2019 Honda Fit

Honda offers the Fit at an unchanged price for the 2019 model, with four trims spanning a price range of $5,330. The LX model starts off with a base price of $16,190 in manual guise, with the CVT costing an extra $800. The Sport model starts from $17,500 for the manual model, while the CVT is priced from $18,300 while EX models bear a sticker price of $18,160 with the six-speed manual and $18,960 with the CVT. The range-topping Fit is only available with a CVT transmission, with the EX-L carrying a base MSRP of $20,520.

Right from the first generation, the Fit has given buyers an enjoyable front-wheel driving experience. It's a trait that has continued well into this second generation with enticing driving dynamics that the layman can enjoy. The Fit isn't quite as keen a driver's car as the Ford Fiesta, but it's still good fun.

The chassis provides exemplary balance when being chucked about through corners, and the levels of grip are high when leaning on the tires through corners. What's more, the standard suspension is unfazed by mid-corner bumps. On the straight and narrow the road manners continue in the same vein, soaking up bumps and undulations impressively. The HFP (Honda Factor Performance) package is optionally available from the Sport trim upwards and equips high-performance suspension which not only improves the handling at the limits but improves the ride quality as well, quietening secondary road imperfections exceptionally.

The levels of cabin noise are some of the best in class, thanks to high levels of noise insulation and added sound dampening added in the wheel arches and doors for the 2018 update. But as much as the refinement is improved, models equipped with a CVT transmission still drone incessantly at all speeds, with the noise permeating the cabin more than we'd like.

The Fit is let down marginally by its steering, which although direct and amply weighted, tends to lack feedback due to the electronic power assistance - a trait found in numerous rivals in this segment. But it requires little effort and the Fit is deft at changing direction quickly. It makes tight parking maneuvers easy, and town driving just as simple.

The Honda Fit still leads the subcompact pack. There may be a few areas in which the competition runs the Fit close, namely on outright power and in the case of the Ford Fiesta on supreme handling and steering feel, but in all objective metrics, the Fit is simply untouchable. The CVT equips advanced safety features and class-leading economy, while the Magic Seats and clever packaging give the Fit more practicality than anyone else in the segment. The seating is comfortable, the cabin spacious and refined, and the ride quality is exceptional. Some may not be fans of the MPV-ish styling, but the Fit is simply the best vehicle in the subcompact segment by a substantial margin. Several years on and the competition is still lagging behind. Now, several years into the second generation, the Fit is also more reliable than ever, and the updated looks give you more reason than ever to buy one.

From a value-for-money perspective, the best of the lot would be the Fit EX with a manual transmission. It gets high levels of standard safety regardless of the gearbox, features a touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM satellite radio, and despite lacking available navigation, features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which can double up for their navigational capabilities. We'd option the HFP package for sportier looks and handling. The only item you truly miss out on is the heated leather seats from the EX-L, but it's a small concession for the price difference.

Both the Fit and Yaris are subcompact hatchbacks that will seat a claimed five occupants, but the Fit does it in far more comfort while the Yaris skimps on rear passenger room substantially. The Fit also offers one cubic foot of storage space more than the Yaris, and that's before the Magic Seats are flattened to increase the deficit. Not only is the Fit more comfortable and practical, but it's more efficient too. Simply put, the Fit is the better all-rounder.

The Civic might be the Fit's bigger brother, but the highest trim Fit EX-L still undercuts the base Civic hatch while offering high levels of specification and safety and matching the Civic for gas mileage. The Fit only offers marginally less passenger volume but offers a higher maximum cargo volume with 52.7 cubic feet to the Civic's 46.2 cubic feet maximum. But, the Civic's performance is better, and the Civic can be equipped with more kit in higher trims. Still, if you're looking at a base Civic, the Fit might well be the better choice.

The Kia Soul might be a crossover, but that's perhaps the only way any vehicle might come close to comparing to the cargo volume of the Fit. Behind the rear seats, the Kia provides 2.2 cubic feet more, but on maximum available cargo volume, the Fit wins by a margin of 3.2 cubic feet. The Kia is marginally more expensive but comes with better infotainment, while the Honda takes the win in the economy stakes. The Kia does, however, offer nearly double what Honda does in terms of warranties, making this a very tight comparison. Buyers would be happy with either offering.