2015 Honda Fit Hybrid Gets 35% Bump in Fuel Economy

Honda has announced that its all-new Fit Hybrid will boast a 35 percent bump in fuel economy compared to its current lineup of 1.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertains offered in cars like the CR-Z and Civic Hybrid.

The new Fit, which is the first model to be equipped with the automaker’s new Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD), will go on sale in Japan this September before heading to the U.S. as a 2015 model. According to a report by Automotive News, the subcompact hatchback won’t offer the hybrid system in the US, though a crossover based on the same platform will.

The i-DCD is Honda’s lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system built for small vehicles and is part of its Earth Dreams lineup of next-generation powertrains.

The 2015 Honda Fit Hybrid will be powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD consisting of a seven-speed dual-clutch system. According to the Japanese automaker, the system automatically changes to three driving modes by engaging and disengaging the engine depending on driving situations. The three modes on the Fit Hybrid are the EV Drive Mode for motor-only driving, the Hybrid Drive Mode for both engine and motor driving, and the Engine Drive Mode for engine-only driving. The Fit Hybrid will generate 135 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque and is expected to achieve at least 55 mpg in the U.S.

Honda is also boasting that the 2015 Honda Fit Hybrid will feature the highest fuel economy among all hybrid models in Japan.

In Japan the 2015 Honda Fit will also be available in an RS model with a 1.5-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission, while a 1.3-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder will also be available with 98 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque with a new CVT.

It’s not clear which versions will be offered in North America, though the the 2015 Fit will be manufactured in North America at the automaker’s new plant in Mexico.