Honda Cars : More Info on the 2009 Honda FIT | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

THE BODY

The 2nd generation Fit features several design innovations to further enhance its active, smart appearance, aerodynamically sleek form and highly rigid construction. Most striking among these is the super-forward aero-form design, achieved by positioning the front pillar as far forward as possible, for maximum visual impact. The expanded windshield and large front quarter windows improve visibility while making the cabin feel even more spacious. A distinctive honeycomb grille and larger, more sharply styled headlights add a feel of dynamism and presence. Fluid, arcing lines highlight the sleek contours of the upper body’s tapered, aerodynamic form.

Structural innovations in key areas throughout the body and frame increase rigidity with minimum additional weight, resulting in a highperformance body structure with compliant handling and enhanced safety performance. The Fit’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure contributes to improved vehicle rigidity in addition to frontal collision safety. Strengthening of stress-bearing areas in the frame helps reduce vibrations that can cause noise and hum. The amount of high-tensile steel in the Fit’s body has been increased from 40% to 54%, and front body rigidity has been increased 164%.

Small exterior, easy to access, spacious interior, with great maneuverability

While the 2nd generation Fit has grown compared to the model it replaces, it is by no means big. The Fit is now slightly wider and longer, but its height remains unchanged. With its greater length, the wheelbase has also grown. This coupled with the vehicle’s wider track results in an improved curb to curb turning diameter (10.5m). Specific measures were taken to optimize interior space, like repositioning the slightly taller windshield and roof peak (the roof’s highest point) slightly forward. The Fit’s wide doors can be opened as wide as 80° and the wide rear tailgate opening is lower making it easier to get people and cargo in or out of the vehicle.

A more rigid yet lightweight body design

Structural innovations throughout the body and frame increase rigidity with minimal additional weight. In addition to Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure strengthening of stress-bearing areas in the frame helps reduce vibration. The proportion of high-tensile steel in the Fit’s body has increased from 40% to 54%. Overall body rigidity has similarly increased 164%. The result is a highperformance body with exceptional handling and enhanced safety performance.

• High-tensile steel used in 54% of body
• Overall body rigidity increased 164%
• Enhanced frame design for a quieter ride

SAFETY

The 2nd generation Fit offers enhanced safety features. Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) makes the Fit highly effective at absorbing the energy of a frontal crash. It
also helps minimize the potential for under-ride or override, which can occur during head-on or offset-frontal impacts with a significantly larger or smaller vehicle. This not only provides improved protection for vehicle occupants, but also helps mitigate damage to other vehicles.

In addition to dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, every Fit features front side airbags with a passenger-side occupant position detection system and a side curtain airbag system to help protect occupants’ heads and necks in the event of a side collision. Three-point seatbelts are standard in all seating positions.

Also standard is a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, which provides rigid attachment points in the outboard rear seats for up to two child seats. Additional standard safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD,
front seat belts with automatic tensioning systems, driver and front passenger Active Head Restraints, and a pedestrian injury mitigation body design in the front of the vehicle.