Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid

Two years ago, Honda launched the fifth-generation StepWGN range and while those who own the new model fell in love with its looks and its signature "Wakuwaku door", the 1.5L VTEC turbo engine that powers it never kicked in like every VTEC-powered Honda ever known because while speedo boys love having their VTEC engines kicked in, it's irrelevant in a Honda like this. The solution? If you're not a fan of the turbocharged StepWGN, why not consider the first-ever hybrid variant on the current StepWGN?

2018 Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid

Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid interior

Here it is but Honda points out that the first-ever StepWGN hybrid variant will only be available on the more stylish Spada variant I have no particular reason why they didn't put it on a normal, plain-looking StepWGN because its plainness looks subtle enough for have a hybrid variant but instead, they've jacked into the Spada variant and that drivetrain just spoils the Spada's good looks, especially that now, the StepWGN Spada now boasts a new front nose reminiscent of the previous StepWGN Spada of 2009. With that new look, it's now easier to distinguish between a normal StepWGN and a Spada. Best of all, the signature "Wakuwaku Door" remains, meaning that this unique two-way tailgate that works like a tailgate or opens like a door.

Incidentally, the StepWGN Spada Hybrid is available only in a seven-seater configuration but thanks to the second-row seating configuration, even people from the third-row can get out from it easily but that's just the beginning because, with its class-leading interior dimensions, the StepWGN truly is a well-accommodated minivan for the typical Japanese families.

The StepWGN Spada Hybrid is powered by the same Sport Hybrid i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) as the Accord and the Odyssey. It's the same LFA-H4 2.0L petrol engine-electric motor combination and a li-ion battery that produces a combined power output of up to 215PS of power output when set to Hybrid Drive Mode as well as fuel consumption of up to 20kmpl based on a very relevant WLTC Mode standards. CVT is the only gearbox equipped on this variant.

To compensate for the added weight due to the hybrid powerplant, the Spada Hybrid comes with a specifically-tuned suspension which makes it very comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis but don't expect to make you feel enjoyable because the life of being a family man driving a family minivan is not as enjoyable as it seems, even on weekends.

Like most StepWGNs, the Spada Hybrid comes with the available Honda Sensing suite of safety features but now improved to have eight safety features such as Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, False Start Suppression Function, Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering, Out-of-Road Departure Suppression Function, Adaptive Cruise Control with congestion tracking function, advance car departure notice function, and label recognition. Combine this with the Vehicle Stability Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Start Assist, side view support mirror, Multi-view camera system, Honda Smart Parking Assist, and loads of safety features, and the StepWGN Spada Hybrid is always prepared for whatever's happening on the road ahead and behind.

The StepWGN Spada Hybrid starts at 3,300,480 Yen and before you ask, yes, it's more expensive than today's Nissan Serena, in S-Hybrid guise, but let's be thankful that because with the hybrid powerplant, the StepWGN Spada Hybrid offers more fuel economy than the Nissan Serena as well as the Toyota minivan triplets Noah, Voxy, and Esquire. Safer as well so you never know when you have a big day.

Available colors: Forest Green Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Premium Sparkle Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Premium Deep Rosso Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.