I think that the added AWD and length of the HRV will draw in buyers. Not sure what it means for Fit sales, but the HRV should be fine.
I agree with most of your position, but you leave out one very important factor,Oh I'm not worried about HRV sales, its the FIT that really stands to lose. Once a FIT owner or shopper takes one look at the HRV and realises its a FIT just a little higher, with a little more cargo capacity, AWD and easier entry I dont see how anyone takes the FIT over HRV...
I don't see that as being a major barrier however, its not a superfluous increase in price. As @Trickycoolj elucidated nicely, regardless of price the FIT has limitations which the HRV remidies for a marginal amount more...I agree with most of your position, but you leave out one very important factor,
Price.
The HR-V will several thousand dollars more than the Fit.
If you can wait and really want the HRV it might be worth just waiting to see what accessories become available.2008 Fit Owner here: looked at the 2015 Fit last weekend at the local auto show, I was drooling and ready to go test drive (bigger engine, lots of tech upgrades and premium interior finishes on the top model compared to 2008). I did my homework, Yakima is not making a roof rack for the 2015 Fit, they called it "Un-Yakible" whatever that means. Users on the FF Forums have heard from the rack makers that the rear roof is too weak. I use my Fit to haul bicycles, skis and snowboards, I need a roof rack. I also need my next car to have AWD so I can stop bumming rides with Subaru owners when the mountain passes require AWD or chains (I'd rather not chain up if I can avoid it). So for a young 20-30somehting urban professional that likes to head to the outdoors on the weekend this is the perfect model car. Still lots of room to cram stuff in with the magic seat, AWD for snow, nimble in the city parallel parking, and did I spy some slim silver roof rails like the CRV? So yes, the HR-V is taking away this potential Fit buyer, but the lack of roof rack option would have sent me looking at Subarus anyway. Not particularly interested in a hitch mount unless I absolutely have to. For someone not heading into the mountains or needing to strap large gear (kayaks, bicycles, skis, snowboards, paddleboards, surfboards, etc) to the roof they'd be target demo for the Fit.
I think the shoulder room specs are going to be the same, so no worries there. The HR-V will have SUV ground clearance over the Fit and we might get the 1.8L higher horsepower engine in the HR-V or a turbo.And possibly it may have more shoulder room?
No, no it has not... Vezel is about to hit 1 year on the market in Japan... There hasn't been a single HRV Sold...I guess it is playing catch up but its not like they can do much more than they are now. The HR-V has been out in other regions for a while so you could argue that they were just slow to proliferate it.
I just bought the fit. The reasons; Slightly more cargo room in the Fit than the HRV from info from japan. Also sportier ride..(lower centre of gravity) Lower roof means its easier to clean snow off the vehicle. (I live in canada). So far I haven't seen any reasons to choose the HRV. Except maybe AWD...which I am not interested in. And possibly it may have more shoulder room?
Actually the Vezel passed the 1 year mark in mid December of last yearNo, no it has not... Vezel is about to hit 1 year on the market in Japan... There hasn't been a single HRV Sold...
didn't realize it's been so long already.Actually the Vezel passed the 1 year mark in mid December of last year
Oh I'm not worried about HRV sales, its the FIT that really stands to lose. Once a FIT owner or shopper takes one look at the HRV and realises its a FIT just a little higher, with a little more cargo capacity, AWD and easier entry I dont see how anyone takes the FIT over HRV...
The other two factors that may play into this are fuel economy and handling. I would like the extra room and I prefer the HR-V's more conventional exterior, but the new engine in the FIT and its low price are compelling.I agree with most of your position, but you leave out one very important factor,
Price.
The HR-V will several thousand dollars more than the Fit.