2015 Honda Fit: The ultimate economy car?

Published 12:00 am Friday, March 6, 2015

The 2015 Honda Fit helps explain why all-electric and even hybrid cars are selling so slowly these days. It isn’t just that gas prices have fallen to their lowest levels in years. With the subcompact Fit, anyone interested in the environmental can significantly reduce their carbon footprint with a well-equipped and fun to drive car that gets remarkable mileage and costs thousands less than than even the least expensive EV or hybrid.

Our test Fit returned around 35 miles per gallon in a week of mixed driving, which is about the best that any conventional gas-powered car gets in the real world. And it was only priced at $21,590, even though it was the EX-L NAVI version with such options as heated leather seats, a sunroof, and a 7-inch display screen with a rear view and right side cameras. It also had the optional Continuously Variable Transmission, which worked better than most of the mileage-boosting shiftless automatics, although it was a little noisy under hard acceleration.

None of that would be impressive if the Fit was ugly or a slug, however. But in fact, the redesigned 2015 version looks sharp, has a ton of interior space, and is perky enough to be mildly entertaining on busy streets. Although not a “hot hatch” like a Fiat 500 Abarth or Ford Fiesta ST, our test Fit was surprisingly nimble, cost less, and got better mileage than those boy toys.

And it was a lot easier to live with. The front leather bucket seats were comfortable, not overly confining. The suspension was not too stiff, allowing us to drive over broken pavement without pain. And the huge rear hatch and flexible back seats made it easy to carry even big cargo.

In fact, the only drawback was the bright mustard color, which made the Fit easy to find in parking lot but was otherwise a little much. Fortunately, many less conspicuous colors are available.

Given the drop in gas prices, it’s easy to wonder if there’s any interest in such small economy cars these days. Light trucks, including crossovers and SUVs, are currently selling better than ever. But a recent survey by the Consumer Federation of America found that potential buyers believe gas prices will increase by 50 percent in two years and 80 percent in five years, jumping to around $4 a gallon by 2020. In fact, prices might go up even faster, given the turmoil in the Middle East and the safety questions concerning fracking, which is largely responsible for the fall in prices.

But even before gas prices go back up, the 2015 Honda Fit is still a smart buy for thrifty consumers who want a fun ride and have better things to do with their money. Competition in the subcompact market is fierce these days, but the Japanese automaker’s latest econobox is hard to beat.

2015 Honda Fit

Base price: $15,650.

Price as tested: $21,590.

Type: Subcompact hatchback.

Engine: 1.5 inline 4.

EPA estimated mileage: 32/38 (as tested).

Overall length: 160 inches.

Curb weight: 2,642 pounds (as tested).

Final assembly: Celaya, Mexico.