The new Honda Fit earns 5-Star rating for frontal crashes

Introduction of the new 2007 Honda Fit couldn't come at a better time as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it's "5-Star" safety rating for frontal crash test performance. Looks like little cars don't necessarily mean comprimised safety; which is a good thing — considering Fit's little pricetag — around $13,850.

"Five-Star" rating is the highest government safety rating available and Fit's testing means that 99 percent of Honda-branded vehicles (on a sales-weighted average) achieve this top front impact rating under the federal government's NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) program.

"The Fit has the highest level of standard safety equipment of any car in its competitive set," said John Mendel, American Honda senior vice president. "Fit's 5-Star rating demonstrates once again that Honda customers do not have to choose between safety, utility and fuel efficiency."

Already a leader in vehicle safety as demonstrated by Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative, Honda continues to implement leading airbag technology in all vehicles regardless of size or price. Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all Fit models. In addition to its six airbags, Fit incorporates 3-point seat belts at all seating positions, as well as two Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions in the rear seats. Fit also utilizes active safety systems that include an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD).

Honda's commitment to safety extends to pedestrians as well. To help reduce pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision, the Fit's hood and fender areas are designed to help absorb energy if contacted by an adult pedestrian.

Honda will complete the first phase of its "Safety for Everyone" initiative this year by voluntarily putting extensive levels of standard safety equipment on all its vehicles, with the exception of two small volume models (S2000 and Insight).

Additionally, Honda is the first and only auto manufacturer to list the NHTSA crash test "star" ratings on all new vehicle window stickers. This is the same information available to consumers on the NHTSA safercar.gov Web site.

The 2007 Honda Fit, which went on sale April 20, is designed to take the subcompact market into new territory with its highly-refined and ultra-adaptable functionality, sporty driving demeanor and high levels of standard safety equipment. With a vast array of standard features - including a unique multi-configuration 60/40 split Magic Seat and an estimated EPA fuel economy of 33 mpg city / 38 mpg highway (manual transmission) — the fun to drive Fit is a premium entry vehicle that emphasizes style, functionality, safety and value.

(Source: Honda)