Overview
The compact design of the Fit's front suspension and rear suspension allows for a large passenger cabin with a low floor height for maximum interior space. The Fit uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension that provides excellent handling characteristics and ride quality. The Fit's front MacPherson strut suspension has geometry that contributes to the Fit's stable straight-line tracking and fun-to-drive cornering ability.

Similar to the steering systems used on the 2006 Civic Si and Civic Hybrid, Fit utilizes an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system (EPS) to provide quick response with minimal effort from the driver. Its high-output brushless motor also contributes to improved fuel efficiency by eliminating the constant load on the engine from a hydraulic pump.

Fit Chassis Highlights

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Torsion beam rear suspension
• ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• Standard 14-inch steel wheels for Fit, 15-inch alloy wheels for Fit Sport

MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
Fit's MacPherson strut front suspension geometry includes a high caster angle and caster trail for straight line stability and optimum toe control during cornering. With these characteristics, Fit's front suspension provides sharp, responsive steering and exceptional straight line control, which is further aided by a quick steering ratio, bushing tuning, rigid control arms and mounting points, and spring and damper tuning. Similar to the setup in the new 2006 Civic, Fit's front strut suspension also provides more stable cornering by allowing the inner wheel to remain closer to vertical throughout a greater range of travel, which improves tire adhesion compared to conventional strut suspensions.

To provide good ride comfort, the compliance angle on the lower control arm is optimized to transmit less harshness. Further settings include a minimal center offset with the wheel to minimize the potential for torque steer and transfer of road imperfections from the tires to the steering.

Torsion Beam Rear Suspension
This H-shaped torsion beam was chosen for its compact size allowing for a lower cargo floor and maximum interior volume. To achieve high handling performance and ride comfort, the rear roll geometry and rates for springs and dampers are optimized for a stable and secure feel.

Electric Power Steering
To further reduce fuel consumption and to increase the "crisp" steering feel, the Fit employs an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system similar to that used in the 2006 Civic Si and Civic Hybrid. This electric steering gear box contributes to improved fuel efficiency by eliminating the constant load on the engine from a hydraulic pump. Instead, a high-output brushless motor replaces the oil pump to further improve the overall fuel efficiency of Fit.

Braking System
The Fit has 10.3-inch ventilated front discs and 7.9-inch rear drum brakes. Vehicle stopping is further enhanced by a standard 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The standard ABS incorporates wheel sensors at each wheel to modulate braking pressure. With this type of system, the ABS control unit is able to monitor wheel speed at each wheel and adjust braking pressure to each of the front drive wheels and rear wheels independently.

The potential for wheel lockup is greatly reduced in virtually all driving conditions, including situations where one side of the vehicle has significantly less traction than the other. The ABS system enhances the Fit's ability to maintain steering control during hard braking in normal and adverse road conditions.

Wheels and tires
Fit comes standard with 14x5.5-inch steel wheels (with wheel covers) and P175/65R14 81S tires. With Fit Sport, larger 15x6-inch alloy wheels with P195/55R15 84H tires are standard (shown at left). Accessory alloy wheels and tires from the Honda Factory Performance division are available for Fit and Fit Sport in a 16x6.5-inch size and a bronze finish (shown at right). Accessory tires are P205/45R16 83W performance tires.