2009 Honda Fit Sport Car Review

The all new 2009 wedge-shaped Honda Fit has arrived, the follow up back to the original that debuted back in 2006. That car has some miles on it Japan before it arrived on our shores. But this ’09 model is in fact new. The Fit introduced us to what a small car could be long before $4.00 per gallon gasoline. But now, this car makes more sense than ever. Styling is sharper, still odd but at least it has some personality. The interior still pulls off the create-a-cave trick with seats that virtually disappear. And perhaps best of all, the Fit is more robust engine and improved drivability makes it a highly competent ride as well.

My automatic equip sport model even has paddle shifters. Unlike the Fit’s most net worthy competitive, the Nissan Versa, the Honda flaunts its small car dynamics with a chassis tuned fir nimbleness and fun. The new 105 liter i-VTEC engine makes 117 horsepower and it does so through a standard five-speed manual or in this case a five-speed auto.

The Sport also benefits from upsized 16-inch wheels, fog lights, chrome headlight vessels, a body colored underbody kit, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust finisher. And with a small fuel efficient crowd, amenities are now a big deal. So in the Fit, you can now get a navi with voice activated commands. How cool is that?

One knock against the Fit is the unavailability of Bluetooth, something my recent Versa test drive had. There is USB connectivity for mp3 players however. The magic seat as Honda calls it has been improved to deliver one motion folding. Rear seat room is decent, not as leggy as the Versa but not constricting either.

Cargo room with the magic seat upright is excellent. And when folded, the Fit opens to deliver a wide flat load area. Drop the front seats and you’ve got a make-shift hotel room. It's when you see it like this that the Fit really amazes. Ride in handling is tops in the class. The MacPherson strut torsion beam suspension has been tweaked to deliver a more complaint feel and a palpable increase in sportiness.

The steering has a feel that never reminds you that you're driving an economy car. It's fun and for the price delivers a lot of car. Base model start at around $15,000.00 with a loaded Sport automatic with navi coming in at around $19,000.00, gas mileage is towards the top of the group at 27 city and 33 highway but the Chevy Aveo and Toyota Yaris get more our of a gallon.

Then again, those cars don’t deliver the complete package that the Fit does so well. In times like this when small once again is king, the Honda Fit is as good as economical gets.

For Drive Time on Yahoo! Autos, I'm Steve Hammes.