Scion watch your back, a competitor has arrived. Going on sale beginning April '06, the apparently time travel capable 2007 Honda Fit is ready for production. Packing similar specs to the Scion xA and xB, the Fit comes packing a 1.5L DOHC engine that is fitted with VTEC technology and drive-by-wire throttle capability. Power is rated at a decidedly un-stunning 109 hp at 5800 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4800rpm. With standard 14-inch wheels, the Fit does get a stunning 33/38 rated miles per gallon, always a good thing during times when gas isn't cheap and money is in short supply. Plus, the massive success of the Honda Fit overseas in Asia and Europe ensures that the car will land with a healthy aftermarket already behind. It will be no time before intakes, exhausts, superchargers, and turbocharger kits hit the streets. In fact, if you hit up your JDM parts suppliers now, you could find yourself with a garage full of parts before you even pick up your Fit. Suspension, bodywork, wheels, UK market Jazz badges, and exhausts - they all already exist.
Interior volume and space is good for the car's size, and ABS, front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags are all standard equipment; always a good thing for dangerous, crash prone, first-time drivers. The big things that will make this car appealing to the Scion crowd though is the RSX-like front end, 160 watt six-speaker MP3 capable sound system, available trim accent panels, shift knobs, ambient lighting, steering wheel covers, and paddle shifters for the Sport trim automatic models. Foldable seats, Honda quality, and limitless options ensure that the Fit will soon become another capable customizable street cruiser. Catch a glimpse of a dropped Fit on a clean set of 17's with the right kit, i.e. 5Zigen, and we're sure you'll become a believer too. www.hondacars.com