The 2015 Honda Fit->ke1336 is the latest and greatest in the line of fun and funky five-doors from the Japanese automaker. The latest Fit looks to increase power and fuel economy for a more engaging and dynamic drive, while maintaining the practicality and versatility the Fit is known for.

The powertrain of this new Honda->ke34 is comprised of all-new engines and transmissions, and the entire body has been redesigned and revised to improve stiffness and reduce NVH. The new 2015 car is shorter overall than its predecessor but features an increased wheelbase to improve interior dimensions.

This new car has just been unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show->ke222 and we have all the details here for you. Read on to see if it has what it takes to beat its older self.

Updated 04/09/2014: Honda announced today that the new Fit will be put on sale on April 14 with a starting price of $15,525 for the LX trim with 6-speed manual transmission.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Honda Fit.

2015 Honda Fit

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Honda Fit
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 130 @ 6500
  • Torque: 114 @ 4600
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The overall look of the new 2015 Honda Fit is sleeker and more modern than the current car. The new front grille is large and sporty, giving the Fit a more aggressive presence. We like that Honda has moved the standard wheel size up to 16-inches as this gives the 2015 Fit better proportions and will hopefully improve ride comfort.

The overall length of the 2015 Fit has been shrunk by 1.6-inches over the last-generation car, but it features a 0.3-inch increase in width a 1.2-inch stretch in wheelbase. The result is a car that is more compact, provides better maneuverability and features more interior space.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

160 Inches

Width

67 Inches

Wheelbase

99.6 Inches


Interior

Thanks to that wheelbase stretch, the 2015 Honda Fit gains almost 5 cubic feet of passenger space, and rear seat passengers seat a legroom increase of 4.8-inches. When you need more space for cargo, you can fold the seats to create a class-best 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Standard equipment on the 2015 Fit has also been increased to make it an even better value for buyers. When it hits showrooms, the Fit will be the only car in the class that comes with Bluetooth connectivity as standard.

Available features for the new Fit will include smart entry with a push-button starter, Honda's LaneWatch system and a seven-inch touchscreen controlled audio system. For the first time in its history, the Fit will even be available with leather seating, adding a touch of luxury and class to the cabin.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain of the 2015 Honda Fit is comprised of all-new components. The heart of the Fit is a brand new 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. This DOHC unit features direct injection and Honda's i-VTEC technology to produce 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque -- a 13-horsepower and 8 pound-feet increase over the 2013 model. Apart from being more powerful than the outgoing engine, the new unit weighs less and features increased efficiency.

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a CVT. When equipped with the CVT, fuel economy is anticipated to be 33 mpg city, 41 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined. If those numbers prove true, the Fit will be the most economical car in the class.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

1.5-Liter i-VTEC Four-Cylinder

Output (HP @ RPM)

130 @ 6500

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

114 @ 4600

Fuel Economy (City / Highway / Combined)

33 / 41 / 36


Prices

TRIM

MSRP

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (city/highway/combined)

Fit LX 6MT

$15,525

29/37/32

Fit LX CVT

$16,325

33/41/36

Fit EX 6MT

$17,435

29/37/32

Fit EX CVT

$18,235

32/38/35

Fit EX-L CVT

$19,800

32/38/35

Fit EX-L CVT with Navi

$20,800

32/38/35


Competitors

Ford Fiesta

Ford's compact hatch has been making huge waves since the refreshed model debuted. Available in both sedan and hatch body styles, the Fiesta is not as practical as the Fit, but it offers buyers more choices. For the speed inclined among you, Ford also offers the high-powered Fiesta ST, a car that Honda has no competitor for.

Mazda2

The Mazda2 focuses more on fun driving than overall practicality than the Fit. It features a less powerful engine, and much smaller overall size. The Mazda2 does have a lower eight which makes for a more engaging drive, and it also rings in with a much lower price tag. Only time will tell if buyers find Honda's increased interior equipment is worth the price premium.

Conclusion

Honda finally gave the fit exactly what it needed: a body and engine to match wits with the best in its class. This may give the Fit the means to overtake the Fiesta and the MAzda2. Unfortunately, Honda did not release a higher-performance model to take on the Fiesta ST, but we can still hope.