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.
HRV vs FIT...
I wonder about the consequences of selling HRV and FIT side by side. Surely FIT sales are about to get kicked in the teeth. Current market demands are ease of ingress/egress, AWD, commanding driving position, cargo cap...
Even the Civic is likely to get dinged, CR-V should still be alright...
Even the Civic is likely to get dinged, CR-V should still be alright...
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At least the FIT van benefit being a vehicle for someone who has minimal needs, and those who need more go for the HRV.
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 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...
Price.
The HR-V will several thousand dollars more than the Fit.
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 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 see this as a vehicle that should have common things like a roof rack available soon after launch.
BUT if you're open to options and don't feel obligated to get the HRV, by all means go Subaru, they're another amazing japanese brand.
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?
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?
But as they say, all that really matters is if you're happy with your purchase, so congrats! I hope you enjoy your new car.
HR-V vs FIT vs competition
Buyers who want more than the Fit but less than the CR-V have a lot of choices from other manufacturers (Crosstrek, Juke, etc.). Honda is playing catch-up and badly needs an HR-V.
Buyers who want more than the Fit but less than the CR-V have a lot of choices from other manufacturers (Crosstrek, Juke, etc.). Honda is playing catch-up and badly needs an HR-V.
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.
Well got my new Fit Ex 2 days ago. The test drive was very positive but as I drive it I like it even more. Acceleration is excellent..faster than the 'old" Fit. Cornering is better. Seats are more comfortable. Door handles are better(overgrip instead of undergrip). Love the CVT.
No more awkward downshifting upon acceleration...its smooth! The shift paddles are great for downshifting when coming up to a stop light. Brakes should last forever. lovin it!
However so far haven't been able to connect my chinese smart phone thru bluetooth(?)
No more awkward downshifting upon acceleration...its smooth! The shift paddles are great for downshifting when coming up to a stop light. Brakes should last forever. lovin it!
However so far haven't been able to connect my chinese smart phone thru bluetooth(?)
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?
This was taken from Motor Trend's review of the Vezel which the HRV is based off of "Rear-seat room is plentiful, certainly if it's kids that will occupy the row, and cargo space is deceivingly big. Indeed, there's 24.3 cubic feet of volume with the second-row seats up and 58.8 with them folded flat. For comparison, a Fit provides 16.6 and 52.7, and a CR-V 35.2 and 70.9, respectively"
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1411_2015_honda_vezel_first_drive/#ixzz3SPkCX0lx
I'm waiting until the HRV's arrive in the dealerships, so I can compare the sizes and features side by side in person, between the Fit and the HRV.
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
it's good for us since we can look at those, see what issues people have had. plus within that 1 year there's a good chance a good number of issues have been worked out before they get into our hands
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.
Has anyone seen any direct comparison reviews?
2
Had a chance to compare both models today.
The Fit is very cute for what it is. I liked the size and seating position. Definitely a lot of space inside the little guy.
However, the HR-V feels like a luxury car in comparison to the Fit! Doors feel heavier, seats feel thicker and more supportive. The seats on the Fit were quite thin and did not seem very supportive. Interior finish is much better on the HR-V. Visibility on the Fit is significantly better than the HR-V obviously. The HR-V "feels" safer but that's just largely due to the size and heft. With that said, I certainly didn't feel like the Fit was a tin can in any way.
I like the little touches on the HR-V like lighted vanity mirrors. Space inside the HR-V is more than enough; trunk is huge, rear seats have ample space.
Both of them are "economy cars" but the HR-V just seems more solidly constructed and more substantial. For ~$21k you can get a loaded Fit (leather, navi, etc.), and for ~$22k you can get a HR-V EX, which is the best value for money, IMO. (I don't think leather, navi, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror warrant the ~$5k increase between the EX and EX-L).
I originally was thinking of getting the Fit, after today I have to say the HR-V wins by a landslide. The HR-V is the perfect size for someone looking for something in-between a hatchback (Versa, Fit, etc.) and "regular" CUV (Rav4, CRV, etc.) Gas mileage difference is negligible to me, although it seems Fit drivers can get 40+ mpg on a regular basis.
(not my pics)
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The Fit is very cute for what it is. I liked the size and seating position. Definitely a lot of space inside the little guy.
However, the HR-V feels like a luxury car in comparison to the Fit! Doors feel heavier, seats feel thicker and more supportive. The seats on the Fit were quite thin and did not seem very supportive. Interior finish is much better on the HR-V. Visibility on the Fit is significantly better than the HR-V obviously. The HR-V "feels" safer but that's just largely due to the size and heft. With that said, I certainly didn't feel like the Fit was a tin can in any way.
I like the little touches on the HR-V like lighted vanity mirrors. Space inside the HR-V is more than enough; trunk is huge, rear seats have ample space.
Both of them are "economy cars" but the HR-V just seems more solidly constructed and more substantial. For ~$21k you can get a loaded Fit (leather, navi, etc.), and for ~$22k you can get a HR-V EX, which is the best value for money, IMO. (I don't think leather, navi, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror warrant the ~$5k increase between the EX and EX-L).
I originally was thinking of getting the Fit, after today I have to say the HR-V wins by a landslide. The HR-V is the perfect size for someone looking for something in-between a hatchback (Versa, Fit, etc.) and "regular" CUV (Rav4, CRV, etc.) Gas mileage difference is negligible to me, although it seems Fit drivers can get 40+ mpg on a regular basis.
(not my pics)
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