Honda's Fit subcompact made a statement right out of the chute when it was introduced to American buyers a year ago. A hatchback with attitude. Small and flexible, but with more trunk room than an auto. A kind of stretched hatchback wagon, with a flair. You might call it a fit way to roll into gasoline engine fuel economy territory.

In typical Honda fashion, Fit is clad to the nines with amenities even on its most basic model, leaving spartan entry level a problem for some other auto maker. But that left Honda with not much room for touch-up improvements in the vehicle's second year. What 2008 brings is the addition of a tire pressure monitor to the Fit's five-star safety rating and two new exterior colors, Tidewater Blue Metallic, and Blackberry Pearl (available only on Sport models).

When Fit hit the U.S. market as a 2007 model, it was classified by Honda as "premium entry level," reflected in pricing. There was excellent fuel economy but no bottom feeder image. Pricing for 2008 confirms that standing. Base for the five-speed manual that gets an estimated 33/38 miles per gallon is $13,850. Add five-speed automatic and base pricing rises to $14,650 (31/38 fuel economy). Sport models cross the $15,000 to nearly $16,000 barrier and drop one mile per gallon during highway driving.

But consider what comes with even the lowest priced version: Advanced drive-by-wire technology, six airbags including side curtains, four speaker audio with CD player (six speakers on Sport models), power operated windows, mirrors and door locks, rear seats that fold forward with headrests intact. Dealer-installed iPod connection is one of Fit's rare options.

Underneath is Honda's 1.5-liter, four-cylinder VTEC engine that generates 109 horsepower and 105 lb-ft. of torque. ABS with electronic brake distribution is standard.

Have a need for splash? Try the Sport with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for auto trans models, rear spoiler and fog lamps. For ultimate impact, picture all that with low ground-effect cladding.