Unlike motorists from most first-world countries, Americans are rather fickle when it comes to subcompacts. When fuel prices are high, we welcome them with open arms. But when the prices drop, we seem to lose interest in them quicker than we do with the also-rans from American Idol.
Consistently high fuel prices and the arrival of a gaggle of new subcompacts would seem to indicate that subcompacts are coming back in vogue. One of the better ones is the new 2007 Honda Fit. Being rather new and improved compared to its ancestors, this four-door hatchback features ultra-adaptable seating configurations, a sporty driving demeanor and high levels of standard feature content and safety equipment.
In terms of size, the Fit hatchback is about 20 inches shorter than a Civic sedan. Yet if measured by interior volume, the Fit nearly matches the passenger space of the Accord. Honda has made this possible by using an innovative seating arrangement and compact suspension design, and relocating the fuel tank underneath the passenger seat.
