2009 Honda Fit Sport

Open the dictionary to "right car for the times," and you're likely to see a photo of the all-new Honda Fit subcompact. Though brought to the U.S. market in 2006 almost as an afterthought, Honda's cheeky five-seater quickly began selling far beyond its projected rate of 50,000 units per year. With the new, Generation II model, Honda may well move nearly twice that many.

And for good reason. We've already taken a long first look at the updated Fit , but at last we've had the opportunity to take a series of extended drives -- and to run the Fit through our full battery of instrumented tests. Our high opinion of Honda's smallest model has only grown.

The Fit's mission profile may appear to place efficiency above all else, but such a characterization sells the Fit way short. It's an absolute ball to drive. The 1.5L four-cylinder, breathing via VTEC, spins to its 6600-rpm power peak (117 hp) like a puppy on the loose, urging the Fit from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 sec. Sports-car thrust it isn't, but the Fit is so happy at its work you almost don't care. The five-speed manual (a five-speed auto with paddles is optional) works better than units in cars costing twice the price; it flicks through its gates with a light touch and, even better, clutch take-up is syrup-smooth. The pedals are even well-positioned for heel-and-toe work. Despite its economy-car label, the Fit clearly radiates the passion of racing-seasoned engineers.