Honda Odyssey Hybrid

For the first time in the Honda Odyssey's two-decade-long history, a hybrid model is offered in Honda's flagship minivan that has been nosing around against the likes of Toyota's Alphard and Nissan's Elgrand. So, what's it all about?

2016 Honda Odyssey Hybrid

Previewed from last year's Tokyo Motor Show and now on sale across Japan, the Odyssey Hybrid offers the same luxury features as the normal Odyssey would provide now with the hybrid powertrain to keep things going the distance. Of course, Japan is the nation where the hybrid car is born and is now spreading worldwide like a viral outbreak, but underneath the Odyssey Hybrid is the same hybrid powertrain derived from the Honda Accord.

It comes with the similar Sport Hybrid i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) powertrain and if you need a quick refresher on that, it uses three different engine modes such as EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Engine Drive Mode.

With the Hybrid Drive Mode engaged, both the 2.0L i-VTEC petrol engine and the electric motor are working in unison to deliver a combined power output of 184PS of power and 315Nm of torque. With all that torque, looks like this minivan is off to a clean getaway now without all the drama involved. As for the fuel economy, it's no surprise that with the hybrid drivetrain and the CVT gearbox equipped, it's capable of 26.0km/L, which is surprisingly more than what the hybrid Toyota Alphard gets. Sharp move, though.

Apart from its hybrid powertrain, the new Odyssey Hybrid still has the same suspension layout as the normal gasoline variant, meaning it still comes with the front MacPherson struts, rear Torsion Beam, and Rack and Pinion Steering. Although it feels heavier to drive than the normal Odyssey and less exciting to drive for an individual, it's rather good and comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis. Apart from using it as a family car on your next family bonding, it's well suited as an escort for celebrities, politicians, or any other VIPs. Sounds classy, right?

The Odyssey Hybrid starts at 3,560,000 Yen and while this may be more expensive to own than the normal Odyssey, it's surprisingly cheaper to own than the hybrid version of the Toyota Alphard, making it a smart buy.

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

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda's Odyssey is now 20 years old!

The Honda Odyssey first launched in the 20th of October, 1994, to the Japanese market and sold worldwide a few moments later. During the days of the Japanese economic crisis in the 90's, when the government imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept, the Odyssey is made to be a smaller minivan that was well received in its home market. 2014 marks the Honda Odyssey's 20th birthday and lets check out five generations of Honda Odyssey in honor of its 20th anniversary.

1st generation/RA1-RA5 (1994-1999) - The first generation was more of a taller estate wagon rather than the minivan when it was launched in the 20th of October, 1994, and it was offered with either a 2.2L or a 2.3L VTEC engine while mated with a 4-speed gearbox. In October 1997, the Prestige version was offered and it's powered by a 3.0L V6 engine developing a measly 200HP of power.

1st-generation Odyssey (1994-1999)

2nd generation/RA6-RA9 (1999-2003) - Right before the rise of Y2K, the Honda Odyssey has been regenerated for its 2nd generation and for this generation, this is nothing more of an updated version of the first on but it's 85mm longer and 10mm wider than the previous model. The engine choices were a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine and the 3.0L V6 engine now producing 210HP of power output. Available transmission types were either a 4-speed or a 5-speed AT. There's even a flagship Absolute model introduced as well,

2nd-generation Odyssey (1999-2003)

3rd-generation (2003-2008)/RB1-RB2 - The 3rd generation Odyssey is now more sleeker and more dynamic than the last model. Introduced in autumn 2003, it was the first time this generation features cruise control. The V6 engine was thrown away and it's offered only with a 2.4L engine where in the Absolute model produces 200PS of power. Aside from the 5-speed automatic available for 4WD models, it was the first time this generation is equipped with the CVT gearbox for fuel efficiency purposes.

3rd-generation Odyssey (2003-2008)

4th-generation/RB3-RB4 (2008-2013) - While essentially an improved version of the last model, the fourth-generation Odyssey is all about being a stylish family mover in all the right places. Although the CVT is now the only gearbox available, the 4th generation Odyssey is powered by a K24A (four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC) engine that produces a power output of 127kW(173PS)/6,000rpm, torque output of 222Nm(22.6kg-m)/4,300rpm, and fuel economy of 13.2km/L based on Japan's 10-15 Mode Scale. The Odyssey Absolute uses the same K24A engine but produces a power output of 151kW(206PS)/7,000rpm, torque output of 232Nm(23.7kg-m)/4,300rpm, and fuel economy of 11.4km/L. Most FF models come with a CVT while 4WD models come with a 5-speed Automatic Transmission. Both the Odyssey Absolute and the Odyssey Absolute 4WD come with a flappy-paddle 5-speed AT as well.

4th-generation Odyssey (2008-2013)

5th-generation/RC1-RC2 (2013-onwards) - Launched last year, the fifth-generation Odyssey has now been transformed from once a target against the Wish and Premacy into a flagship minivan which targets against 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. It features a brand 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.

5th-generation Odyssey (2013-present)

In celebration of the Honda Odyssey's 20th anniversary, they've launched a special edition model based on the flagship Absolute model. For the special edition model, it features Berlina Black-colored opening front grille, fog light ring, black chrome rear emblem, 20th anniversary emblems on the sides, special 17-inch aluminum wheels, special color combination sheet on the insides (prime x smooth fabric), and a special violet-colored lighting meter.

Honda Odyssey Absolute 20th Anniversary

The special edition model starts at 3,356,400 Japanese Yen (around $34,000).

Report: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1937127/

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.

Honda previews 5th generation Odyssey

2014 Honda Odyssey

Breaking news from Honda because the Japanese carmaker showcased the all new fifth-generation Odyssey that is due to be on sale on Japan at this November 2013.

For the first time in Odyssey history, the all new fifth-generation Odyssey now features dual sliding doors and as for the dimensions, the new Odyssey is now bigger than its predecessor and it's now matches Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand territory because of its 4830x1800x1695mm dimension (4830x1820x1685mm for the top-of-the-line Absolute model). With such sizing, the new fifth-generation Odyssey not only replaces the previous RB3 model but also the Elysion, which is known to be the last of the V6 Hondas. With the Elysion discontinued, it's the end of the V6-powered Hondas as we know it...for now.

The new model retains the 2.4L engine mated with a CVT gearbox but reports said that the top-of-the-line Absolute model will have a fuel economy of 14.0km/L on JC08 mode standards, that's more than the Alphard and the Elgrand had!

The all-new fifth-generation Odyssey will be on sale in Japan this November.

Story: http://autoc-one.jp/honda/odyssey/special-1487475/
URL: www.honda.co.jp/ODYSSEY/new