In the past few years, Americans have discovered the little wagons and hatchbacks that rule the roost in Europe and Asia. Honda, for one, aims to grab its share of the market.

For 2015, Honda debuts the third-generation of its Fit, a hatchback that packs a ton of utility into a subcompact footprint — and adds fun-to-drive to the bargain.

The Fit ($16,470, including destination) is new from the ground up. Riding on a platform that’s lighter and more rigid than before, its wheelbase grows 1.3 inches and its suspension is retuned to improve ride quality and high-speed stability. The little four-door is a shade smaller than the previous iteration (overall length drops 1.6 inches, width is up 0.3 inches, height is unchanged), but adds 4.9 cubic feet of passenger volume.

Already amongst the segment’s roomiest, the rear seating area adds a limo-worthy 4.8 inches of legroom.
 
If the new Fit seems larger, it’s because Honda designers reduced window-height. Less glass and more metal produce a more substantial presence. A new grille and headlights and new LED taillights fall into line with Honda’s new corporate look.

Like the Civic and Accord before it, the Fit cabin has been redesigned, with a more modern and upscale feel. Materials-quality is improved and new switchgear operates more smoothly and feels more substantial.

Standard gear includes full power accessories, auto on-off headlights, a rearview camera, LED brake lights and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Such amenities as keyless entry and ignition, one-touch moonroof, heated leather seats, satellite radio and a touchscreen infotainment system are available on Fit for the first time.

Mid-level trims get the HondaLink smartphone integration app, including streaming navigation. The top-level EX-L trim can be had with an integrated nav system. As with all touchscreen-driven infotainment systems, there are things to dislike here — awkward menu design, for instance — and things to like, including swipe-and-pinch functionality.

The Fit’s greatest strength lies in creative interior packaging. Moving the gas tank forward in the platform, Honda liberates space that’s used to create a cavernous, flat-floored cargo area. In an alternative arrangement, the bottom seat cushions can be flipped forward, creating a cavity deep enough to carry a bike.

All Fits are powered by a 1.5-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine with valve-timing and -lift control and direct injection. Peak horsepower is up 11 percent, to 130; torque grows 7.5 percent, to 114 lb-ft. Two new transmissions include six-speed manual and a new continuously variable transmission (CVT).

My EX-L tester was equipped with the CVT, whose “G-Shift” logic minimizes the “rubber-band” effect common to CVTs and gives the Fit a linear and sporty driving feel.

With the stick, the Fit returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined (29 city/37 highway). CVT-equipped models deliver 35 mpg combined (32 city/38 highway) in EX and EX-L trims. The entry-level LX is rated best of the group,  at 36 mpg combined (33 city/41 highway).

It took Americans forever to learn that clever packaging compensates for all manner of shortcomings. The 2015 Fit exemplifies those benefits — sans shortcomings. 
 
2015 Honda Fit  EX-L Navi
Vehicle base price: $15,650
Trim level base price: $20,800
As tested: $21,590
Options: The Fit EX-L Navi is a fully equipped trim; our tester included no options.
EPA rating: 35 combined/32 city/38 highway
Regular unleaded fuel specified

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