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Automobile June 21, 2001 |
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| Honda Launches New Small FIT |
Tokyo,June 21,
2001 -- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today introduced a new subcompact car to the
Japanese market, built on its space-efficient global small platform,
showcasing some of the company's latest advances in automotive
engineering. This new model, called the Fit, is equipped with an i-DSI
*1 engine that delivers the ultimate in
combustion efficiency and world-beating fuel economy of 23 km/l
*2. Other attractive features include a spacious
interior, variable seating arrangements, and innovative, original styling.
The 1.3L Fit will be available starting June
22nd*3 at Honda automobile dealers across
Japan.
In developing the Fit, Honda has succeeded in meeting a
number of performance goals. The new Fit boasts the world's highest levels
of safety and environmental friendliness, while delivering superb
handling, fuel economy, distinctive styling and driving pleasure. Honda
has raised the bar on the kind of performance expected in a subcompact
car, doing its utmost to answer all of its customers' requirements in a
single vehicle. This is the ultimate goal of the "Personal MAX" concept
based on which the Fit was designed.
The newly developed global
small platform is the key technology around which the Fit is designed.
Honda engineers have located the gas tank centrally on the platform --- a
unique layout which, coupled with G-control technology, achieves a greater
level of crashworthiness. Also, the shortened front end and more compact
suspension system allow the floor to be lowered, creating an unprecedented
amount of cabin space for such a small vehicle.
The inclusion of
dual door sills that shut out exterior noise and a variety of storage
spaces has helped achieve a supremely quiet, comfortable, spacious
interior.
Fit is the first in Honda's new SMALL MAX vehicle lineup,
which will employ the global small platform, the new i-series engines, and
other groundbreaking technologies to create a new generation of
automobiles that bring the customer more automotive value than ever
before.
*1: DSI: Dual & Sequential Ignition
*2: FF 10-15
mode, Ministry of Transport test figure (excludes models equipped with
15-inch aluminum alloy wheels)
*3: 4WD version available from July 31.
4WD available also on the Fit Almas, due out early in
September.
Fit A Type
(Options
Available) |
Main
Features
Environmental Impact
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The Fit's exhaust system greatly
reduces harmful HC and NOx emissions. This clean-running vehicle
surpasses domestic emission control regulations for the year 2000 by
as much as 50%. All models have been approved by Japan's Ministry of
Transport as "Low Emissions Excellence"
vehicles.
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Fuel economy is among the
world's best at 23km/l. All models in the Fit series meet or exceed
Japanese fuel economy standards through to
2010.
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Honda also pays strict attention
to recycling, right from the start of production. Almost all
interior formed parts are made of highly recyclable olefin. In fact,
Honda has achieved more than 90%
recyclability*4 for this new
series.
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*4 Figure courtesy of Honda.
Motor Co., Ltd.
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Fit Almas
Main
Features
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Doors swing open to a wide 70
degrees, lower cabin floor and more cabin space. Swivel seats for
easier entry and exit.
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Tip-up seat arrangement for the
rear (Tall Mode), permitting a wheelchair to be loaded from the rear
door.
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Framing and design by Honda
Tokuso Co., Ltd..
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Fit Almas
(A) | |
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