My GT7 Log: The first hunt

If you're playing Gran Turismo 7 for the first time, congratulations. You have just begun your journey to become the best car collector and racer known the world over. As your GT7 adventure kicked off, you've been given 20,000 Credits to spend for your first car from the used car dealership, which is open from the start. Here are the cars available for you at the start with that kind of budget;

These are the under 20K starters in question; a Toyota Aqua, a third-generation Honda Fit Hybrid, and the fourth-generation Mazda Demio. Before buying one of the three, let's get to know about the three Japanese compacts.

Launched in December 2011, the Toyota Aqua is the most fuel-efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. Using the updated version of the old powerplant from the first-generation Prius, the Aqua has a fuel economy of 35kmpl back when it was launched. Two years later, they've bumped the fuel economy to 37kmpl.

The third-generation Honda Fit, launched in September 2013, was meant to be Honda's response to the Toyota Aqua. With the 1.5L hybrid powertrain mated to a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries, the third-generation Fit Hybrid has a 36.4km/L fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards.

The fourth-generation Mazda Demio, launched in 2014, takes full advantage of Mazda's SKYACTIV Technology first introduced by its predecessor. It has a choice of a P3-VPS 1.3L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder DOHC Miller Cycle engine and the newly-developed S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 1.3L petrol model with be mated with a 6-speed auto and a 5-speed manual while the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel model can be fitted with a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual. The diesel variant, seen here, has a 30kmpl fuel economy based on JC08 mode standards.

These three Japanese hatchbacks not only are economical but they're also fun to drive for first-timers, making them the starting point for those who began their GT7 journey. No wonder these three are part of your first challenge in the game which involves collecting all three Japanese Compact Cars. Anyway, long story short, and having completed the first page of your GT7 adventure, it's time to find out which of these three Japanese Compact Cars is the best and with that, it's time to return to Tsukuba for a little experiment.

So nice to be back doing things in the world of Gran Turismo. Going around the world, driving the best cars, racing against the world, this is what Gran Turismo is all about. Anyway, the experiment. Let's roll the tape to find out which of these three Japanese compact cars is the best.

After a lap around Tsukuba, here are the results;

Aqua - 1:17.774

Fit - 1:18.964

Demio - 1:18.522

What a shocking result! The Aqua, despite its ancient hybrid setup and CVT gearbox, managed to defeat the double-clutch-geared Fit Hybrid and the diesel-powered Mazda Demio by a narrow margin!

These three Japanese compact hatchbacks signaled the start of your long journey in Gran Turismo 7. As you progress through the journey, you will be able to compete through new tracks, get new cars, tackle new challenges, and fight your way to become the world champion. The journey isn't easy but you got this. After all, it's the love for cars that brought you here, right?

Welcome to the world of Gran Turismo. Enjoy your stay and good luck!

4th Gen Toyota Yaris vs. 4th Gen Honda Fit

The two compact hatchback rivals, the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit, are now on their fourth generation, and even though they have differences, these two Japanese compacts are redesigned to be more advanced, more efficient, and more enjoyable for drivers who want to take them for either work or play.

2020 Toyota Yaris

We start with the Toyota Yaris, an all-new model from Toyota, and the long-awaited replacement for the Vitz hatchback. With prices starting at 1,395,000 Japanese Yen, the Yaris is a reasonably-priced hatchback that is designed from the ground up and promises to be a revolution rather than an evolution for this freshman favorite.

2020 Toyota Yaris

Unlike the last-generation Vitz it replaces, the Yaris’s exterior design is like a Toyota Aqua getting mashed up by any European hatchback you know, meaning this new model looks and feels like a European city car and that design really is worth having.

2020 Toyota Yaris interior

On the interior, the Yaris is nicer to live with than the Vitz it replaces. Spacious as well thanks to its wider stance and the TNGA platform it uses. Whether it can be used for work or for play, the Yaris is a do-all compact that does any tasks like a real yuppie on city life.

2020 Toyota Yaris

Because of its TNGA platform, as well as its clever suspension setup, the Yaris is more fun to drive than the Vitz at all corners of the city or on the open road, meaning such dynamics got the Europeans stunned at first sight.

In terms of performance, the Yaris is a city car in its own right that is powered by a choice of two petrol engines, a Dynamic Force 1.5L, and a 1.0L, and the hybrid variant is powered by a brand new 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain (engine + electric motor + li-ion battery) that promises up to 36kmpl on the combined WLTP scale. It is the first Toyota compact to have an E-Four hybrid four-wheel-drive system that sure is coming in handy in case of weather change. While the hybrid is mated exclusively with a CVT, the normal ones can be fitted with either a CVT or a 6-speed manual, something speedo boys are looking for.

Aside from that, the Yaris boasts class-leading safety features that translate to serious business when it comes to keeping the occupants safe.

2020 Honda Fit

Now it’s the turn of the fourth-generation Honda Fit, which starts at 1,557,600 Japanese Yen, slightly more costly than the Yaris.

2020 Honda Fit

Whereas the Yaris has evolved from being blunt to sharp, the new Fit is the exact opposite. What do you mean? Well, the previous Fit is sharp-looking even as years pass by but the new model shies away from being edgy and instead of looking round, clean, and simple. For this new version, the Fit is offered in various variants such as the Basic, Home, Ness, Luxe, and the outdoor-oriented Crosstar. Sadly, no sporty variant is in sight. Shame.

2020 Honda Fit interior

Although the new look is just okay, which is not okay for some because like they said, just okay is not okay, the new interior is anything but basic and because of its better visibility, you can really see things clearly while driving. Space? Well, the Fit has better space than the previous model, meaning this new model doesn’t matter whether it is an all-work, all-play simpleton that loves to stretch itself.

2020 Honda Fit

The old model’s hybrid powertrain had a nice double-clutch gearbox, making it more engaging to drive on a normal basis. The new model, sadly, no longer bears such enjoyment because it is now mated to a CVT and the compact version of the dual-motor hybrid powertrain derived from the Accord. Now called e:HEV, Honda’s dual-motor hybrid system is going to be the future of Honda’s electrification ambition, and expect future Honda hybrids bearing the e:HEV powertrain soon.

The 1.5L e:HEV powertrain delivers 38.6kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTP standards, meaning it’s more fuel-efficient than the Yaris, meaning it’s the lesser of the two naughties, and with that kind of efficiency, the new Fit can do all of the deliveries and TNVS stuff while leaving room for its day out at the mall and back home, especially when it lets its highly advanced safety features do the talking.

Of course, there’s a 1.3L i-VTEC petrol variant as well but because it's mated only with a CVT gearbox, it’s just okay, which is not for some because again, just okay is not okay.

So there you have it; the Yaris and the new Fit are compact hatches with different ways and means to satisfy yuppies across Japan. The Yaris is all about being sporty and enjoyable while the new Fit is all about being a basic necessity for the normal driver. In the end, it’s hard to decide which one is best and in the end, it’s everybody’s guess.

Photo: Toyota/Honda

Third-generation Honda Fit - 2018 Minor Change

Honda's best-seller compact car, the third-generation Fit, is now made even better with improved design and now comes with a wide array of safety tech built for the roads of today. So, let's find out what's changed for the third-generation Honda Fit, which is now in its 2018 model year.

2018 Honda Fit

2018 Honda Fit

2018 Honda Fit

New for 2018 model year, the Fit features a new front face as well as its redesigned rear bumper, LED lighting, and newly designed alloy wheels. In the case of sporty models such as the HYBRID S and the RS (the one with the 6-speed manual gearbox in it), it comes with even more aggressive styling from beginning to end.

2018 Honda Fit interior

2018 Honda Fit interior

2018 Honda Fit interior

Inside, there are little changes occurred with the hybrid variants now come with a new Premium Brown interior color but what's noticing is the hardware in the dashboard as the optional InterNavi navigation system now comes with smartphone connectivity that works with Apple via CarPlay and Android via Android Auto.

As always, the normal petrol range still comes with the choice of 1.3L DOHC i-VTEC (with the fuel economy of 24.6km/L on the JC08 Mode cycle) and a more powerful 1.5L i-VTEC with direct injection that delivers 132PS of power. On the hybrid variant, the Sport Hybrid i-DCD powertrain has been slightly improved so that now it has a fuel economy of 37.2km/L, 0.8km/L more than the pre-facelift model. Apart from that, the 2018 Fit is now even more comfortable courtesy of its more rigid body structure and revised dampers.

The true beauty of its minor change is the addition of Honda Sensing which comprises of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), autonomous Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Warning (RDW) and Mitigation (RDM), false start suppression, traffic sign detection and a vehicle start warning. Truth be told, the new Fit is becoming even more accessible for everyone who wished to have a car in the beginning.

The new 2018 Honda Fit starts at 1,428,840 ($15,000) for the base 13G F model while the Hybrid starts at 1,699,920 Yen ($17,000).

Available colors: Rouge Amethyst Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Skyride Blue Metallic, Premium Agate Brown Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Yellow Pearl II, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, Premium White Pearl II, Midnight Blue Beam Metallic, Luna Silver Metallic, Shining Grey Metallic, and Sunset Orange II.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Once again...another recall problems for Honda hybrids...

2014 Honda Vezel

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid

Another day...another problematic recall for Honda regarding their hybrid models equipped with the 7-speed double clutch gearbox. Typical... This whole 7DCT problems keeps getting on and on and now, the latest chapter of the "I-got-problems-with-my-Honda-hybrid-with-the -7-speed-double-clutch-gearbox" issue involves...

Hmmm...Interesting...unintended acceleration. Yes. Unintended acceleration, just like what Toyota faced a few years ago. Over 175k units of Honda hybrids such as the Fit and the Vezel were recalled for such potential problems due to a software glitch at the ECU, which could lead to unintended acceleration. Honda received 11 reports of accidents from December through April due to the problem but no deaths occurred.

Source: Autoc-one.jp, Jalopnik

Gran Turismo 6: Let's compare new JDM hatches!

At Gran Turismo, we're always in the forefront of all things JDM but for Gran Turismo 6, I'll be personally testing not one, not three, but four brand new JDM compacts on sale on the market and compare which one is the best. Am I worried? Am I?



First of all, I need some decent racing gear...hmmm...maybe some Simpson Diamondback helmet and some white Alpinestars suit should do but I'm starting to think I remind myself of a certain racing driver. Some say he poops like a dog and he will vomit three times. All we know is...well, you know that guy.

Anyway, here are GT6's newest compacts offered for low prices but only if you're just a casual player like me because hardcore racers go for something more powerful than those eco-boxes...





These are the eco-boxes in question. Four brand new JDM casual hatchbacks for the masses. There's the third-generation Mazda Demio, the pre-facelifted model. Then, there's the Honda Fit RS, the second-generation model. Next, the Toyota Vitz, the third-generation of Toyota's compact hatchback for the global public. And last, the Toyota Aqua, cheaper and more economical than the Prius and the undisputed leader of hybrids' fuel economies.

To find out which of these four new JDM hatches on GT6 is the better, I need to find a track. I might be go for Goodwood but since Toyota Aqua don't sold in Europe as of now, I need something else...



Yes, it's Tsukuba Circuit. Since the days of Best Motoring, it has been the proving ground for cars, domestic or import, sold in Japan and they sent Japan's professional drivers to do the comparison. Ah yes, I do miss Best Motoring and this place holds some memories. Anyway, enough history lesson, onto the comparo test.

The tires will be using for each cars will be default. It's a similar to the one the first time I bought. Then, I turned off their traction control just to let it loose in the track. And finally, I had to inspect that their specs are the same as the day it was bought. Now, time for the comparo!



First up, the third-generation Demio, the one with the tagline "NEW TARGET, NEW DEMIO" but can it set a good target here? This Demio I drove is the Sport model, it comes with a 1.5L engine developing 111HP of power and it's mated with a CVT gearbox, which theoretically, is the compact you may not want to have fun because of its annoying belt-and-pulley nonsense in this car.

The CVT gearbox isn't the least of the problem for the new Demio but understeer it is. You can try fight against its catastrophic understeer but arguably, it tries to hold you back. It maybe more of a sportier drive but it's not as sportier as its European rivals. Still, it manages to set a kickstarting lap time of 1:15.151 round Tsukuba.



Now it's time for the second-generation Honda Fit RS, the only beginner car in GT6 you're only allowed to start your GT6 legacy anew. In my past topic, I said that it's not half-bad but not half-good when you take a spin on it but can the second-generation Fit redeem itself?

This JDM compact is promising because despite it's 30kg more than the Demio, this comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, making my life a little more joyful when I drove it round Tsukuba. I told that this car tend to understeer but turns out, you can fight it. You can fight the understeer of a FWD compact if you have the right footwork (if you're playing on steering wheels) and the right technique to handle with precision.

Having manage to counter-steer through the corners of Tsukuba, the second-generation Honda Fit RS impressed me with a lap time of 1:14.890. Almost a second quicker than the Demio!



Now, how about this? The latest Toyota Vitz? Finally, I got my hands on the only Vitz to admit the Thais that they've picked the wrong Yaris. Why? Short story. Toyota launched third-generation model of Vitz in December 2010, Toyota Thailand forgot the memo, stuck on second-generation model until now, and here we are, on a fateful day, me driving the third-generation Vitz or Yaris. That made me happy to drive the latest version of the Vitz. Toyota Thailand, if you're reading this, you picked up the wrong Yaris because this is the Yaris it supposed to be! Handsome and well known globally.

Anyway, how does the new Vitz stack up? First of all, this Vitz comes with the 1.3L engine generating 93HP of power and it's connected to a CVT gearbox. It maybe sluggish in the acceleration stakes but the thing is, the new Vitz weighs around 990kg, lighter than the Demio and the Fit.

However, despite being lighter than the competition, the new Vitz, in its entry-level F form, tends to understeer and trying to fight it feels like I'm in a Robot Rodeo until my hair gets a bit frizzy because of the humidity. Where did I get that line?

After one lap, the Vitz scored a lap time of 1:16.062 round Tsukuba, which is pathetically slower than the Demio despite its light packaging.



Lastly, the baby Prius in the Toyota hybrid lineup, the Aqua. This hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. You might be expecting seeing most of these while you're on a walk in downtown Tokyo. Using the updated version of the old powerplant from the first-generation Prius, the Aqua has a fuel economy of 35kmpl back when it was launched. This year, it's now up to 37kmpl. No wonder Toyota wanted to update the Aqua in the name of fuel economy against the competitors vying to snag its fuel economy crown but anyway, enough of the blah blah blah, onto the Tsukuba lap with the Aqua.

The 1.5L engine is connected to an electric motor and a nickel-metal battery. Combined power output is below 100PS and it's mated with the CVT gearbox like most hybrids had. Even though acceleration is sluggish, just like any other hybrids, it's handling is a so-so. I may get some understeer on it like the other compacts I'm comparing but still, not as dull as the Prius.

As for the laptime, even though the combined power is more than the Vitz I used in this comparo, its lap time is a sluggish 1:17.127.

Let's check the results again...

Mazda Demio Sport '10 - 1:15.151
Honda Fit RS '10 - 1:14.890
Toyota Vitz F '12 - 1:16.062
Toyota Aqua S '11 - 1:17.127

So, there you have it. In my GT6 comparo round Tsukuba, the Aqua came dead last, the Vitz came 3rd, Demio come 2nd and the winner, amazingly, is the Honda Fit RS.



For now, time for the Fit RS to enjoy its Goodwood break.

Gran Turismo 6: The maiden voyage

Hello, welcome to my first ever blog regarding what's what in the world of Gran Turismo 6. Day One involves the first playable car in the game and that's none other than the second-generation Honda Fit RS.



Things to know about the 2010 Honda Fit RS:

1) This is the facelifted version of the second-generation Fit
2) This is the sporty model
3) The facelifted second-generation model was launched in Autumn 2010
4) This is the only beginner car in GT6



Reason why this is the only beginner car in Gran Turismo 6? Well, when you start up the game, there's the tutorial where at the start, you'll drive the 2010 Renault Clio RS one lap round Brands Hatch and then after, you are at the main menu where the tutorial will direct you to the 2010 Honda Fit RS at the dealerships. Well, you get the idea but what's like driving in the only starter car in the game? The car served as Page One of your GT6 career?



Well, as a beginner's car, it's not half bad but it's not half good either. It maybe more of a sportier version of the Fit but once I face this car to the corner, I get a fair bit of understeer. It's as swift as a jungle bolo trying to cut through a full-grown thorn. Ouch. Perhaps no wonder the Fit supplanted Honda's lineup in Japan while the Civic was removed from the list, therefore this compact hatchback doesn't feel a bit too much of a hot hatch.

Although it weighs about a thousand kilos, it feels a bit heavier. I'd never seen a sporty Honda hatch like this that doesn't feel as sporty as its rivals. However, this first impression was just the tip of the iceberg and for that, I gave the second-generation Fit RS a bit of a challenge, just to find out how good this thing is...



For that, I take on the first Seasonal Event of the new game and oh, to access the Online Features such as Lobby and Seasonal Events, you must have the National A License first before accessing it. Well, you get the idea but anyway, onto the first Seasonal Event...

On this event, my 2010 Fit RS should be wearing Comfort Soft tyres or less, has a PP of 380 or below, and no nitrous allowed. Quite amazed that the Nitrous feature from GT4 make a comeback in GT6 but anyway, I tuned my 2010 Fit RS to meet the 380 PP regulations and for me, it's all power to me because in theory, more power will make me win but who cares.

Despite my added power, it seems I made my 2010 Fit RS' handling a bit worse, even in the small corners of the GT Arena Layout A, the one where you race with your go-karts. Despite my catastrophic understeers, I manage to beat the Gold target time and my record is 0:34.164. I think my Fit RS needs improvement but this is the best I can do today.



So, while the 2010 Honda Fit RS may not be the only beginner car you are relying on but hey, this is the car that served as the first page of your GT6 legacy. Here in GT6, you have so much to expect, so much to see, new places to go, new cars to try, and new challenges to face. It's all up to you to progress your GT6 journey just the way you are.

Good luck on your GT6 maiden voyage, racers! Perhaps no wonder the Honda Fit RS' 10 served as the maiden voyage on your GT6 journey.

Third-generation Honda Fit wins 2013-2014 Japan COTY

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid

The new, third-generation, Honda Fit wins the 2013-2014 Japan Car of the Year award thanks to its compact sizing, its dual clutch gearbox for a hybrid car, and packaging for its class. This is the 12th time Honda crowned the Japan COTY award. Their last win was in 2010 with their CR-Z sport hybrid but amazingly, this is the third time the Fit won the award, one for each generation.

The Volkswagen Golf VII won the Import Car of the Year, Volvo V40 won the Japan Car Design of the Year, while the Honda Accord Hybrid, with its clever two-motor hybrid system, won the Japan Car Technology of the Year.

Report: http://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/newmodel/194074/

Third-generation Honda Fit (GK2/3/4/5) and Fit Hybrid (GP5)

2014 Honda Fit

For over a decade, the Honda Fit (or Jazz in other markets) has been the mainstay of the Honda lineup and it has been favored for being one of the most notable hatchbacks to be seen on the roads today. It has been quite a commoner's car, even in Japan, and since the death of the Civic in Japan since 2010, the Honda Fit became every Japanese's Honda car for its costs and fuel consumptions. With so much new stuff changing hands, the Honda Fit is now regenerated for the third-generation and for the new look, it looks rather bizarre rather than the last two generations.

2014 Honda Fit

When I said bizarre, I mean take a look at this rather unpleasant look for the new model and there's a hint of nostalgia here because I just noticed that the new headlamp design looks like it came from the previous generation Accord or Acura TSX. Looks like there's a hint of cost-cutting here or maybe a fair bit of parts-sharing around here. However, the controversial exterior design is not the least of the problems here because for the new model, there are several grades available, made for every personal tastes. On the top, that's the one with the 1.3L i-VTEC engine while here is the one with the 1.5L i-VTEC engine on it. Below, is the speedo-boy favorite RS model offered with the same 1.5L i-VTEC but available gearbox options is either the 6-speed manual or the CVT gearbox, and the main attraction was the Hybrid model, which has its engine size increased from the previous model's 1.3 to 1.5L and the CVT's been thrown away in favor of the new SPORT HYBRID IDCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive).

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid

2014 Honda Fit RS

But first, what is SPORT HYBRID IDCD? This is the second out of third part of Honda's new SPORT HYBRID powertrain and like I said in the past, this significantly advanced lightweight and compact one-motor system developed for Honda's next generation of compact cars combines a 1.5L engine with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries. When going and high speeds, both the electric motor and the engine kicks in for combined power while in low speeds, the batteries are in charge. For the all new Fit Hybrid powered with this new kind of hybrid technology, manufacturers claimed that the fuel economy is now bumped up to 36.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. It maybe 30% more than the old one but apparently, that's a higher number than the Toyota Aqua. Just to let you know, the Aqua has a CVT gearbox and the same 1.5L hybrid as this but because the new Fit has a 7-speed double clutch gearbox at hand, this is more engaging to drive than the Aqua.

If you opted for the S Package, you'll receive a couple of rather nice paddle shifters on it so you can let your Toyota Aqua rival do the complaining, saying why can't it be as engaging as the new Fit? Sorry, Toyota, but it seems that Honda's got the upper hand now. However, there are a couple of drawbacks for this one because while the new Fit Hybrid tries to be a better compact than the Aqua, I am struggling to say that having a double-clutch gearbox on a hybrid car is as nonsense as a bunch of pictures of bystanders looking up for no reason. Yeah, you can blame that on your Aling Maliit but be warned, chances are this is just like the whole Ang Joke Ko segment from Eat Bulaga. You got the joke but you almost had it.

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid interior

2014 Honda Fit interior

2014 Honda Fit RS interior

But still, it is as shocking as shocking a nerdy majorette twirler, because apart from its bizarre looks, nooks, and crannies, the Fit tries to be more of a commoner's car. For many, it doesn't matter if this new model has horrendous looks, but what matters most is this. The only reason why they would buy this car is because they want to drive this car. That's it. No ifs and buts. Just the simple reasons. Anyway, while I'd had the talk about the hybrid model, what about the rest of it? For the 1.3L model, you can have either a 5-speed manual, a CVT, or a CVT with a paddle shifters on the steering wheel. On the normal 1.5L model, only the CVT gearbox was offered. On the RS model, both the CVT and the 6MT were offered I'd suggest that an RS model with the 6-speed manual is worth the try if you're a speedo boy.

Oh yeah, for the 1.3L, what you may didn't know that idling stop was offered and with this feature, it shuts the engine off when stopped and then start again when you set off, to save petrol. What a unsuspecting catch though and as for the fuel economy, it reaches about 26km/L. That's about more than the March, more than the Vitz, and more than the Demio but annoyingly less than the Mirage.

For some 1.5L models, the fuel economy can get through 21.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards.

Surprisingly, the brand new "FIT3" now comes with a clever safety feature called the City Brake Active System and for this one, the radar detects incoming vehicles at about 30kph or less. Also, City Brake Active System has an ability to prevent unintended acceleration, so for this one, safety is now the top priority for the Fit. Just to let you know, sometimes, the City Brake Active System doesn't work at some scenarios so...drive safely. Another safety feature is the Emergency Stop Signal which triggers hazard lights when drivers behind you are approaching and in the case of sudden braking when the vehicle is moving.

So, there you have it. The new Fit maybe as weird as a botched eye operation and as obvious to drive as the whole Ang Joke Ko segment but I think this is how its money well spent. The 1.3L model costs around 1.265 million yen, less than the Vitz's 1.3L model, while the HYBRID model costs less than the Aqua by almost 40,000 Yen. The commoner's car in Japan is now turned to be even more interesting than before and as for the HYBRID model, well, I don't care about it.

Available colors: Vivid Sky Blue Pearl, Attract Yellow Pearl, Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic, Tainted Silver Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sunset Orange II.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Fit Shuttle 2014 minor change

2014 Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid

While the upcoming third-generation Honda Fit doesn't arrive until next month, it seems that its station wagon variant, the Fit Shuttle, which was based on the outgoing 2nd generation model, will be for a while as this supersized version gets its minor change. So, ready for another round of 47 Second Science? Let's find out...

2014 Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid

For the 2014 minor change, both the Fit Shuttle and the Fit Shuttle Hybrid gained a new front grille which is similar to the one from the next generation Fit hatchback and same goes to the redesigned front bumper here. On the interior, Honda adopted the Grand Smooth double-stitch of the stitch made on the side of the fabric and suede combination seats. The gear lever is now wrapped in leather just in case.

In terms of equipment, the security alarm and Hill Start Assist are now standard on all grades while in the mid-ranged HYBRID model, discharge headlights are fitted while in the HYBRID Smart Selection model, paddle shifters and 15-inch allow wheels are equipped to the mix.

2014 Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid interior

2014 Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid interior

Petrol variants come with the 1.5L i-VTEC engine while the Hybrid models do come with the 1.3L i-VTEC engine with Honda's INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSIST or IMA. All come with CVT but some reports say that the entry-level HYBRID-C variant now has a fuel economy of 26.2km/L, making it equal to the fuel economy set by its rival, the Toyota Prius Alpha. As for pricing, the entry-level 15C is priced to 1,640,000 Yen up to 1,990,000 Yen for the HYBRID Smart Selection.

Available body colors are Pure Aqua Metallic (new color), Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, and Premium Deep Mocha Pearl.