Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the All-New Freed at an interesting selling price of RM112,980.00. We say interesting, as it is an MPV with more features (a smaller engine by 300cc), more versatility and room and yet costs some RM35k less than the Honda Stream. The tax structure makes it cheaper as the Freed is an AFTA product and the Stream come from Japan. Still buyers have something to think about. Unveiled by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Toru Takahashi, the launch was also witnessed by Mr. Yukihiro Aoshima, President Director of Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), Jakarta, Indonesia, where the All-New Freed is manufactured, as well as Mr. Isao Ando, Project Leader of the All-New Freed of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. The Freed is marketed as a premium compact MPV because it comes with twin sliding doors on the side, a interior walk thru aisle and it offers seating for 7 passengers. As versatile as it is, the third row of passenger seats can be converted into additional cargo space to meet endless possibilities and needs of its occupants.
In fact, the All-New Freed expounds more ideas for owners on how they could make the most out of their ride, be it for a family day out on the beach or a round of golf. The dual automatic sliding doors which we saw 1st on the Honda LaGreat MPV. The doors are designed for easy access in tight parking lots. The sliding doors are also equipped with anti-pinch sensors that reverse the closing process when an obstacle is detected.
The roomy cabin features a low flat floor design and a high flat roof, a great way to maximize space and headroom for higher comfort level, while the theatrical seating position increases visibility for all passengers.The ingenious walk-through cabin design makes it easier for passengers to maneuver from the first row to the third row. During a long journey, such convenience and comfort is necessary, especially for the little ones. The one-step low floor and a grip assist would help the elderly and children step up and down easily.
The Freed is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine under its hood that produces 118PS at 6600rpm for maximum power and 146 Nm at 4800rpm for maximum torque, the 4-cylinder, 16 valve SOHC engine is one of the better known technologies in the industry.
It uses a 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT) and a drive-by-wire (DBW) torque control system, which guarantees a smoother ride. The Freed scores 6 stars in the JNCAP crash tests for both the driver and passengers.
The proprietary G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) helps disperse the crash impact across the body frame while the advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) gives better crash compatibility with other cars, thus minimizing injury. Other safety features available on the All-New Freed are ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electrical Brake-force Distribution), BA (Brake Assist) and Grade Logic Control embedded in the Shift-Hold Control. The latter reduces the shift of extra transmission during cornering.
Available in 3 colours only, Brilliant White, Polished Metal and Crystal Black we feel that at least 4-5 more choices should be available since it comes fully imported. For more information, please call 1800-88-2020 or visit www.honda.com.my or www.4plusideas.com.
