Honda Launches Smaller, Smarter Japanese Odyssey

When I was a child, I loved the Japanese version of the Honda Odyssey. I always preferred its looks that made it seem rather like a Civic on stilts and with a tailgate rather than a boot, which also meant it looked a lot better than the US version that is catered towards large families. I also liked how it was praised for being a dynamic handling MPV. The latest generation of the Japanese version of the Odyssey continues that, and naturally, I’m very excited for the arrival of the all-new Honda Odyssey.

     

Being small somehow also meant it costs substantially less. With an introductory price of P2,298,000, it is also priced less than the slightly smaller Toyota Previa, which it more appropriately rivals. As I said in the beginning, I always preferred the sporty looks of the Japanese Odyssey, and this new generation model is no exception. A huge grille, with the upper part following Honda’s “Exciting H” design language called the “Solid Wing Face” grille. LED Dual Projector Headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights supplement the Odyssey’s sporty but supremely elegant looks. At the rear, sophisticated-looking LED tail lamps done in LED tubes akin to BMWs, are one of its best design elements, and make the Honda Odyssey look sophisticated at night.

     

Inside, the luxury yet sporty theme continues. Black is the dominant color choice here, with wood trimming around the cabin. The black colors bring a sporty vibe while the wood creates that sense of elegance to its occupants. Unlike the US version, this Odyssey is a 7 seater MPV. Two captains chairs are placed in the middle row, while the third row can seat 3 people. Up front, the all-touch panel layout that was first seen in the City and the Jazz has been adopted in the Odyssey as well. The well-received Display Audio capacitive touch screen system is also equipped in the Honda Odyssey, compete with navigation and of course its HDMI port for smartphone mirroring. Rear seat passengers aren’t left out without any toys.

     

For those too lazy to operate a sliding door, the doors slide by themselves. There is a rear seat entertainment system, and a three-zone climate control means even the rear seat passengers have control of their own climates.

Powering the Honda Odyssey is a 2.4 liter Earth Dreams DOHC i-VTEC engine, which is smaller than the 3.5 liter V6 from the US Odyssey. It produces 175 hp and 226 Nm of torque. Power is transferred through a 7-Speed CVT with Paddle Shifters. A start/stop system for saving fuel is equipped as standard.

Safety is a hallmark of this new Honda Odyssey. Aside from the usual suite of airbags and ABS with EBD, the Odyssey is also equipped with Hill Start Assist and a of first in class features.

First is the Odyssey’s Multi-View Camera. This is different from the Multi-Angle Rear Camera. This system is composed of 4 cameras all around the vehicle. The images are stitched together, delivering a top down view of the vehicle.

Next is the smart parking assist system. Once activated, the Honda Odyssey will scan for a parking slot where it fits. Unlike the system found on Ford, where it can only do parallel parking, the Odyssey’s can do back-in parking as well.

Blind Spot Monitoring is another first in class safety feature of the Honda Odyssey. A radar scans the rear of the Odyssey if there is a car on any of the Odyssey’s blind spots, and flashes an orange signal if there is a car, and a red with an audible warning if you activate the turn signal.

Lastly, Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses the same radar when reversing. Rear Cross Traffic detects if there is a car passing on the left or right side of the Odyssey when it is reversing, and gives both an audible and visual warning on the 7-inch Display Audio is there is a car crossing the Odyssey’s path either on the left or right side of the vehicle.

Odyssey with Mugen Accessories

 

 

Being a JDM Honda, of course it won’t truly be considered JDM if it didn’t have any accessories right? Well, JDM enthusiasts would be happy to know that the Honda Odyssey includes accessories from both Modulo and of course, Honda’s performance arm, Mugen.

The all-new Japanese Honda Odyssey is now here in the Philippines, and it sets to not just be a luxury oriented MPV, but also one that can more or less deliver an exhilarating drive. With the introductory price of P2,298,000 until March 31, 2015, the Odyssey really is a value proposition. To further entice buyers, Honda will offer the Modulo Executive Package (fender garnish, door mirror garnish, rear license plate garnish, cargo tray and net) free of charge until March 31 as well.

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