Honda Odyssey 2013 News

Honda Australia is working around the clock to replace 600,000 potentially faulty airbags.

Honda is banking on a taller body, seating for eight and a swag of new features to boost its new fifth-generation Odyssey people mover closer to the top of the Australian people mover segment.Honda Australia director Stephen Collins expects the more van-like model to be “right up top of the shopping list in this segement,” despite price increases of $3,890-$4700 across the two-grade lineup. Helping to justify the price rise is the availability of an eight seat layout for the first time and new features like powered sliding rear doors, a 7-inch multimedia screen, auto parking function, a 360 degree camera, blind-spot and cross traffic alerts and LED headlights.The new model rides on a marginally 30mm longer footprint with 70mm added to the wheelbase, but the packaging improvements are gained mainly from a significant 150mm increase in overall height. With sales expectations of a 160 unit monthly average, a 1920 unit annual figure would nearly double the 1001 examples of the fourth-generation Odyssey Honda sold in 2013.This would still be some way off the 2847 examples Kia sold of the segment-leading Grand Carnival in 2013, but sales of this model are likely to taper with an all-new version due toward the end of the year. Honda’s projection should topple the ageing and commercial-based Hyundai iMax that sold 1455 units last year, and comfortably retain its lead over the once-dominant Toyota Tarago that sold 960 units in 2013.Honda claims the Odyssey is most likely to be cross-shopped against seven-seat SUV’s like the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Kluger, but their respective 12,668 and 4184 unit 2013 sales results are not likely to be significantly dented by the new Odyssey. Toyota’s Kluger is being replaced by an all-new model next month, but replacements for the ageing Tarago, iMax and the CX-9 SUV are still some time away, so the Odyssey’s new kid on the block status is likely to last at least until the new Grand Carnival arrives.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

Honda's Odyssey people mover is changing into something like it was a few years ago -- a more bus-like vehicle instead of an overblown wagon as it is now. And the new model, due next year gains a seat taking the pew tally to eight. The new Odyssey lobs in February 2014 and marks the 20th anniversary of Honda's entry into the so called "mum-bus" segment. New Odyssey features a 2.4 litre engine and CVT from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series that have both been completely redesigned and reengineered. Fuel economy has been improved to a reasonable 7.6 litres per 100 km -- a fuel saving of over 14 per cent. New Odyssey is bigger on the outside  than its predecessor and its exterior styling is totally new featuring one-touch power sliding doors (on selected models only), daytime running lights and wide-angle reversing camera. Odyssey will be available as either a seven or eight seater for the first time ever. It features a state-of-the-art audio system and several new advanced technologies to ensure peace of mind. Pricing and further specifications will be released closer to the launch date.

The original was launched here in 1994 and helped establish the company's credentials in the mini-van people mover market.However, by the third generation, the people mover also morphed into a more stylish interpretation of a family carrier with better, car-like dynamics.The newest fourth-generation Odyssey is an evolution of that car and does not mess with the proven formula.However, prices have risen sharply by $4700 and $4200 for the two model lineup partly because of exchange rates and also the lift in specification.The Odyssey opener now starts at $43,990 but still remains competitive against the Chrysler Grand Voyager, Toyota Tarago and VW Caravelle.The Hyundai iMax, Kia Carnival and Citroen Picasso undercut it.For the extra money, the Odyssey gets a more powerful 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic, better safety, visibility.The safety gear extends to six airbags and Honda's version of electronic stability control.All passengers get three-point seatbelts in all seven seats and active front seat headrests.Height and reach adjustable steering and double wishbone suspension improve function and driveability.At 4810mm long, the newcomer is 30mm longer yet sits on the same 2830mm wheelbase of the old car.By comparison a Ford Territory is 4856mm long.Front and rear tracks remains the same at 1560mm.Visually the Odyssey continues the low-lean look, which also contributes to a low centre of gravity.The car's low floor is made possible by the design and layout of the fuel tank, rear suspension, exhaust and other components.With an overall height of 1545mm, the cabin is 5mm lower but passenger room has been improved, particularly for third-row occupants.Honda has spent a lot of time making access easier to the back.The C-pillar has also been made 40mm thinner for easy access to the third row.When not in use, the third row stows flat into the floor.Comfort in the second row has been improved with the belt anchor built into the pillar, 20mm greater head clearance and bigger centre armrest.The second row also has a one-action lever to tilt them and slide the seats forward 320mm.The rear hatch is now wider and thinner to improve luggage space.In its five-seater configuration the Odyssey has 708 litres of luggage space and 259 litres with seven-seats in use.Inside, the car's V-shape seating layout gives all passengers a clear view forward by positioning the second and third rows closer to the centre of the car.Like the previous model the driver has a panoramic view of the road.Honda has slimmed down the A-pillars by 30 per cent without affecting the car's strength by using ultra high-strength steel.High-strength steel and more sound deadening have also helped reduce cabin noise.Electric power steering is also standard.Power remains the proven 2.4-litre i-VTEC four cylinder but it gets an extra 14kW while torque remains the same. It will run on 91RON. SpecsPrice: $43,990 and $49,990 (Luxury)Body: five-door wagonEngine: 2.4-litre four cylinder i-VTEC front wheel drivePower: 132kW at 6500 revsTorque: 218Nm at 4500 revsTransmission: Five-speed automaticFuel economy: 8.9 litres/100km (combined), 12.1 litres/100km (city), 7.1 litres/100km (highway)Co2 emissions: 212 g/km