Honda Odyssey 2009 News

Honda Australia is working around the clock to replace 600,000 potentially faulty airbags.

Honda's Odyssey people mover is changing into something like it was a few years ago -- a more bus-like vehicle instead of an overblown wagon as it is now. And the new model, due next year gains a seat taking the pew tally to eight. The new Odyssey lobs in February 2014 and marks the 20th anniversary of Honda's entry into the so called "mum-bus" segment. New Odyssey features a 2.4 litre engine and CVT from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series that have both been completely redesigned and reengineered. Fuel economy has been improved to a reasonable 7.6 litres per 100 km -- a fuel saving of over 14 per cent. New Odyssey is bigger on the outside  than its predecessor and its exterior styling is totally new featuring one-touch power sliding doors (on selected models only), daytime running lights and wide-angle reversing camera. Odyssey will be available as either a seven or eight seater for the first time ever. It features a state-of-the-art audio system and several new advanced technologies to ensure peace of mind. Pricing and further specifications will be released closer to the launch date.

With an upgraded engine and big improvements to safety and comfort, it is geared up to do just that, but will it be enough to poach potential SUV buyers?  We drove both the base model Odyssey and the Odyssey Luxury to see for ourselves.EngineBoth versions are powered by a double overhead cam i-VTEC, in line four cylinder engine that puts out 132kW at 6500rpm and 218Nm at 4500rpm.  A five speed manual and five speed automatic transmission with grade logic control and shift hold gets power to the wheels.Combined fuel consumption and C02 emissions figures are the same again for both vehicles at 6.3l/100kms(manual) and 6.6l/100km(auto), and 148g/km(manual) and  156g/km(auto) respectively.ExteriorFrom the outside there’s no mistaking it, the Odyssey is a people-mover and a very obvious example. It’s basically a rectangular box with a gentle taper from the nose to past the B pillar.The Luxury gets 17 inch alloys, fog lights and electric sunroof, aero side sill garnish and aero FR and RR bumpers.  Chrome door handles, dual exhausts, keyless entry and body coloured door mirrors and bumpers are standard for both cars.InteriorThe seven-seater has fully reclining front seats, a 60/40 split fold second row and a retractable third row that creates 259 litres of space when up and a cat-swinging 708 litres when down. Other storage includes six cup holders, four bottle holders, door pockets and a foldable centre table.Aside from leather seats, six stacker stereo, the leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob and the aluminium side step in the Luxury, all other interior features are available in both vehicles at no extra cost.  Features include air conditioning, cruise control, a multi-function display and steering wheel, and power windows.SafetyOn top of a driver, passenger and curtain airbag package, the safety feature list for the Odyssey range includes anti-lock brakes, central locking, brake-assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, motion adaptive EPS, progressive crumple zones, vehicle stability assist and traction control.PricingPricing for the Honda Odyssey starts at $43,990 for the standard edition, and $49,990 for the luxury.DrivingIt wasn’t with the enthusiasm we’d bring to, say, hmmm, most other car pick ups really, when we turned up at Honda to take the Odyssey. People movers aren’t well known for their arousability, but to be fair, they’re not supposed to be. It’s just hard to be attracted by the pedestrian shape.The first look inside didn’t help matters much. Our first impressions were that it was a little too spaceshipy, with strangely placed curves and a multi-layered dash that used too much black plastic. Yellow wood inlays in the Luxury version only highlighted the unsightly design.Negatives aside, the seats were comfortable and supportive and the shape of the car provided ample head, shoulder and leg room from whatever position. Surprisingly, the thick carpet actually did its job too, providing a prestige look and feel.Lacking a little feedback through the wheel, the drive was generally pleasant. Weight distribution was good for a car that size and shape; there was little body roll and the car turned in and pushed out of corners effortlessly. Modest potholes and ruts were smoothed over with the decent independent double wishbone suspension.The let-down was the unenthsuiastic engine. But it’s not trying to be a performer and again, it doesn’t have to be. It’s also too long, but it’s a seven seat people carrier, so what else can you do?Verdict 7.2 – the minimal improvements in the Luxury aren’t worth the extra seven large.

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. SpecsPrice: $43,990 and $49,990 (Luxury)Body: five-door wagonEngine: 2.4-litre four cylinder i-VTEC front wheel drivePower: 132kW at 6500 revsTorque: 218Nm at 4500 revsTransmission: Five-speed automaticFuel economy: 8.9 litres/100km (combined), 12.1 litres/100km (city), 7.1 litres/100km (highway)Co2 emissions: 212 g/km