2010 Honda Fit Review

Detailed Review

The Honda Fit is a 5 seater hatchback that has been in production since 2001. Its popularity in Kenya has been gaining steadily as more and more people are beginning to appreciate the quality and affordability of Hondas. Locally it competes with the Toyota Vitz, Mazda Demio and Nissan Tiida. It scores high marks in safety, comfort, reliability and fuel consumption. It is best suited for urban driving but can be used for long distance driving occasionally.

If you are interested to Buy the Honda Fit, then click here to read a detailed analysis of the problems to avoid when buying a used Fit

The 2010 Honda Fit(GE) falls in the 2nd generation that was in production from 2007 to 2014. The 2nd generation Honda Fit is longer and wider than its predecessor with major improvements to the engine, the suspension and the interior.

2010 Honda Fit Grades

There are 3 grades of the 2010 Honda Fit. These are: the Honda Fit 13G, the Honda Fit 15X and the Honda Fit RS. There are 2 engine variants available with the 2010 Honda Fit. These are: the 1.3 Litre L13AI4 engine, and the 1.5 Litre L13AI4 engine. Below are the specifications for each of these.

1. 2010 Honda Fit 13G: This comes with the 1300cc engine and standard features that include Air Conditioner, Automatic Transmission, ABS, 13inch Steel rims or 14 Inch Alloy Rims, CD/Navigation system, Driver and Passenger Airbags, and Fog Lights on some.

2. 2010 Honda Fit 15G: This comes with the 1500cc engine and standard features that include Air Conditioner, Automatic Transmission, ABS, 13inch Steel rims or 14 Inch Alloys, CD/Navigation system, Driver and Passenger Airbags, Fog Lights on package editions

3. 2010 Honda Fit RS: This is the sports version of the Honda Fit that has been tuned for performance. It has an upgraded suspension that features heavy duty coilovers, front and rear disc brakes and 16 Inch Alloy rims. It comes with the 1500cc engine that has been tuned for extra power and mated to a 6 Speed Manual Transmission or a 5 speed Auto. On the exterior, it has a body kit, fog lights and rear spoiler.

2010 Honda Fit Interior

Legroom & Space
As we said earlier, the 2nd generation of the Honda Fit is longer and wider than the 1st generation. This translates to more legroom and space both for driver and passengers. On the inside, the 2010 Honda Fit feels very spacious and you can be mistaken to think you are in a much bigger car. At the 1st row, the driver is afforded a comfortable seating position with a good view of the road. With the tilt steering and an adjustable seat, the driver is able to configure the desired driving position. A tall driver should not have a problem finding an acceptable driving positon. The passenger seat is similarly well spaced and offers the best legroom in the car.

At the 2nd row, the seats are set at an elevated position which provides for a more natural seating positon than most cars of this size. The outer seats have headrests and the legroom is good. The middle seat is cramped being intruded by the cubby box.

Compared to the Mazda Demio and the Toyota Vitz, the 2010 Honda Fit has got better interior space and legroom. It feels much comfortable and roomier to sit in the Honda Fit due to the elevated seats and a wider interior.

Cabin Storage
There are sufficient storage compartments in the 2010 Honda Fit for items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. For the 1st row, there are 2 cup-holders, 2 Bottle holders on the dash, 2 storage compartment on the door panels, a storage shelf below the dashboard, glovebox and cubby box. For the 2nd row, the only storage is the seat jacket pockets.

Boot Space
The boot space for the 2010 Honda Fit is simply awesome. For the car of this size, you’re not going to get any better boot space. There is also extra storage compartments below the floor. When the rear seats are folded down, you get 1200 Litres of boot space. We love it.

Other Extras: Double Din Stereo, Navigation(Optional), AC, Heater, Fog Lights(optional)

2010 Honda Fit Exterior

On the outside, the Honda Fit looks boxier compared to the Vitz and Demio. Some people prefer that look and it’s totally a matter of preference. We prefer the Honda Fit with alloy rims. Those steel rims with plastic covers look cheap.

2010 Honda Fit Fuel Consumption

2010 Honda Fit 13G-1300cc Fuel Consumption: 20.6 km/L (Average)
2010 Honda Fit 15G-1500cc Fuel Consumption: 19.0 km/L (Average)
2010 Honda Fit RS-1500cc Fuel Consumption: 16.2 km/L (Average)

2010 Honda Fit Acceleration 

2010 Honda Fit 13G accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.1 secs.
2010 Honda Fit 15G accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.9 secs.
2010 Honda Fit RS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.6 secs

2010 Honda Fit Fuel Tank Capacity

42 Litres

2010 Honda Fit Ground Clearance

The 2010 Honda Fit has a ground clearance of 5.90 Inches(150mm). This is closer to that of the Demio at 6.1 Inches and much better than the Vitz at 5.5 Inches. While this is ok for town use with a light load, its not ideal for any off road use or heavy loading.
In case you need to Increase the ground clearance of your 2010 Honda Fit, read our guidelines on how to safely do it.

2010 Honda Fit Service and Maintenance Costs

Minor Service(Done after every 5000kms can be done by any reputable petrol station) – Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Engine Oil
Major Service(done after every 20,000kms has to be done by a competent garage)-Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads(If available), ATF Oil, Engine Oil, ATF Filter
We recommend that you thoroughly read the Owner’s Manual, Please click here to download the 2010 Honda Fit Owner’s Manual.

 

2010 Honda Fit Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

In the years past, Honda spare parts were generally hard to find in Kenya however, things are different now. We sampled a list of important spare parts for the 2010 Honda Fit 2010 and set about looking for them in Nairobi. We found that service parts and suspension parts such as plugs, filters, brake pads and shocks are easily available. We recommend Honda Kenya on Mombasa road among many other shops that sells Honda genuine parts. Body parts require more time and negotiations but we found all of them. Spare parts for the 2010 Honda Fit are fairly priced and comparable to the Toyota Vitz, so no worries about cost of repair here.

2010 Honda Fit Reliability

The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.

Many people in Kenya may not actually be aware that Honda builds more reliable cars than Toyota. That’s, a fact. The 2010 Honda Fit is no different, it is generally regarded as a reliable car worldwide. Locally, we interviewed several Honda mechanics and experts for insights and they were unanimous that the Honda Fit is a reliable car.

However, they caution that the Honda Fit suffers from gearbox malfunctions attributed to the use of bad quality Automatic Transmission Fluids(ATF). To mitigate against this problem, always use the recommended oil as per the Owner’s Manual. Another caution they give, is to avoid engine wash unless done by a professional. Water may sip into the coil plugs and cause uneven idling and stalling. We recommend that you always follow the guidelines in the Owners Manual.

To download the 2010 Honda Fit Owner’s Manual click here

Conclusion

The 2010 Honda Fit is an incredibly practical car that can carry 5 adults and their luggage. When we compare it to cars in its class, the Honda Fit emerges as a stronger contender for the top position.

What we like about the 2010 Honda Fit
1. Reliable
2. Reasonably priced
3. Excellent on Fuel Consumption

What we don’t
The steel rims with plastic covers look cheap. Go for alloy rims