Honda StepWGN - Sixth Generation (RP6/7/8)

The Honda StepWGN has been part of every Japanese household since 1996 and with the launch of the new sixth-generation model, the all-new StepWGN is ready to take on the new normal with new features that will cater to today's Japanese families. So, what's it all about the all-new StepWGN?

2023 Honda StepWGN Air and Spada

Priced at 2,998,600 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, which is more expensive than its main rival, the Toyota Noah and Voxy minivans, the all-new StepWGN promises to continue the 25-year-old tradition of catering to Japanese families while incorporating new and promising features that will keep them entertained and safe in the midst of the new normal.

2023 Honda StepWGN Air

2023 Honda StepWGN Spada

Starting with the design, the new model features a boxy shape that dates back to the first-generation StepWGN launched in 1996. A real throwback for one of the most practical minivans made in Japan and because this is the Reiwa era, this is built to tackle the challenges of the new normal. Despite the added size, it's still narrow enough to tackle Japanese driving conditions. The previous model's Waku-Waku door was thrown away and replaced with the conventional one. Fair enough.

Like the previous model, the sixth-generation StepWGN is offered in two different tastes; the simple-looking StepWGN Air and the premium-oriented StepWGN Spada.

2023 Honda StepWGN Air interior

2023 Honda StepWGN Spada interior

The new interior boasts a minimalist trend that today's vehicles are donning these days while retaining its user-friendly approach. It also comes with the triple-zone control fully automatic air conditioner with an air purification system, and the gear change switches similar to the now-defunct NSX. There are optional paddle shifters for the Spada as well, which is rather pointless for e:HEV variants. 

When you talk about passenger space, the new StepWGN is offered in seven or eight-seater variants with the Air boasting a choice of grey and black interior color and the Spada only comes with a black interior color, nested in PrimeSmooth synthetic leather. The seven-seater-only Spada Premium Line comes with a suede-like fabric and PrimeSmooth synthetic leather, giving customers the luxury feel unheard for a commoners' minivan. Because of its "large space for the family" approach like its predecessors, the new StepWGN boasts the largest interior space for a Honda vehicle thanks to its longer wheelbase and they've reworked the seats so those who are sitting in the back will feel less dizzy while traveling.

The new StepWGN features the world's first electrostatic touch sensor-type power slide door that can be opened and closed with a light touch with your fingertips. For added convenience, it can be equipped with a hands-free slide door that can be opened with a simple lift of your foot and the auto sidestep that makes getting out an easier approach, especially when this car is used for TNVS purposes.

The seven-seater variant is the one you should go for because of the easy access to the third-row seats but those who have four kids should go for the eight-seater variant. Word of warning though; your chance of hitting its sweet spot will go down to almost never if the second row's jam-packed with child seats, meaning you'll have to force yourself to go through the rear door, which is worth a hassle because the new model no longer possesses the previous model's Waku Waku Gate. Even with the Power Tail Gate that can be opened with the remote car key, it's still worth the drama.

Like most MPVs, the StepWGN's rear seats can be folded down for added convenience. With the third-row seats present, it's good for carrying today's shopping list but when you fold the seats down, they're good enough for this weekend's garage sale with your parents.

2023 Honda StepWGN Spada

The new model carries out the same choice of a 1.5L VTEC TURBO and the e:HEV LFA-H4 2.0L petrol engine-electric motor combination and a li-ion battery, all mated to a CVT gearbox. The turbo variants come with a fuel economy of 13.9km/L (13.7km/L for the Spada) while the e:HEV variants are good for 20km/L (19.6km/L for the Spada), all based on WLTC Mode standards.

Although not a fun vehicle to drive as such, the new StepWGN is nearly a comfortable car to drive even when driving through the Shutokou like a commoner. It's got Rack-and-Pinion power steering, front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes, front MacPherson suspension, front torsion bar stabilizers, and an available 4WD variant for turbocharged models.

In terms of safety, the new StepWGN features an improved version of the Honda SENSING safe driving support system consisting of CMBS, false start suppression function, backward false start suppression function, short-range collision mitigation brake, pedestrian accident reduction steering, off-road deviation suppression function, ACC, LKAS, Traffic Jam Assist, preceding vehicle start notification, sign recognition function, auto high beam, and adaptive driving beam. Combined with the new multi-view camera system and blind-spot information, the new StepWGN is a certified Support Car S (Wide).

The Honda StepWGN has been part of every Japanese household since 1996 and the sixth-generation model continues the tradition with new and promising features that will keep them entertained and safe in the midst of the new normal. Would you like this one over the new Toyota Noah and Voxy minivans?

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.