Fifth-generation Honda Odyssey (RC1/RC2)

2014 Honda Odyssey

In the previous generations, the Honda Odyssey set the benchmark of being the only MPV available from Honda, and this minivan is well known to target families because of its convenience, practicality, and performance suitable for the breadwinner.

So, here we are, the newer, more bigger, fifth-generation Honda Odyssey. With the chassis code of RC1 (RC2 for 4WD models), the all-new Odyssey has now been transformed from once a target against the Wish and Premacy into a flagship minivan that targets the Nissan Elgrand and the Toyota Alphard. Even though it's bigger than the predecessors, the new model is the first-ever Odyssey to feature dual-sliding doors. A first for this generation!

That's right and even though this is the first ever Odyssey to feature dual-sliding doors, I have to say that the new model has now been graduated from an MPV targeted for breadwinners into a luxury MPV targeted for high-profile personalities. And as for the interior...

2014 Honda Odyssey interior

2014 Honda Odyssey interior

Well, it may be more of a lookalike to the interior of the Nissan Elgrand E52 but because it's now a flagship MPV, the new RC Odyssey can also be available with two reclining ottoman seats on the second row, that is when you go for the 7-seater model and when you're seating on one of those, this is more of a first-class flight rather than going through the economy class but sadly, driving in one of these doesn't give you the first-class feeling but more of an "economy class". However, we'll talk about that later on but anyway, back on the interior. The seven-seater model is more of a class act but for those who have bigger families may opt for an eight-seater variant. Depending on the variant, you can expect an optional rear entertainment system in which people at the back can enjoy watching movies while stuck at a long traffic. Convenient though, feels like I really wish that our MPV should have that kind of entertainment system but who cares? Most of the Japanese MPVs of today have those nowadays...

Anyway, back to the "economy class" section and why? Because on the new model, the only engine available is Honda's new 2.4L i-VTEC engine made under the EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY banner and for the Absolute model, which is the top-of-the-line model for the new Odyssey, it promises class-leading fuel economy of 14.0km/L in JC08 Mode standards, that's about more than what you expect on the Toyota Alphard and the Nissan Elgrand! So, being the most fuel-efficient in its class may not be a bad thing but it's still more of an "economy class" in the performance ratio because basically, it's mated with a CVT gearbox while on the Absolute model, the CVT gearbox comes with a 7-speed manual mode operated via paddle shifters. It may not be as exciting as the old model but the new Odyssey RC1 tries to be more "business class" rather than being placed on the "economy class" and safety-wise, it's been loaded with numerous safety features such as VSA, Motion Adaptive EPS, Emergency Stop Signal, and oh, the same feature as seen on the new Fit which is the City Brake Active System, a low-speed autonomous braking system, intended to help avoid typical city center shunts. Sounds bizarre but use it with extreme caution because sometimes, this bizarre autonomous braking system, like you expect from Volvos, doesn't work all the time. The more you know...

Prices start at around 2,490,000 Japanese Yen, which is about a 70,000 yen hike over the previous RB2 model so that is a lot of money but it's a great value because the new Odyssey RC1 is affordable than the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand.

2014 Honda Odyssey

So what do I like about the new Odyssey? Business-class interior for the Absolute model, 2.4L engine more fuel-efficient than the Alphard and the Elgrand, and the value that shunts the competition. What I don't like about is its "economy class" characteristics. That's all so if you're in Japan, well, see you tomorrow but if you're in Australia, Hong Kong, or China, please wait... As for the right-hand drive ASEAN markets...how can I say this? Well, To Be Determined, perhaps.

Available Colors: Premium Venus Black Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Glamorous Mauve Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, White Orchid Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, and Modern Steel Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.