Looking for a low running cost family or lifestyle vehicle, try the Honda Freed
When the Honda Freed was launched there we a lot of negative remarks about its boxy design and lack of rear air-conditioning vents. Fast forward to 2024 and right now the start of 2025, we see a number of Malaysians looking to own Japanese KeiCar boxy compact vans.
Yes, the 2017 Honda N BOX 660 from RM65k and the 2019 Toyota TANK 1.0 Turbo from RM85k are popular choices (see image below). These are very small, narrow, upright vehicles with basic cabin features.
Today, there are many Malaysians going out and buying reconditioned compact Japanese Boxy vehicles without realizing that the Freed is in the used market at a very attractive selling price and it offers much more cabin room and better drive dynamics.
Add to the fact that the Freed has spare parts and has a larger footprint with more rear luggage space. There are many used units for sale and getting a mechanic to check a used unit for you will be quick as it is a relatively simple vehicle……. which also means low maintenance for the owner.
Did you know that in mid 2012 Honda Malaysia introduced a new Freed variant, the Freed S This was the ideal vehicle for a young professional urban family or couple who appreciate quality traveling time together with their bicycles or camping gear.
The Freed S is a Complete Build-Up (CBU) unit from Indonesia. ‘FREED’ originates from the word ‘Freedom’ and combines the meaning of “Free” and “Do”.
With its flat floor and roof design it creates more cabin space and head room to allow young kids and elderly to move around easily in it. The design of the flat floor is achieved through the use of an ingeniously built-under-floor fuel tank. The low floor is one step, only at 410mm from the floor.
Combined with grip assist, this is a great feature that eases the elderly stepping into and out of the car. The walkthrough cabin of the Freed S features four captain seats in the first two rows with a 200mm-wide aisle to ease access. This also increases visibility for all passengers in the first two rows.
The seating of this forgotten MPV is flexible and can be configured to accommodate up to seven passengers comfortably or create a more spacious cargo area depending on requirements.
The third row seats of the Freed S are foldable in just three steps for extra loading space. This versatile configuration and spaciousness makes traveling convenient and fun as it can easily accommodate different traveling purposes such as “balik kampung” during festive seasons, leisure activities or a family day out.
It can nicely fit in a baby pram, luggage and a golf set, with room to spare. The 1,620 mm low tailgate opening makes it convenient to load and unload cargo. The Freed S boasts of innovative storage space and holders such as the illuminated center tray, large door pockets, backrest hook and front seat back pockets.
There are 7-cup holders in the Freed S, which means each of the passengers has their own cup holders. The dual layer dashboard is designed to hold all controls neatly, keeping the center free of obstruction and is strategically placed for easy reach.
The Freed S comes with a 5-speed auto transmission, Drive-By-Wire, 1.5L i-VTEC engine that produces maximum power of 118PS at 6,600 rpm, with a maximum torque of 146Nm at 4,800 rpm.
The sliding doors makes getting in and out easier without restriction especially in tight parking situation. The fuel lid auto lock safety system is a mechanism that prevents the manual sliding door from opening fully when the fuel lid is opened.
This Freed S features dual front SRS airbags and seatbelt reminders for the driver. It is rated with 6-Stars JNCAP for both driver and passenger seat.
The 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 injuries. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electrical Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Grade Logic Control are featured in this Freed S.
The full-imported Freed S had an on-the-road price tag of RM99,800.00 at launch 12 years ago and today its used selling price starts from a sensible RM28,000 before negotiations. Even if you look at the last generation Freed with a body-kit, its asking price is just RM33,000. So, the Freed S or a KeiCar for you in 2025?
