Honda Redesigns Fit, Adds Hybrid, Sedan Options

This Japanese-market Honda Fit will be similar to the 2015 U.S. model. (Honda Motor Company)

Honda has released images of the all-new Japanese model Fit and, according to Motor Trend, the pictures offer U.S. buyers a sneak peak of the 2015 U.S. model.
The images show a blue Honda Fit hatchback with all-new styling that Motor Trend says will be featured on the 2015 U.S. model. Changes include more angular bodywork on the front, side and rear and a new headlight and grille combination that reminded Motor Trend of Honda’s Clarity hydrogen-powered car.
Automotive News (subscription required) reports that Honda has also developed a new hybrid system for the Fit that “greatly boosts fuel economy over the current [hybrid] system” that's used in other Honda models, like the Insight. Automotive News says that Honda will probably not release a hybrid version of the hatchback pictured above to the U.S. However, the U.S. will likely receive a new Fit sedan and Fit-based small crossover with the hybrid drivetrain.

(Honda Motor Company)

The 2013 Honda Fit is our No. 1 ranked affordable subcompact car, but it is ranked fifth in subcompact sales this year with 25,541 cars sold through June 2013, according to Automotive News. That is much less than the top-selling 2013 Nissan Versa, which had sales of 63,761 in that same period, and the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic (44,905 units sold). The Sonic ranks fourth in our affordable subcompact rankings, and the Versa is 15th out of 16 subcompact cars. Automotive News says Honda wants the redesigned Fit to be more competitive with these cars, and hopes the new hybrid option will help the Fit compete with other small hybrids like the Toyota Prius c. Toyota sold 20,575 Prius c hybrids through June, according to Automotive News.
Motor Trend says that, despite the design overhaul, the exterior dimensions of the subcompact Fit remain the same. While it wasn't impressed with the interior, the publication expects the design to change before the car goes on sale in the U.S.