First look Honda Odyssey

The original was launched here in 1994 and helped establish the company's credentials in the mini-van people mover market.

However, by the third generation, the people mover also morphed into a more stylish interpretation of a family carrier with better, car-like dynamics.

The newest fourth-generation Odyssey is an evolution of that car and does not mess with the proven formula.

However, prices have risen sharply by $4700 and $4200 for the two model lineup partly because of exchange rates and also the lift in specification.

The Odyssey opener now starts at $43,990 but still remains competitive against the Chrysler Grand Voyager, Toyota Tarago and VW Caravelle.

The Hyundai iMax, Kia Carnival and Citroen Picasso undercut it.

For the extra money, the Odyssey gets a more powerful 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic, better safety, visibility.

The safety gear extends to six airbags and Honda's version of electronic stability control.

All passengers get three-point seatbelts in all seven seats and active front seat headrests.

Height and reach adjustable steering and double wishbone suspension improve function and driveability.

At 4810mm long, the newcomer is 30mm longer yet sits on the same 2830mm wheelbase of the old car.

By comparison a Ford Territory is 4856mm long.

Front and rear tracks remains the same at 1560mm.

Visually the Odyssey continues the low-lean look, which also contributes to a low centre of gravity.

The car's low floor is made possible by the design and layout of the fuel tank, rear suspension, exhaust and other components.

With an overall height of 1545mm, the cabin is 5mm lower but passenger room has been improved, particularly for third-row occupants.

Honda has spent a lot of time making access easier to the back.

The C-pillar has also been made 40mm thinner for easy access to the third row.

When not in use, the third row stows flat into the floor.

Comfort in the second row has been improved with the belt anchor built into the pillar, 20mm greater head clearance and bigger centre armrest.

The second row also has a one-action lever to tilt them and slide the seats forward 320mm.

The rear hatch is now wider and thinner to improve luggage space.

In its five-seater configuration the Odyssey has 708 litres of luggage space and 259 litres with seven-seats in use.

Inside, the car's V-shape seating layout gives all passengers a clear view forward by positioning the second and third rows closer to the centre of the car.

Like the previous model the driver has a panoramic view of the road.

Honda has slimmed down the A-pillars by 30 per cent without affecting the car's strength by using ultra high-strength steel.

High-strength steel and more sound deadening have also helped reduce cabin noise.

Electric power steering is also standard.

Power remains the proven 2.4-litre i-VTEC four cylinder but it gets an extra 14kW while torque remains the same. It will run on 91RON.

Specs

Price: $43,990 and $49,990 (Luxury)

Body: five-door wagon

Engine: 2.4-litre four cylinder i-VTEC front wheel drive

Power: 132kW at 6500 revs

Torque: 218Nm at 4500 revs

Transmission: Five-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 8.9 litres/100km (combined), 12.1 litres/100km (city), 7.1 litres/100km (highway)

Co2 emissions: 212 g/km