It’s no secret that basic subcompact econocars aren’t so basic anymore. Crank windows have all but vanished, air conditioning is almost universally standard, and linoleum upholstery is a thing of the past. CLICK THE PIC BELOW Nevertheless, the Fit raises the bar for small-car expectations. Not only is it endowed with an impressive array of standard features and an upscale interior, but its dynamics rival the responses of cars with much fancier pedigrees and price tags. As an example, the Fit that ran away with our econocar comparo last year [“Cheap Skates,” C/D, May 2006] posted a lane-change number — 71.4 mph — that edges the best run by the Ferrari F430 Spider F1 we tested last June [“Divine Wind”].
