Honda’s new Odyssey went on sale in dealerships nationwide yesterday (February 11), bringing more equipment and higher prices across the board.
As we detailed last week, the self-titled ‘sexy people-mover’ comes in two model grades, entry-level VTi and up-spec VTi-L, costing $38,990 and $47,620 (plus on-road costs) respectively.
That makes the VTi $3890 more expensive than its predecessor, and the VTi-L $4700 heftier than the Luxury model it replaces.
“We feel that the price point retains the excellent value of the previous generation,” Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins told motoring.com.au. “The new vehicle is larger, roomier, better equipped and more efficient than before.”
Both models feature the same mechanical package. Under the bonnet lies a substantially reengineered 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 129kW at 6200rpm and 225Nm at 4000.
This is coupled to a technically advanced transmission; a continuously variable automatic (CVT) unit which also houses a torque converter for smoother drive take up, punchier acceleration and improved economy.
Under Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams’ banner, the new power unit incorporates idle-stop and consumes 7.6L/100km in the VTi and 7.8L/100km in heavier VTi-L specification; easily eclipsing the 8.9L/100km figure of the five-speed automatic fourth-generation car.
The eight-seat base VTi is well equipped for the money. Three cloth-trimmed seating rows offer versatility, with the rear-most section offering a 40/20/40 split. The sliding passenger door (a first for Odyssey) is powered, climate-control is available in the front and rear sections and there are 10 cup holders scattered about the cabin.
Full length side-curtain airbags ensure passenger protection to all three rows while up front is a ‘next-generation’ audio system.
Known as ‘display audio’, this touch-screen system displays vehicle functionality and media information as with most in-car screens, but takes it a step further by being able to integrate with an iPhone; Android is still “a couple of months away,” according to Collins. Additionally the screen can be used like a Smartphone, users able to pinch, stretch and scroll.
Stepping up into the VTi-L brings one less seat – down to seven – but they are trimmed in rich-smelling leather. Although the front pews are powered and heated, the second-row seats are the stars, able to be moved separately fore/aft as well as laterally to give the impression of being in a business-class recliner – complete with fold-out ‘ottoman’. These chairs can also be pushed right to the rear of the cabin, as the rear seats can be stowed under the rear floor.
The VTi-L also gets two powered side doors, blind spot plus cross-traffic monitors and an ingenious multi-view camera system which can offer a 360-degree view of surroundings. A blind-spot monitor is also standard, as is smart park assist.
While satellite-navigation was said to be available, neither variant made available to us on the launch displayed the option on-screen, giving the impression that the navigation was only available by connecting an iPhone and downloading the relevant Honda app. We will update once Honda has clarified the situation.
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