Honda Fit Shuttle 2011-2015 used car review
The Honda Fit Shuttle has a small footprint yet a vast interior space. Its light handling makes it great for the city.
The Honda Fit Shuttle has a small footprint yet a vast interior space. Its light handling makes it great for the city.
The Honda Fit Shuttle is based on the Fit light hatchback, also known as the Jazz in New Zealand. Essentially a station wagon, the Shuttle leverages off the Fit’s already tall and spacious interior for maximum load space and practicality. The standard version is very practical and the hybrid model takes this to another level.
Inside and out
The Fit Shuttle shares the same tall, narrow look as the hatchback version. It is longer and the roofline angles up towards the rear which makes it look high at the top of the rear door. The front of the hybrid features a different grille material to other models and special hybrid badges. Tinted windows are standard.
The interior is narrow, though the height, an upright sitting position and large windows make it feel very spacious. The dashboard looks modern with three blue-lit chunky gauge pods. A small information screen is set into the middle pod. Climate control buttons and the screen are also housed in three round clusters placed close to the driver. The touchscreen infotainment system will require a band expander to receive local stations. Cup Holders sit high in the dash by the windows for easy reach. Two glove boxes and some cubby holes provide lots of storage.
The seats are firm and you sit high, which makes it easy to get in and out. There is no need to lower yourself down into the car as with some other light vehicles. Rear seat head and legroom are some of the best in class, and the back seat-rest angle can be adjusted. The seat base can be flipped up to create large additional storage space.
Boot space is impressive and is the equal of a more substantial SUV. Space is wide and deep, and five to six medium cases should fit. There is also additional storage space under the floor, and the floor itself can be lifted and placed in slots to act as a load divider. The rear seat folds completely flat to create a massive amount of space. There are tie-downs to secure loads.
On the road
Two engines are available in the Shuttle. The standard engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, with the choice of a CVT automatic or a five-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. This review vehicle uses a super-efficient 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a small electric motor and battery. The engine has a power output of 65kW and 121Nm, boosted during acceleration by the electric motor. The system will shut down when you are stationary to save even more fuel. An ECO button reduces throttle response to make it even more efficient.
Performance is acceptable, though a little sluggish when battery power is low - it will recharge itself when you brake or drive at speed. The ride is relatively hard, though not uncomfortable. There is little body roll. The brakes are somewhat sensitive as they are part of the hybrid system.
The high seat position means visibility forward is excellent, though to the rear, tinted windows and tall tail restrict your view. Parking sensors and cameras are not standard, although not an uncommon option. We recommend fitting a reversing camera, which will cost from $50 to fit yourself or $200 for a professional to do the job.
No official tow rating exists for the Honda Fit Shuttle and we couldn't find any aftermarket ratings either. Talk to a Honda dealer or tow bar supplier for advice on what you want to tow.
Safety
The Honda Fit Shuttle carries a three-star Used Car Safety Rating, according to RightCar. Early models feature only anti-lock brakes and front airbags as standard. In 2012 electronic stability control became standard, with side and curtain airbags available as options. Look for “SRS” badges on the interior side pillars to see if these are in the car you’re considering.
The rear seat features three full shoulder-style belts, which offer more protection than the lap-only type. The window seat positions feature ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Reliability
The Honda Fit has developed a reputation for solid reliability. The engine uses a timing chain which will not require regular replacement. Honda appears to have worked most of the bugs out of its CVT automatic transmission. It is prudent to check the unit has been serviced correctly and to continue to do so.
The interior trim in the lower doors and boot is known to show marks if the car has been put to hard work. Rattles from the dash are likely to come from the lower panels - this is a problem that’s easy and cheap to fix.
Cost of ownership
Honda Fits require servicing every 10,000km or 12 months, with new transmission fluid needed every 40,000km. The standard service costs $340 at a Honda dealer, while the transmission service is an additional $150.
We could not find an official fuel rating for the Fit Shuttle Hybrid, though it should be only marginally more than the standard Fit Hybrid. RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving, that model will cost a tiny $840 a year to fuel. The 40-litre fuel tank will cost $80 to fill at $2 a litre and should take you 1200km before the fuel light comes on.
The Fit is in the cheapest class for ACC levies, so the annual licensing fee (registration) is $76.92.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Fit valued at $9,440 will cost from $45.80 per month.
Buyers’ guide
The Honda Fit Shuttle is available on Trade Me priced from $8,000 to $15,000. The hybrid version is worth a few thousand more than the equivalent conventional model. The C, Cool Edition and Smart Selection are available as hybrids.
Sources in the used car trade suggest this car will become very popular over the next few years as supplies from Japan increase.
Variants
- C - Features steel wheels, fog-lights, climate control air-conditioning, fabric interior and remote central locking.
- X - Adds part leather seats, leather steering wheel and body kit.
- Cool Edition - Adds heated front seats, push-button start and automatic headlights.
- Hybrid Smart Selection - Adds body kit, sports seats and cruise control.
All-wheel drive is a common option on non-hybrid models.
Timeline
- 2011 Launched in Japan
- 2012 ESC becomes standard
- 2015 Replaced by new model
Details
2012 Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid C
$10,000 to $13,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol plus electric, 65kW/121Nm (claimed)
CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
Three-star Used Car Safety Rating
10,000km or 12 months
Space saver
3-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4385mm
1695mm
1540mm
Unrated
5.1m (radius)
This review covers the Honda Fit for model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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