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By Parks McCants Sep 3 2015 - 5:20pm

Fit sales take backseat to upstart 2016 Honda HR-V

Although 2015 Honda Fit sales continue to outpace 2014 year to date numbers, they’re down 50.2 % when compared to August sales 2014. In rolls 2016 Honda HR-V crossover.
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2016 Honda HR-V crossover shares the same Fit-world platform as its 5 door hatchback cousin. Outside of the all-wheel drive option, the mechanical differences between Fit and HR-V are negligible.

Yes, the engine choice, horsepower and torque output does vary to a slight degree. However, I believe that may change in the year ahead with the introduction of a built in Anna, Ohio Earth Dreams ™ gasoline engine for HR-V, Fit already sports one.

So, in the mean time I believe that what’s eroding Fit sales is the timely introduction of Honda’s first ‘next generation’ subcompact crossover. Initially, Honda stated that HR-V would not necessarily appeal to the same demographic, after experiencing HR-V under various drive and terrain conditions, I disagree. Don’t miss my latest Fit drive review here.

Same Magic Seat ™ , flat deck utility, fuel economy , superior styling

I’m a Fit fan, always have been, predicting that Fit would be positioned to take over the segment slot left vacant by the up-sized 9th generation Civic. While my slightly fanatic Civic fans would disagree with my assertion of Fit superiority in the subcompact division, the sales numbers tell the story. * 69.494 combined units sold year to date August 2015.

In rolls 2016 Honda HR-V, Fit platformed, coupe-like body styling, and impressive drive environment, with an AWD LX option offered for $21,105, $40 more than a well equipped Fit EX-L with navigation.

Granted the 2016 HR-V AWD LX is not as high tech-connected as the EX-L Fit, but does afford its buyer superior coupe-like exterior styling, and mild off-road, foul weather drive capability. We found 2016 Honda R-V to perform well under all drive and ride conditions.

Fit sales take backseat to upstart Honda HR-V crossover

The backstory here is that the all new world-platform built in Mexico Fit enjoyed its highest sales months on initial release and prior to the release of the HR-V crossover. Both offerings roll off of the same production line in Celaya Mexico, but with AHM predicting 100,000+ units sold in the first full production year for HR-V, we now see a month over month downtrend in North American Fit sales.

Drop in dealer inventory

2015 Honda Fit recalled for possible ignition coil defect. Well, that won't help to bolster dropping Fit sales. Actually, looking to Honda dealer inventory, Fit sales may be down in August due to a rise in demand and a drop in transitional production, as HR-V comes on line in Mexico. Honda-Torque news will keep you posted as to any future Fit and HR-V developments.

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Comments

Selden wrote on September 5, 2015 - 5:24pm
I bought a Fit Sport in August 2009, and put more than 100,000 miles on it in 6 years. A test drive of the current generation Fit a year ago didn't thrill me. The finish was nicer, and it felt less spartan, but it was still underpowered, I hated the noisy CVT, the handling wasn't as good (although the ride was slightly less punishing) and there is less room inside. I started looking at HR-V reviews last fall, and a test drive the day after they were released was enough to push me to the HR-V. With demand outpacing supply, I had to wait until August 10 to get the model and color I wanted, but I've been very pleased with its first 1000 miles. Cargo area doesn't measure all that much bigger than the 2009 Fit, but on a long trip, it's just enough bigger to make the difference between everything needing to be packed "just so" and having spare capacity. For my needs, the only thing the Fit does better is cup holders.
Parks McCants wrote on September 6, 2015 - 11:34pm
Welcome Seldon. Enjoy your HR-V.
Patrick wrote on October 29, 2015 - 6:10pm
Hi Parks, Just wondering if Honda actually confirmed for you that the 2017 HR-V will for sure come with an all-new Earth Dreams engine replacing the current 1.8 SOHC engine (R18)? If this is the case I'm willing to bet that the replacement engine will be the all-new 2.0 DOHC (K20) that will appear in the 2016 Civic. The K20 would give the HR-V a big boost in power, fuel economy and overall performance. I highly doubt Honda will put the 1.5 Turbo in the HR-V anytime soon.
Parks McCants wrote on October 30, 2015 - 11:40am
Welcome Patrick. No, Honda rarely if ever releases future vehicle specifications. However, it would make financial sense for Honda to incorporate the made in the U.S. 2.0 liter engine. I'll keep you posted on any turbo-injection. Take care.
Parks McCants wrote on October 30, 2015 - 11:40am
Welcome Patrick. No, Honda rarely if ever releases future vehicle specifications. However, it would make financial sense for Honda to incorporate the made in the U.S. 2.0 liter engine. I'll keep you posted on any turbo-injection. Take care.
Patrick wrote on October 30, 2015 - 1:23pm
Parks - I'm a bit confused. You stated in the article the following as if Honda informed you that next year the HR-V will be getting an Earth Dreams engine upgrade. "Yes, the engine choice, horsepower and torque output does vary to a slight degree, no worries, that will change in the year ahead with the introduction of a built in Anna, Ohio Earth Dreams ™ gasoline engine for HR-V, Fit already sports one." Just wondering if someone at Honda informed you of an engine update for MY2017.
Parks McCants wrote on October 31, 2015 - 11:45am
Welcome Patrick. I've edited the sentence just for you my friend. This is an opinion piece. We'll keep you posted as to "confirmed" specification upgrades for 2017 HR-V when it comes into production, midyear 2016. Thank you. Note: *All specifications are subject to change, and do. I have to leave it at that. Until a vehicle goes into production, "talk" between journalists and engineers is just that, talk and conjecture. I've driven 2016 HR-V in all variants, and find the vehicle to work well as is. A "sport" model would be welcome, however, as you may know, Honda is expanding the Civic lineup with a performance hatchback offering.And that may be where the company shifts its intent. I'll be at SEMA Las Vegas next week. And, will be viewing the Honda HR-V Custom competition. The results of that competition often translate into factory upgrades for the following model year. I will keep you posted. Take care.