-door subcompact’s already best-in-class combination of passenger space, fuel efficiency, sophistication, practicality and affordability. It’s now on sale as a 2018 model.

At the EX level are the EX manual ($18,160); EX CVT ($18,960), EX-L CVT ($20,520) and EX-L CVT with Navi ($21,520). Models with the “L” designation have leather upholstery.

Under the hood of all Fit models is a 1.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine that cranks out 130 horsepower and 114 foot-pounds of torque.

The best fuel economy comes from the two LX CVT models, with EPA ratings of 33 mpg city/40 highway/36 combined. Manual models are rated at 29/36/31, and Sport and EX CVT models are 31/36/33.

Upgrades include the Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistance features, which are available on all models, and standard on EX trim levels and above. These include Adaptive Cruise Control; a Collision Mitigation Brake Braking System with Forward Collision Warning; and Lane Keep Assist and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.

There’s also a new seven-inch Display Audio touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, included on Fit Sport, EX and EX-L trims.

Other standard features include air conditioning; a 160-watt audio system with four speakers (LX models) or 180-watt system with six speakers (Sport and EX); power windows/mirrors/door locks, with programmable auto-locking; and cruise control.

EX and EX-L models have smart entry with pushbutton start, sliding sunvisors, one-touch power moon roof, and cargo tie-downs. EX-L models have heated seats in front, along with heated/power outside mirrors with turn signals.

There is 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat – more than that of many midsize sedans. With the rear seat folded, the cargo area expands to a whopping 52.7 cubic feet. Total passenger space is 95.7 cubic feet (93.8 cubic feet with EX and EX-L models). Some of that cargo space comes at the expense of fuel capacity. The tank, under the rear cargo deck, holds just 10.6 gallons of gasoline.

The 2018 Honda Fit EX-L Navi is shown in the Lunar Silver exterior color.

Also new is a seven-inch display audio touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, standard on Sport, EX and EX-L trims.

Fit’s driving dynamics have been upgraded, including re-tuned suspension dampers, a more rigid steering system and additional body reinforcements. The passenger cabin is now quieter, as well, thanks to improved transmission and steering mounting hardware, acoustic-laminated glass and more insulation.

Carried over is the rear “Magic Seat,” which can fold flat into the floor without having to remove the headrests, creating a long, flat cargo space.

Safety features include Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, front seat-mounted side air bags, side-curtain air bags for both rows, active front-seat head restraints, a rearview camera system, electronic stability control with traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, child-seat anchors and tethers, side-impact door beams, and rear-door child locks.

The 2018 Fit for the U.S. market is assembled at Honda’s Celaya, Mexico, plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3.

 

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