Small cars often struggle for high scores in crash tests, specifically the challenging small overlap front crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It was also the case with the fully redesigned 2015 Honda Fit. It got high marks in all the tests except for the small overlap. However, it got a second chance to get an improved Acceptable rating.
The front steel bumper beam separated from the frame rail during the initial test, and it caused the driver area to sustain more damage than Honda initially expected. Not to worry. Honda engineers realized that improved welding can solve the problem. The updated Fit went back to IIHS for another test and got the better result., although not the highest mark. Honda then made the change to the assembly line and all 2015 Fits built after June 2014 have the improved front bumper welding. Honda also announced a “product update” to replace the beams free of charge on cars built before June.
Most of Honda’s competition, including the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Toyota Yaris receive Marginal rating or worse in this test.
This is a great example of how a manufacturer and the IIHS worked together to quickly correct a safety concern. In the end, consumers and the manufacturer came out on top. The car received 2014 Top Safety Pick rating overall.
The new Fit also has one of the strongest roofs in the segment, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 6.13. The roof rail can withstand 6.13 times the car’s weight near the A-pillar after squishing just over two inches.
The 2015 Honda Fit is on sale now with a starting price of $15,525. It’s powered by a 1.5L four cylinder engine with 130 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions.
Check out this everything you ever wanted to know video of the 2015 Honda Fit.
Watch the IIHS crash test here.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, producer, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011. Likes ‘going for a drive’.
