When compared to the current parallel/gray imported MPVs being sold in the Malaysian market with no service package, no spare parts and no warranty, this new offering from Honda just makes so much good sense. It is a spacious family MPV with a full list of features and the ability to seat 7 adults in real comfort.
Honda designers have given this Odyssey a look that will challenge the competitors from all angles. The Honda engineers have given this new Odyssey a low entry and exit height, just like in a large luxury sedan. They used the ultra-low floor design, which sits only 300mm above ground height and enabled the addition of powered sliding doors. The electric powered doors open out to 1230mm opening height and 750mm width, giving great access for the elderly in the middle row. Another good feature of the powered sliding doors (both doors can be opened with remote open capability via the key fob) is that they contain power windows where many competitors have a fixed window.
The Odyssey’s interior seating layout is flexible, with the third-row seats (split 40:20:40) able to be stored completely under-floor, allowing the second-row bench to be slid back even further. But it’s the middle row seats that truly impresses. The second-row ‘captain’s chairs’ can slide laterally as well as longitudinally and feature fold-out ‘ottomon’-style footrests, offering TV recliner comfort. Adding to rear passenger comfort is the overhead, separate climate control for rear occupants in the 2nd row as well as the 3rd row.
All of the standard safety features that you expect are there: a full complement of airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock braking, vehicle stability assist, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, LATCH system for child seats and ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering), among others. Then, there’s forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The Odyssey comes with a touch-screen sound system with full connectivity. This new Odyssey also gets numerous 12-volt and 115-volt power outlets for the passengers to be occupied with the mobile devices.
Odyssey’s second row and third row seats are easily accessible and the 3rd row “magic seat” is very easy to work as it folds and flips to turn from a 60/40 split bench into a flat load floor with simple 1-2-3 directions. This Odyssey can carry 38.4 cubic feet of luggage behind the third row. For a monthly hypermarket run, fold the third row flat and you can buy 93.1 cubic feet of groceries. You can get as much as 148.5 cubic feet in with the second and third row seats folded.
In addition to the above, the Odyssey is fitted with 17-inch alloys, day time running LED headlights, electric adjustable leather seat trim, steering wheel-mounted controls for cruise, Bluetooth, audio and voice control, 10 cup holders and two USB ports with iPad integration and a reversing camera shown on a 7.0-inch screen.
There is also keyless entry and start, blind spot monitor, a multi-view camera system which enables a 360-degree view around the car via four well-concealed cameras, cross traffic warning, auto dimming interior mirror, sunroof, courtesy lamps and third-row floor vents for the climate control. Smart parking capability enables this Odyssey to assess a parking space for size, before steering the car in, enabling hands-free parallel parking.
Honda Odyssey Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC Earth Dreams
Capacity: 2356cc
Gearbox: CVT
Horsepower: 175bhp @ 6200
Torque: 225Nm @ 4000
0-100km/h: NA
Top speed: 195km/h
Price: RM228,000.00
