Honda Motor Co. plans to bring hybrid variants of the third generation of the Fit hatchback, one of Honda’s best-selling global nameplates to market in the next few months. Key to the revamp, which introduces Honda’s new design language with a new interior and boldly creased sheet metal, is a newly developed one-motor petrol-electric drivetrain.
The new hybrid system, dubbed Sport Hybrid Intelligent-Dual Clutch Drive, greatly boosts fuel economy over the current integrated motor assist system. Honda has been using the outgoing integrated motor assist system for years in such cars as the Insight and Civic. Globally, the petrol-powered Fit will be offered with a 1.3-liter port-injection or 1.5-liter direct-injection version of Honda’s new Earth Dreams engine, combined with the company’s new Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission.
Both engines will be offered with a manual transmission in some markets. The hybrid gets a 1.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Electric power comes from a 22-kilowatt electric motor and lithium ion battery. This new hybrid Fit hatchback achieves fuel economy of 36.4 kilometers per liter, or 86 mpg, under Japan’s testing regime.
The hybrid Fit can drive for 1.9 miles at speeds up to 31 mph in electric-only mode. The engine kicks in for blended driving when the car reaches a certain speed or the driver punches the gas for a burst of acceleration. For highway cruising, the electric motor shuts off to let the engine work.
The new Fit is a Honda milestone for several reasons. It showcases Honda’s attempt to rejuvenate its styling. And the car is the first product of a revamped global product development strategy that aims to better tailor vehicles to local markets and regional manufacturing abilities. Local market introduction date is still not confirmed.
