The New York Auto Show begins late next week. High Tech Lounge reports, “The 2009 Honda Fit will be making its official North American Debut” at the show. A facelift to the model “gives the new Fit a slightly more Prius-like appearance, as the sharper contours have been replaced with softer curves. The front end somehow looks mellow and aggressive at the same time.”

AutoWeek reports, “Mercedes-Benz is using next week’s New York auto show to unveil a facelifted version of the second-generation M-Class SUV.” The new M-Class features “a lightly altered front end with a redesigned bumper, larger headlights, more prominent three-slat grille and new fog lamps.” The drivetrain of the M has not changed, but “inside, new leatherlike door trim and a four-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles appear on all models, as do Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe occupant-protection system and NeckPro anti-whiplash headrests.”

Kicking Tires notes that Mitsubishi will display its “tiny i minicar,” which “has been on sale in Japan since 2006.” The i is “a couple feet longer than a Smart ForTwo,” and electric powered. Kicking Tires wonders if Mitsu “just wants some green-friendly publicity,” or if the i might come to the U.S. to compete with the Smart car.

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