Ace of Base: Honda Fit LX

Sometimes a manufacturer churns out a base trim that is — all things considered — the primo choice for that particular model. Here’s an example.

The Honda Fit usually ends up on the short list of shoppers who seek shiny new wheels on a Mr. Noodles budget. In fact, one of TTAC’s own had a Fit in his fleet until June of this year. Nearly a decade ago, Honda saw fit to bring the diminutive hatchback to North American shores, and journalists and consumers alike have foisted accolades upon it ever since.

Chief among those accolades are the “Magic Seats.” Sadly, they are not sourced from the Gryffindor common room at Hogwarts, but they do allow the Fit to offer a yaffle of interior space. Thanks in large part to the gonzo shape of its fuel tank, wedged as it is under the front seats and not the traditional placement astern, the Fit has a very low and very flat floor for cargo space. How much space? Why, 53 cubic feet when everything’s folded flatter than Kristen Stewart’s facial expressions. That beats most SUVs, by the way, meaning that if all those soccer moms with fake Coach bags were buying their Canyoneros simply for the room, they’d all be better off driving Fits.

Stick with rowing your own, as the CVT only serves to hoover up horsepower and make you sad. The $0 manual transmission has an extra cog in this newest iteration of the Fit, but its 6th gear has the same ratio as the old 5th, meaning while one will enjoy snappier acceleration, you will still be subjected to the Fit’s raucous near-4,000 rpm caffeine jag at 80 mph. And, yes, I know, teacup-sized drum brakes adorn the rear wheels.

Joyfully, Honda permits buyers of the base LX to have a Fit in decidedly non-grayscale hues without financial penalty, offering an eye-popping baby-puke yellow and a very pleasant metallic blue. Air conditioning is along for the ride at the LX’s base price of $15,990, as is cruise control and a steering wheel that adjusts for rake and reach. Tipping the scales at a scant 2572 pounds, the Fit LX nevertheless includes power windows, Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera. The latter of these is a welcome standard feature since many Fits are piloted by new drivers who are likely too hurried or horny to watch where they’re going.

The Fit is smartly packaged and well equipped at the instant-ramen end of its scale, proving that entry-level econocars need not be horrid little rotboxes providing a metronomic experience. Wouldn’t know how bad those vehicles are. We’re not allowed to drive those.

Not every base model has aced it. The ones that have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments. Naturally, feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and is priced in Freedom Dollars. As always, your dealer may sell for less.