A week in the company of the new Honda Fit is a great way to prepare for the brave new world of driving that’s just around the corner. Between our new president’s support for the right of individual states to set their own automobile fuel economy standards—via carbon emissions caps—and the usurpation of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by California rep Henry Waxman, all Americans will almost certainly become limited by his state’s regulations. Economies of scale in manufacturing, distribution, and sales dictate it.

First indications are good for our future: the Honda is endearingly cute. This new, second generation Fit is also slinkier and a bit sexier than its predecessor, thanks to a four inch stretch in length, and a minor bump in width. Also helping is more chamfered, expressive bodywork, and bigger wheels and tires that make the Honda look more like a car and less like a shopping cart.

Inside, a fresh and funky cabin greets occupants, and boasts richer textures and moldings than the earlier car. It’s still nothing less than astounding how cavernous it is inside as well; there’s more cargo capacity than Honda’s own Pilot SUV. And that groovy ‘Magic Seat’ is even easier to deploy; it now folds flat for mountain bikes, midnight trysts, or other duties. The view out through the shuttle-pod like window is entertaining in a Buck Rogers like way as well.

While the interior of the Fit is as commodious and comfortable as most Americans will want, the level of refinement will be a bit of a shock to many. This is one noisy car on the highway, blighted by an unseemly amount of tire roar and road roar (though it is no worse than most competitors). That’s understandable, as this Honda must have all the expected safety systems and meet stringent crash standards, all while keeping weight in check.

The ride won’t do much to win over Middle America. It is very well judged for the duties the car was designed for, with firm damping and good body control, but it’s got nothing on the larger and more cosseting cars most folk are used to. The upside is a level of alacrity in the handling that makes it entertaining to drive. Roll angles are well contained, and there’s enough interactivity to make the Fit athletic and lively. Helping here is the steering, which—despite being electric—is precise, and offers enough feel to keep things interesting.

That’s good news, as the Fit is never going to impress in a drag race. Tweaks to the 1.6-liter four cylinder liberate an additional eight horsepower, but the total is still only 117. Torque goes up one to 106lb-ft. Thanks to a very disciplined approach to weight control this larger, more rigid Fit tips the scales at just over 2500 pounds, only about fifty more than the earlier version. Therefore 0-60mph sprints remains about the same, being dispatched in the mid eight-second range. That’s using the light and precise 5-speed manual; the more commonly chosen automatic will add about a second to the ETA.

The little Honda feels sprightlier than those figures would suggest—at least with just a driver aboard. A full complement of passengers and luggage slew the power-to-weight ratio significantly in the wrong direction, and result in constant caning of the motor towards its 5800rpm power peak to keep up with traffic. Honda’s legendary engine building prowess helps here, as the powerplant is smooth and refined (if a bit vocal) right up to redline.

It is also usefully thrifty; the Fit is rated (in manual tranny form) at 27mpg city and 33mpg highway. A week’s normal driving regiment split the difference, at 29.8mpg, according to the built in computer. So the Car of the Future is practical, roomy, and fun. But as frugal as the Fit is, it’s still not economical enough for the apparatchiks from California; they expect the average car to get 36mpg by 2016.

You’ve been warned.

Price as tested: $17,580

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