If you are one of those who think that the current Honda Jazz has already grown too large versus its original concept (count us in), Honda heartily disagrees with you. The Japanese company has just launched the Fit (Jazz) Shuttle, a stretched version of the hatchback that is already akin to a midsize wagon. A hybrid version was also made available.
Contrary to our expectations, the Fit Shuttle and Fit Shuttle Hybrid still seat five passengers. What is the point, you may ask? It’s all about the cargo room, as the new cars can pack quite a lot of stuff within its newly-expanded rear area: 590 liters with all the seats up, using cargo space both above and below the load floor.
In appearance, the Fit Shuttle looks exactly like an elongated Fit/Jazz, with a large rear quarter glass that encloses the cargo area. The effect is not unattractive, although it no longer has the wedge-shaped runabout shape that the Fit/Jazz carries to great effect.
The core technologies of the Fit/Jazz are present, including the 1.5-liter VTEC engine, paired with available CVT. The car can be had in front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Despite the extra length, the turning radius is even smaller than that of the Fit/Jazz.
The interior looks like a marked step up from the current Fit/Jazz. The front seats are larger, more for a midsize sedan, according to Honda. A swiveling passenger seat, to ease entry for grandma and those of us with grandma-like backs, is an option. The fuel tank tucked under the front seats frees up the rear, and the seats do their tall/long loading flexible folding-style, as with the hatchback. Honda promises ride comfort and quietness at par with the Accord sedan.
The best area is the price, which starts at just ¥1,610,000 (about P855,000). The Fit Shuttle Hybrid starts at ¥1,810,000 (about P961,000).
There’s only one problem: all that cargo room looks like a waste of space. How about a ten-cheater Shuttle, Honda Philippines?
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