The Fit - it's Honda's answer for those urban dwellers looking for a compact vehicle without compromising technology, safety and useable space. It gets great gas mileage, looks hip and seats five with no complaints. So what could possibly be better than a Fit you ask? Well, a Fit that is Mugen equipped of course!
Over that last few years the people at Mugen have been surveying our market to see if the demand was there to sell Mugen parts aimed towards our vehicles. With the launch of the Mugen Si last year it seems like they decided we're worthy of their greatness. As great as the Mugen Si was, Mugen wanted to try something a little different as they moved forward - enter the Fit Sport.
Rather than selling a pre-assembled limited production vehicle, as they did with the Si, they decided to leave the modifications up to the consumer. The car you see before you can be replicated by anyone that is looking to buy a new Fit Sport. All of the components will be available through the parts counter at your local dealer - a tactic that was abandoned in the late 80's (that's right, you could actually buy Mugen accessories for your EA-S (CRX) and EA-V (Integra) right from the dealer back in the day!) Furthermore, the exterior components will even come color-matched and ready to install immediately!
Mugen parts have been available and distributed through King Motorsports for decades now, so why would you need these parts from your dealer? Well the main difference between these Mugen pieces and the ones sold in Japan/through King is that all of these parts fit a USDM Chassis. No more front-end conversion required! Furthermore, items like the floor mats are now contoured to a LHD vehicle, something not available before. The XJ wheels are also tweaked slightly to accept OEM conical/acorn style lug nuts, instead of needing tapered lug nuts like most aftermarket wheels.
After getting used to the Mugen Fit it was really hard to give it back. The car is so easy to drive and there is so much useable space - getting my gear to a photo shoot has never been easier! The navigation and USB (in my case iPod) connectivity are added bonuses. And let's not forget the looks! I was amazed at how many people noticed the subtle differences, once at a red light the people behind me even pulled out a camera and started shooting!
When the car was no longer in my possession I had time to reflect about the pros and cons of the car. The pros are obvious, just read the previous paragraphs. The cons were few and far between, but there were a few subtle things I wish were available - namely the Mugen ventilated visor kit and a Mugen rear spoiler option. However both of those JDM pieces are available through aftermarket retailers and should be direct-fit for the USDM car, so hope isn't lost. My main complaint though was that Honda didn't give me the car... it's that good.
Fast Facts
2009 Mugen-Equipped Honda Fit Sport
Under The Hood naturally- aspirated 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC L15A; Mugen oil cap and exhaust system
Drivetrain 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic w/paddle shifters
Stiff Stuff McPherson front struts/Torsion-Beam rear suspension; 22mm front sway bar/17mm rear sway bar
Rollers 16" Mugen XJ wheels (built for USDM acorn style lug nuts)
Outside Mugen front grill, front lip, side skirts, rear lip, rear emblem
Inside Mugen short shifter, shift knob, sports pedals, sports floor mats, room mirror cover
Ice Built-in navigation w/USB media cable
www automobiles.honda.com/fit/mugen-accessories.aspx; mugen-power.com