fuel_sipping

You can get an Accord Sport in an color, unless you want the MT. Then, you can only get it in Grey or Black. This may also be relevant to the crash test question: http://www.hondainamerica.com/news/honda-leads-industry-first-development-visualization-technology-advance-study-crash-test How was the build quality, fit/finish and such?

Vertical? I'm confused by what you means, as the orientation looks to be standard (parallel to crankshaft). As for intercooling, why wouldn't you use air to air? And the single turbo is likely bolted directly to the cylinder head, which has an integrated "manifold". Should be interesting to see how they perform.

They are beginning the transition to 6-speeds for the heavy vehicles, as evident in the higher end models (Acuras and top Odyssey), but it seems for the rest of the range they are working to develop and build up their CVTs. Maybe not the most sound choice, speculatively, but that seems to be getting the blunt end of their R&D attention right now. All these things are just a matter of free speculation to me... Here is a more comprehensive article on Autoblog, which highlights their planned efficiency dominance. http://www.autoblog....gment-within-t/

All their past and current hybrids have had the auto-stop (which actually started in 2000 with gen1 Insights). Now, I know the hybrids aren't quite high volume, they are all available in the US. Honda has also been using VCM (variable cylinder management) more and more, starting in around '05-'06. Those things aside, i'm just as baffled as you when it comes to the neglect of DI stateside. I really shouldn't attempt to answer based upon my complete uncertainty, but the only thing that I could think of is perhaps prolonged R&D, while thinking they could leave well enough alone...? I don't know off-hand, but I'm sure they have been implementing it in something over the years, and fine tuning.

Honda started using DI in Japan around '02-'03, had Auto-stop in 2001, and they have been practicing cylinder size-reduction since the beginning... lol

It doesn't look so bad in person... While the front seems much more composed, the back end will take a little bit of getting used to. Instead of thinking how much it looks like an Aztec, I try to think that it would look a lot better with a spare tire on the back like the previous generations. Overall, I don't think it is really that bad, and I do believe it will sell well, at least for the foreseeable future. The interior is not too bad. There are many hard plastics, but they feel pretty good to the touch. The door panels are designed much like the Odysseys', so they don't really cater to the "rugged" look. They are appeasing enough, though, with multiple storage nooks. The one I've seen was an EX-L with Nav. The front area is dominated by a fixed center console, but with a few pockets, cup holders, and a good sized slide-door compartment. The gauges are prettier, with a large analog speedo in the middle, analog tach, water and fuel gauges surrounding it. The speedometer needle floats around the inside of the gauge, and on the outside of a digital display. It also has a color Multi-info display on the dash, ala Civic. There is also a pattern inlay across the dash that mimics a marble-y look. Interior space is about the same, but probably a bit more than the PG. One cool feature was the folding rear seats. MUCH improved design over the outgoing models. I won't spoiler that though Final note. This was top of the line, I'm assuming, and it had a 2.4L. Grain of salt info, just saying.

worse yet, when I see this come to mind...

I'm wondering though, if Honda has made half the changes to the Civic HF as Chevy did to the Cruze ECO. Not knowing what they did (if they did similar to what Chevy did) Honda hopes to achieve with the Civic HF a targeted 41 MPG from the 1.8L Non-turbocharged engine that it uses. If it had yet a more efficient motor, maybe it would oust the Cruze ECO in MPG. Oh wait, that's what the hybrid is. That said, I think there is potential room for improvement on both ends.

I just saw this commercial about 2 minutes ago. I was quite shocked and pleasantly surprised by the tone and presence of the ad. Sweet looking Jeep, in and out too!

You forgot to mention the two cup holder down low between the seats, rear of the hand brake. :AH-HA_wink: And a center armrest is an optional accessory, but imho, it's not worth the price. Also, it takes away the use of those two aforementioned cup holders. lol Great review. I drive these things all the time at work (Honda lot tech) and can truly say I agree with you. Mostly I agree that they are fun to drive and the interior is rather poor (material and mixed emotions design wise). What bugs me most is that those same types of materials were carried over to the Insight. Luckily, the Insight interior is a little more "pleasant" to be in. I'm sure most people would agree, anyhow...

I know this is an oldy, but there seem to be more pics now. Bumping it up rather then making a new thread. Courtesy of: http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2009-370z/ The more I look over it the more I like it. It looks smaller for some reason too.

Ok, I don't know why I've been shying away from typing anything here, but I've driven the new Fit. In fact we got one in a day or two after I posted my last comment. It was sort of a surprise since we weren't expecting one for some time. It was a silver on black Sport model with auto tranny. The car itself seems a little bigger all around. Idk if it because of the large glass triangles in front of the doors, which excentuate how the greenhouse appears to have grown. Idk. Regardless, the car is still rather small. The front looks pretty sporty and imho way better then the last gen due mostly in part to the better looking head lights. From different angles, the front also looks like what I could image a Euro Ford looking like. It's sharp and aggressive looking i suppose. Of course the side of the car looks better too, as the lines are more sculpted and aggressive. The back is a little subjective, but by no means terrible looking. Idk it just looks odd at some views. The interior is nice. First thing you notice when you sit down is that the seats are more comfy. Next you might notice the leather wrapped wheel. Feeling the position of it, you might get a feeling that something isn't right. No problem, since it now telescopes to fit most any driving position. Next you might play with the controls... All the A/C knobs are lined up almost vertical to each other, close to the driver. The radio is just off to the right, Not so close but not too far. The controls themselves are nice. The gauges are nice too. Not only do are they electroluminous on the inside, but the indicator lights (like the hashes for speedometer intervals) light up as a brilliant blue color. Inside, the plastics used also seem to be a nice choice. They feel soft and blend well. I haven't had much time behind the wheel yet but I can say it drives well. As good as you would expect I suppose. It's hard to tell since the car wasn't broken in yet (lol obviously it had like 3 miles) I couldn't tell you how much difference the additional power makes. It did seem to have plenty of power to lug itself around good at low engine speeds though. BAH, i'm tired and can't think of much else to say. We currently have one sitting on our lot (as of earlier) that I've been meaning to test out, since it's a 5 spd. Overall, It seems like a good amount of car for the money.

I really can't wait for the '09s to come in at work. I just want to see how similarly different they are from the '08s. I doubt i'll be able to tell much of a difference though, seeing how I haven't driven a Fit in just about a month. Of course, that's how long it's been since we sold our last '08. Fits really are hot cars, and for a number of reasons.

lol, You need not describe the pros and cons of owning a MKIII to me. I've seen it all. Infact I currently have only 300 miles on a fresh rebuild in my 90T. This car is so unlike Toyota's of today...

I just wish there were more around that haven't been driven/rusted to death.