One of the most efficient small cars is the Honda Fit, returning great fuel economy without the need of expensive hybrid technology - just a small engine tweaked for efficiency.
The auto version is so tweaked for efficiency, in fact, that its more economical than the manual which is very unusual. The downside of the auto is its pretty sluggish especially when you need it to change down a gear for some extra power. The manual is a more engaging drive and would be our transmission choice. It is not much less efficient than the auto, recording EPA figures of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, while the automatic does 28 miles to the gallon on the city cycle and 35 on the highway.
A 1.5 liter four cylinder engine provides the Fit's power and variable valve timing helps give the small efficient car pretty decent acceleration. Although this is a refined modern engine, like so many subcompacts, it can be a bit noisy. Road handling is very good though, as is the braking.
The interior cabin is another of the Honda Fit's best features. Its unusual for a car of this type to have such a well thought out space. Its a spacious passenger cabin with plenty of cargo space and some clever storage options. Honda's Magic Seat has three different storage configurations and still manages to be a very comfortable rear seat. Design elements like the 10 cup holders make this a very practical space.
Safety is a mix of good and bad if you're considering the base model car. The Honda Fit got excellent government crash test scores but anti skid and stability control systems are not available on the base model, even as an option. This does not compare favorably to most efficient small cars.
Despite this the Honda Fit is a great car and other reviewers agree. Its cheap, reliable and an efficient small car and has picked up several awards. It has been voted among the 10 Best by Car and Driver three years in a row.
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