Honda unwraps the all-new Odyssey

Size does matter. This is what the guys from Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) believe as they successfully launched the all-new Honda Odyssey minivan at One Esplanade in Pasay City yesterday.

The new generation Odyssey will directly compete with the Toyota Alphard. It replaces its larger US-version predecessor which has been sold since 2012. As we begin to inspect the vehicle, we notice the huge trim down of its size from its length, width and height. The new Asian version Odyssey now measures 4,830-mm (length), 1,820-mm (width), and 1,695-mm (height).

The Japanese car maker stays true to its mission in displaying a perfect balance of being a passenger vehicle with utility beyond compare. The new Odyssey exterior design was based on the “Solid Streamline” concept with an ultra-low platform to achieve an elegant and dynamically proportioned look while still mindful of the cabin space. The result? Passengers will experience easy ingress and egress. The incorporation of LED dual projector type headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lamps complete the All New Odyssey’s stylish yet commanding presence on the road.

Meanwhile, the interior of the new Odyssey is really a haymaker. Its pattern is based on the “Modern Suite Room” concept that is described as elegant and high-class, fitted with only the finest choice of materials.

Inside, the Odyssey can accommodate seven passengers comfortably with generous head, elbow and leg room. On the second row, there's a new application of Captain Cradle seats with Ottoman; while the third row showcases a three-way split reclining structure that enables three passengers to sit side-by-side with different reclining angles for each section that gives an ultimate sense of relaxation for all passengers. The 7-inch touch screen display audio with navigation system, roof-mounted nine inch rear entertainment system with HDMI port and DVD player completes the interior package.

In terms of performance, the all-new Odyssey is the first Honda model in the country that is equipped with an Earth Dreams Technology 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-speed paddle shifter. The Earth Dreams Technology is a next generation set of technological advancements that enhance the engine to greatly improve both fuel efficiency and driving performance. Honda also retained its popular Eco Assist System which consists of the ECON mode and the Eco coaching ambient light that promotes a more fuel efficient driving habit.

Since it is a new model, Honda comes out top of its class with its Idle-Stop System which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The Idle-Stop System moreover, can be deactivated manually.

To add another feather to its cap, the All New Odyssey comes with comprehensive technology on vehicle safety to provide peace of mind and comfortable mobility. The All New Odyssey showcases a multi-view camera system which consists of four wide angle cameras that are located on the front grille, right and left door mirrors and tailgate. These cameras provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings which are also shown in the display audio.

For safety and convenient driving, the new Odyssey features Honda’s Smart Parking Assist System which is capable of analyzing and detecting parking spaces where the luxury minivan can fit. This system also automatically steers the Odyssey into the parking space using the Electric Power Steering motor; however, the driver has to operate the gear stick, accelerator and brake pedal through the guidance provided by the system. The Smart Parking Assist System can help the driver to reverse into parking spaces and parallel park. The driver can utilize the multi-view camera system for better visibility while parking.

To complete Honda's safety features, the Odyssey is now equipped with a Blind Spot Information feature that notifies (indicators on the side mirrors) the driver of vehicles in the blind spot through radars installed in the rear bumper. The radars also activate the Cross Traffic Monitor which alerts the driver should there be a vehicle in its blind spot when reversing out of a car park.

The all-new Honda Odyssey is priced at P2.298 million. To give a different look, Honda is also offering the Odyssey MUGEN sport package at an additional P91,200 and the Modulo Executive package at P21,700.