Honda fans doubt 2015 Fit to outsell Civic anytime soon
Looking to the history of the Honda Civic, still North America’s number one selling compact, Torque News took American Honda Motors lead and stated the obvious.
The redesigned, sportier and better handling 2015 Fit utility hatch would eventually overtake and unseat the ever popular Honda Civic sedan. Our readers argued that Fit could not possibly replace the aging Civic concept based on volume sales alone. Several Honda Civic fans put Torque News through the proverbial wringer over this assertion. None the less, we shall press the argument.
Young drivers love the look and utility of Civic Sport Hatchback. Honda doesn’t produce one for the North America market. A petition to bring the Civic R Type to the U.S. has(to date) fallen on deaf ears in the halls of Honda. None the less, watching the unveiling of the 2015 Fit at the New York International Auto Show, Honda’s message was clear. The redesigned and more powerful entry level hatchback was targeting the Gen-Y demographic.
Civic: Supersize me…
Over the years we’ve watched the Civic grow from a 2,000 lb affordable, fuel efficient and fun to drive car to the civilized 3,000 pound 4 door family ride that it is today. Sure, the Civic is available in several trim variants, including an Si Coupe; It’s a blast to drive.
But, with a starting MSRP of $22,790, this 205 hp pocket rocket doesn’t meet the needs of a growing young family or boardsports enthusiasts. For many prospective buyers, the grown up and much refined Civic Sedan ain’t cool with the Gen-Y crowd. That’s where the Fit comes into play.
A base Si Coupe or Sedan will cost you $2,000 more than a fully loaded 2015 Fit EX-L with satlink and navigation. Offering the utility and minivan haul characteristics of a hatchback, Fit averages 33 city/41 hwy while seating 5 adults in relative comfort.
Yes, you can by an entry level 2014 Civic for an MSRP of $18,390. Translation: Expect to spend $20,000 before walking out the door of your favorite Honda dealership, and it’s not a hatchback.
It’s a price point, hatchback, fuel economy thing.
While Honda Civic will not be sent to the halls of Honda history anytime soon, Fit will continue to take market shares with a younger buying demographic. We expect Fit sales to approach Accord and Civic territory by mid 2015.