Want Wednesday: Honda Fit Type R

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
10/11/2017 at 18:14 • Filed to: Want Wednesday, Honda Fit, Honda Civic Type R

Welcome to Want Wednesday, where I talk about a car that I want. Simple enough, right? Today I want a Honda Fit with the Civic Type R powertrain.

The Fit uses the 1.5l L15B Earth Dreams engine. The Civic Type R uses the 2.0l K20C1 Turbo engine. Both are available with a 6-speed manual, but for purpose of this discussion, I’d like to take both the engine and transmission from the Type R, and put them in the Fit.

But why? Why not just get a Civic Type R, and still have the hatch and the FWD and the good packaging and a warranty ? Probably for a much lower price? Because, my friends, the Type R is woefully inferior in key areas.

For one, it weighs just over 3,000 pounds! That’s practically heavy enough to sink into the road. The Fit weighs less that 2,600 pounds. Even with the big 2.0T, it will weigh way less than the fat Civic.

But the most egregious in the Civic’s failings is the middle back seat.

IT’S A CUPHOLDER? SERIOUSLY??

The Fit has 5 (FIVE!!) cupholders within reach of the driver, and an actual rear bench seat too, not this dual-bucket-seat-with-some-cupholders nonsense.

So we’re going to put the Type R’s engine, its only redeeming feature, in the Honda Fit, a car whose engine is its only disappointing feature.

You understand now, no? I Want a Fit Type R. The Fit only makes 130 horsepower, but everything else about it is great. The Civic makes over 300 horsepower, but that’s pretty much the best thing you can say for it.

Just look at the thing!

It’s got the fake vents we all complain about, and a picnic table of a wing. Worst of all is the ground clearance. It’s practically an SUV! The fact that Honda put 20" wheels on a Civic is just silly. It’s trying waaay too hard.

So let’s do the world a favor and put the Type R engine in the Fit. I’m sure it will Fit. I want it.

DISCUSSION (11)

Textured Soy Protein > way2blu does a rev update
10/11/2017 at 18:23

Except the Fit has a crappy twist beam rear suspension in order to do its clever interior packaging tricks, and save costs. Give it the CTR drivetrain, suspension and brakes and we’re getting somewhere.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Textured Soy Protein
10/11/2017 at 18:31

Eh, the FiST gets by just fine with a twist beam. I think the problem here is too much engine for the car. The Si engine would be more than enough.

wafflesnfalafel > Textured Soy Protein
10/11/2017 at 18:44

yeah, brakes a marginal too... But a Fit SI with the 1.5 turbo and some new shocks and brakes off the Civic might make a super fun little package.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Textured Soy Protein
10/11/2017 at 18:51

Maybe they could do a transverse leaf spring IRS like the Volvo XC90 (and Corvette). That could probably sneak into the existing packaging. It would be expensive but so would adding the CTR motor.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > way2blu does a rev update
10/11/2017 at 18:53

I get that Want Wednesday is more a fantasy thing, but I feel compelled to point out...Fit uses an L15. Civic Si *also uses an L15*. With an aftermarket intercooler setup it basically bolts in. Now we just have to find the junkyard where the first boy racer crashed his new Si...

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > way2blu does a rev update
10/11/2017 at 19:00

No no no. 300 horsepower for a car that small is tooooo much. Should at least have the civic si engine and be a mini jcw and fiesta st rival. 215 would be perfect

Saracen > way2blu does a rev update
10/11/2017 at 19:06

CTR engine in the Fit? I doubt that it would...fit.

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > way2blu does a rev update
10/11/2017 at 19:33

I have driven a 1st gen Fit with a K20 swap from a Civic SI. It was pretty awesome. The chassis handles the extra power no problem. The Type R has almost double the power, and I think it would be too much.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > way2blu does a rev update
10/11/2017 at 22:07

I agree with others, that’s a silly amount of power in that car. Something in the 170-200 range sure would be nice though.

RT > way2blu does a rev update
10/13/2017 at 10:13

I just want a City Turbo.

Kinja'd!!!

duurtlang > way2blu does a rev update
12/31/2017 at 06:30

One of the biggest issues I have with the Fit is its exterior. That car just screams “designed for the elderly”, and that’s the sole demographic I see driving them too. Almost every offering in the very large and highly competitive (in Europe) subcompact segment is more attractive than the Fit.

Besides, for the Fit to receive a much more powerful engine it will need a lot more than just drive train upgrades. Otherwise it’ll be a rocket without the handing, braking and whatnot to match it.