Honda Fit Shrugs Off Newcomers in Subcompact Shootout

RACINE, Wis., March 29, 2012 – The subcompact car segment continues to grow as buyers look for practical, fuel-efficient rides, but a veteran of the class, the 2012 Honda Fit, recently proved it can still outperform the latest and greatest. Despite being the oldest-generation vehicle in the competition, the Honda Fit currently available at Honda dealerships bested six younger subcompacts to win the Cars.com/USA TODAY/MotorWeek $16,000 Subcompact Shootout.

Seven 2012-model-year automatic subcompact cars were evaluated in the Subcompact Shootout, with each seating at least four, reaching at least 35 mpg on the highway and having an MSRP of $16,000 or less. Contenders included the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. Vehicles were rated by a panel of industry experts and an unbiased couple from Southern California, with each panelist assessing the cars' static qualities, drivability, overall value and real-world fuel economy.

"Some automakers change their vehicles often but fail to update them with the qualities buyers really crave, and this comparison test shows that," said Joe Jardina, Sales Manager at Gentile Honda, a Racine, Wisconsin Honda dealership. "Even though the Honda Fit was the oldest competitor, its styling still resonates with buyers, while its long-standing versatility and roominess make it a practical choice."

During testing for the Subcompact Shootout, the 2012 Honda Fit was particularly impressive when it came to overall size and available cargo space, thanks to its flat-load floor and fold-up second-row seats. It also received high marks for its handling, which allowed judges to tackle the steep hills and curves of the test course with no problems. Meanwhile, a smooth-shifting transmission and superior visibility helped seal the deal for judges.

In February, the Honda brand's overall U.S. vehicle sales were up 8.8 percent compared to the same month last year. Leading the lineup was another small car, the compact Honda Civic, which saw a 36-percent increase compared to February 2011. A total of 27,087 Civics were sold at dealerships across the country in February, making the Civic the best-selling compact by a large margin last month.

The all-new 2012 Honda Civic includes an Eco Assist feature with an ECON driving mode, so owners can get maximum fuel economy this summer as gas prices likely rise with the temperatures. With Eco Assist on, two blue and green "coaching bars" appear on the speedometer to indicate the most fuel-efficient range of speed. Pressing the Civic's ECON button configures the engine and other energy-consuming systems to become more efficient. The 2012 Honda Civic can deliver up to 39 mpg on the highway with an automatic transmission.

"By choosing a new Civic, Wisconsin drivers can put more money towards better hotels or restaurants on vacation this summer, instead of having to spend so much of it on gas," added Jardina. "Whether it's a Civic, a Fit or another model, you know that you're going to get both style and fuel efficiency when you go with a Honda."

About Gentile Honda:
With more than three decades of serving Wisconsin motorists, Gentile Honda strives to deliver a high-quality car-buying experience that is second-to-none. Their knowledgeable Honda sales team adheres to a no-pressure mantra, so Wisconsin car shoppers can make an informed decision and purchase the vehicle that is right for them. With a broad selection of Honda parts and a state-of-the-art service center, Gentile Honda's expert technicians also get customers back on the road quickly and effectively. Visit their Racine, Wisconsin Honda dealership at 6801-C Washington Ave., view their inventory online at www.gentilehonda.com or call 866-944-9831 to schedule a test drive. Gentile Honda can also be found on Facebook.