A Honda Fit Si makes so much sense to me I cannot fathom why it doesn't exist. Honda's compact hatchback is already fun to drive in its base trim level so, adding more horsepower and a performance-tuned suspension could transform the car. With a simple formula of existing parts, Honda could create a fun to drive compact hatchback to take on the Fiesta ST and broaden the appeal of fast Hondas.

Thanks to the hierarchy of the Honda lineup I highly doubt they would even consider using the Civic Si's engine but I wish they did. A 205 horsepower Fit Si would be the champion needed to dominate the segment of compact hot hatchbacks. Thankfully I'm a reasonable man and I would settle for the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 found in the Civic Sport Hatchback.

At 180 horsepower this engine returns 39 mpg highway and propels the 2868 lb Civic from 0-60 in only 7.0 seconds. Imagine the type of performance we can expect from this engine in the Honda Fit which weighs 355lbs less?

Fuel economy would easily be over 40mpg and acceleration would be in the 6-second range, plenty of performance for a compact hatch. For those who want more Power, Hondata has already proved that a simple tune can extract over 220 horsepower from this engine.

The engine would be mated to the same 6-speed manual found in the Civic Si. This transmission offers the feel and involvement Honda's Si products are known for. A slick 6-Speed Manual in a light hatchback is a return to form to the original Civic Type R.

In addition to an improved drivetrain, the Fit Si will need a revised suspension and brakes to handle this extra power. Larger brakes are an important part of making this a well rounded and safe platform. Honda could easily lift the brakes from the Honda Civic improving performance and cutting down on cost. A revised suspension will need to be developed but to keep costs down Honda should skip the adjustable suspension and go with a fixed setup. I also wish for a Limited Slip Differential but I fear the added cost might drive a Fit Si too far up the ​market.

With the addition of more power, better brakes, and a revised suspension a Fit Si could take the Honda brand back toward its roots. A Cheap Hatchback that punches above its weight class is what made Hondas so special. Today Honda performance products are more expensive than ever making room for a Fit Si. If Honda could keep this car around $20,000 it would open them up to a whole new market.

Honda could take advantage of its parts bin they could create a very special hot hatch. The Honda Fit is a fun to drive, light, and practical car that would benefit greatly a performance trim. As the Civic Si and Type R become more expensive the Honda brand needs to fill in the cheap performance gap left in their wake, and luckily they have all the pieces to do it. So please Honda give us the Fit Si and many people will give you money, maybe.

# Shiftinglanes # Honda # Fit # HondaFit # FitSi # manual # turbo # Si # TypeR # CivicTypeR # hothatch # Car