2014 Honda Fit Engine Tech Previewed
Still competitive in its segment due to innovative styling, packaging and an enjoyable drive, Honda’s Fit sub-compact is starting to show its age.
Once the out-in-front segment leader, the Fit is no longer the obvious choice, especially in regards to fuel economy, though Honda aims to change all that with a new powertrain for 2014.
While not yet confirmed for that platform, Honda has unveiled a new 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, featuring direct-injection. While no official specs have been released the new engine itself will be five percent more fuel efficient while offering a six percent improvement in torque.
Mated to the engine will be a new CVT transmission, with the combination resulting in a 15 percent improvement in acceleration and a 10 percent bump in fuel economy.
The powertrain also features a start-stop system that will shut off the engine when idling, though it’s not yet clear if Honda has any plans to bring start-stop technology to non-hybrid models in North America.
The current Fit is rated at 117 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque, while offering 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and a combined 31 mpg.
GALLERY: Honda Fit Direct-Injection Prototype
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Yes, please . .. for the direct injection and CVT Transmission. The only thing that would make it a slam dunk would be a digital readout for the speedometer.
Not impressed...My `12 Sonic 1.4T manual gets up to 48 HWY regularly on level ground. Even the window sticker shows a 40 rating but says you can get as high as 47. Feels much more solid than a Fit and loads more TQ/HP. WIDE torque band. Pulls easily from 1500 RPM. Turns about 1900 RPM on the freeway. Best friend is a long time Honda mechanic and agrees it feels smoother/more substantial/quicker than a Fit. Since it`s a turbo a simple Trifecta tune makes it WAY faster but doesn`t hurt cruise MPG. I love it. CVT LOL...I prefer my buttery-smooth 6-manual.