2017 Honda Fit

There are plenty of clever small cars on the market, but none is as clever as the Honda Fit. This little subcompact hatchback offers space, interior flexibility, and versatility that beats many larger cars and crossover vehicles. At the same time, its footprint is small, its thirst is meager, and if that weren't enough, it's fun to drive.

For 2017, the Fit carries over without much by way of change, although the trim line has been shuffled around. There's a new SE trim level which fits between the LX and EX trim levels; it bundles together some popular convenience features but isn't as luxurious as the EX. Manual transmission enthusiasts will also mourn the demise of the stick-shift on most Fit trim levels. It is now only available on the base DX, LX, and SE trim.

Central to the Fit's impressive cargo-hauling abilities is its Magic Seats, which tumble and fold flat into the floor like a minivan's. This is made possible by the centrally mounted fuel tank, located under the front seats. With the rear seats folded, no other small car offers a more voluminous space. In addition, the front seat can be reclined to a near-flat position, allowing long objects to be carried on board.

All Fits come powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection. It develops 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, and is paired to either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Regardless of transmission, the Fit is among the most frugal subcompacts around, consuming between 7.0 - 8.1 L/100 km in the city and 5.9 - 6.6 L/100 km on the highway depending on transmission and trim level. That makes it more efficient than the Toyota Yaris Sedan, Nissan Versa Note, and even the Chevrolet Spark, which is a full class size smaller.

Frugality doesn't come at the cost of driving enjoyment, either. While the current generation isn't as playful as its predecessors, it's still a very nimble vehicle with light steering and a ride that keeps the tall body level. Zipping around town for errands is less of a hassle with the Fit. On the flip side, this current car is more relaxed on the highway with less wind noise. While many Honda models now feature Honda Sensing, the Fit is not yet available with emergency autonomous braking, radar cruise control, or lane-keeping assist. EX and EX-L trims do get the LaneWatch blind-spot camera system.

While the Fit is hardly a luxury car, it is available with plenty of luxury features. Heated leather-trimmed seats, proximity key with push-button start, automatic climate control, and even navigation can be had equipped. All Fits but the base DX trim level feature Honda's 7.0-inch touchscreen display system. Unlike the Civic or CR-V, it hasn't yet made the leap to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, though it does support apps, HD radio and has HDMI and USB inputs.

Standard equipment on the DX trim includes a reverse camera, power windows, power door locks with keyless remote entry, power heated mirrors, Bluetooth, 5.0-inch colour LCD display, four-speaker audio system, tilt and telescoping steering column. Air conditioning isn't available, and it's only available as a manual. Colour choices are limited to white and dark gray.

The LX trim level adds heated front seats, air conditioning, a rear tonneau cover, cruise control, armrest, rear spoiler, and body-coloured exterior mirrors, plus the HondaLink touchscreen infotainment system.

The SE trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic headlamps.

The EX adds standard CVT, paddles for manual gear selection, fog lights, power sunroof, and LaneWatch.

The EX-L Navi adds navigation, automatic climate control, satellite radio, leather upholstery, leather shift knob, HD radio, proximity key with push-button start, and LED lights integrated into the side-view mirrors.

Pricing for the 2017 Fit starts at $14,950 for the DX and tops out at $23,050 for the EX-L Navi.