2012 Honda Fit Sport: An Impressive Top-notch Showing

The 2012 Honda Fit Sport was compared with five other subcompact cars and in a Car and Driver test and it came out on top. So what makes the Fit Sport so impressive?

Of the competitors (Chevrolet Sonic Turbo, Toyota Yaris SE, Hyundai Accent SE, Kia Rio5 SX, and Nissan Versa SL), the Fit is the tallest and thus offers a generous greenhouse and a 180 degree view outward from inside. It enables the driver to see way down the road.

Furthermore, the Fit Sport is fun to drive with its confident handling and brakes that are easy to modulate. Most of the time when a vehicle is fun to drive it lacks utility. However, the Fit Sport will carry much cargo when the second row seat is folded down (flat). The Fit has the most cargo space of the six vehicles compared at 21 cubic feet with the second row seat up and 57 cubic feet with the seat folded down (folding down the seat is a snap).

The interior of the Fit Sport is comfortable and will seat up to five. The controls are laid out for ease of use and work with Honda precision. The interior is appealing and looks like it is from a more expensive vehicle.

The engine is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder providing 117 hp and 106 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (the automatic is actually geared lower). The car's 0-60 time is in 8.4 seconds and the braking from 60-0 mph is in 139 feet.

The suspension is MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The tire size is 185 55 16 inch.

The audio system is a six-speaker 160-watt AM/FM/CD unit with USB audio interface, MP3 auxiliary input jack, MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) with playback capacity, radio data system, and speed sensitive volume control.

Standard features on the Fit Sport include air conditioning with air filtration, power windows and door looks, cruise control, perforated leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 10 beverage holders, door pocket storage bins (front), headlights on reminder, map lights, 12 volt power outlet, four cargo tie down anchors, rear window defroster, cargo area light, and more.

Safety features include dual-stage front air bags, side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, electronic brake distribution, vehicle stability assist with traction control, brake assist, and tire pressure monitoring.

The fuel rating for the Fit Sports is 27 city and 33 mpg highway.

The 2012 Honda Fit Sport's starting price is $16,910.

If you want a fun drive that has utility in spades, be sure to test drive the Honda Fit Sport!

View the slideshow to see the 2012 Honda Fit Sport inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.