2012 Honda Fit Returns With 31 MPG Combined

While competitors have boosted the competition, the 2012 Honda Fit remains one of the best-reviewed compact cars on the road. With a cavernous interior, strong reliability and exceptional fuel efficiency, the Honda Fit is worth a look for those interested in a zippy around-town commuter. Keep reading to learn more about the specs, pricing and features of the 2012 Honda Fit.

What's New: 2012 Honda Fit

Honda hasn't changed too much on the new Fit model. However, observant drivers will notice a few minor styling updates. On the inside, shoppers will be pleased at what they hear – or don't hear. Sound dampening has been bolstered to help minimize road noise. Finally, the 2012 Honda Fit is now available with steering-wheel audio controls and a Bluetooth system with streaming audio.

Styling: 2012 Honda Fit

Budget cars don't tend to stand out on the road, but such is not the case with the Honda Fit. The vehicle's rounded, hatchback design attempts to balance aggressive sportiness with friendly cutesiness. For the most part, this balance is received well by car shoppers.

While the Honda Fit looks small, looks can be deceiving. Compared to the rest of its vehicle class, the 2012 Fit is one of the best options for those needing versatile storage options. With rear seats folded flat, the diminutive auto offers up to 57.3 cubic feet of space (good enough to rival some compact SUVs. The Fit's Magic Seat also provides four different storage modes – people, long, tall and utility.

View more 2012 Honda Fit photos.

Performance: 2012 Honda Fit

The Honda Fit comes outfitted with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 117 horsepower and 106 lb-ft. of torque. While far from a sports car, this base engine will likely be zippy enough to satisfy the average commuter's needs. Those who want a little more rev under the hood might consider upgrading to the Honda Fit Sport. Doing so will shave about a second and a half off your-0-to-60 mph time.

Base Fit models offer 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. There are very few non-hybrid cars that can beat these figures. If you opt for a manual transmission (or an automatic Fit Sport), then fuel efficiency drops to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Review full 2012 Honda Fit specifications

Safety: 2012 Honda Fit

Standard safety features for the new Honda Fit include antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), side curtain airbags, traction control, electronic brake distribution, brake assist and active front head restraints. While crash tests have yet to be completed for the Honda Fit, the very similar 2011 model was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Pricing and Features: 2012 Honda Fit

Initial asking price for the 2012 Honda Fit is listed at $15,175. For that price, you'll get a pretty good list of standard features, which includes keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, 60/40 split rear seat, four-speaker stereo, CD player, auxiliary input and iPod interface.

Upgrade to the Fit Sport ($16,910), and you'll also get a rear spoiler, sport body kit, foglights, chrome exhaust tip, Bleutooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel audio controls, driver seat armrest, six-speaker stereo and shift paddles (automatic transmission models only).

Get a quote on a 2012 Honda Fit at a dealer near you.