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.

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.

Honda StepWGN - Fifth Generation (RP3/RP4)

2016 Honda StepWGN

2016 Honda StepWGN Spada

There is no further explanation why the StepWGN reached its fifth generation but there is a main reason why they've regenerated Honda's family-oriented minivan suitable for the typical Asian family. Well, this is more than just a preparation for the StepWGN's 20th birthday next year since the first one came in 1996, the same year when the world introduced us to games where we catch monsters or survive a zombie-infested mansion, but the main points of the new model is the introduction of a very clever rear door and the first for a Honda vehicle; a VTEC Turbo engine. More for that later on but first, the design.

In the previous version, the StepWGN looked a bit too dowdy and awful like wearing your tighty-whities on your face for awful reasons and when you take it on the road, people begin to think you came from a home where you didn't remove the weeds in your garden, your room gets hoarded like grandma's house, and your bathroom has some poop all over the floor. For the brand new version, the design is becoming more promising than ever thanks to Honda's "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!" language. From the normal StepWGN to the rather rakish StepWGN Spada, taking them out from a drive to school or to work has never felt so civilized because, with this new look, people think you're more of a harried hard worker rather than a hoarder.

2016 Honda StepWGN interior

2016 Honda StepWGN Spada interior

Inside, the new StepWGN looks more decent than ever, although it still comes with the typical new Honda interior like you get in most modern Hondas built from 2013 and present like for example, the Honda Fit, but because this is much bigger than your average Fit, it's more than enough to fit seven or eight people inside with ample legroom even the pickiest of the passengers like me have no problem when someone asked them to sit at the back for some reasons.

Being the family-oriented Honda minivan ever made, the new StepWGN also comes with some available features such as a tray where you can place your meals and some other stuff, a rolled sunshade that you can roll it up or down in case of harsh sunlight hits you on traffic, climate control, a rear entertainment system where you can watch some movies while stuck at traffic, and many many others.

Here's the kicker for this new model, the StepWGN features a new type of rear door that no other minivan will ever have in their own life. It's called the "Wakuwaku door" and although it names like that furball I once watched on TV, this works in both ways; it can be lifted up for cargo purposes or by opening the half door to access the third-row seating when one of the seats is folded. That's a very clever door mechanism and how come no other carmaker has ever done it? This is the Honda way and this "wakuwaku door" is a StepWGN exclusive feature, you won't find this anywhere else.

2016 Honda StepWGN Spada

2016 Honda StepWGN

Another new kicker for the new StepWGN is the first-ever VTEC Turbo engine from Honda. Yes, finally, what we have here is a VTEC engine unlike any other VTEC engine known to speedo boys of many and it's a turbocharged version of every speedo boys' favorite engine. It's a 1.5L engine, designated as L15B, and it produces 150PS of power output and 203Nm. Fuel economy, depending on the variant, could be from 15 to 17km/L by JC08 Mode standards.

Yes, we do get the joy of driving the first-ever turbocharged VTEC engine from Honda so might expect this engine can kick in like every VTEC should but sadly in this new model, especially with the CVT gearbox, it can't. This VTEC will never kick in because this is a minivan carrying a turbocharged VTEC engine and being minivans just ruin your manhood and inverts you to fatherhood because you are married, you got kids, you got work, and that's it. All work, no play. You won't find this turbocharged minivan to be very rewarding even in the corners because of its size. Even though it's now more relaxing and more comfortable than the normal version, it's still not quite a fun car for your night out. Yes, they can make better cars to carry your mates for a shopping trip but because of so much seriousness, you can't find the fun in this people carrier, not much.

And while taking caution in case of the world's most imperfect drivers, the new StepWGN comes ready with the available Honda Sensing suite of safety features such as Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The new StepWGN starts at 2,288,000 Japanese Yen and that sounds quite a lot when you compare it with the likes of the Nissan Serena, Toyota Noah, Voxy, and Esquire, and the Mazda Biante, but remember, it has everything that no other rivals had. It has a turbocharged engine, a clever rear door, and a much roomier interior.

With the Golden Week fast approaching, looks like this new model could be one of the most suitable vehicles you can buy if you're planning a Golden Week vacation but because of the pricing, it's going to be quite an issue for this one.

Available colors: Premium Spice Purple Pearl, Premium Sparkle Black Pearl, Milk Glass Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, White Orchid Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Cobalt Blue Pearl, and Premium Deep Rosso Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Stepwgn 4th generation facelift

2013 Honda StepWGN Spada

2013 Honda StepWGN

The 4th generation Honda StepWGN, launched since October 2009, is now on its minor change for the 2013 model year and with such changes comes with some improvements that is now proven to be much more fuel efficient than the Nissan Serena C26. The changes occurred for the 2013 StepWGN were very very specific. The normal StepWGN now has a new front grille while the stylish StepWGN Spada gained a much stylish front grille, some silver paneling below the grille, new front bumper, and the refined rear lamps.

2013 Honda StepWGN Spada interior

2013 Honda StepWGN interior

Although, the outside was new, the inside remains the same. It still accommodates up to eight people, which is a fitting take for an average Japanese family, and it can be folded for multiple seating arrangements suitable for any situation. Those who are looking for some navigation would be wise to choose an optional HDD with Honda InterNavi on it for real time navigation.

So, the question is, can the 2013 StepWGN really be more fuel efficient than the Nissan Serena C26?! Let's find out. The Nissan Serena's MR20DD has a fuel economy of 14.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode cycle. Here on the 2013 StepWGN, it still comes with the R20A engine but now, it comes with the idling stop system. The idling stop system is part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology and this feature shuts the engine off when stopped and starts it again when the driver's foot is on the pedal, to save petrol. If I meant to say "save petrol", the fuel economy, if you go for the normal StepWGN, is 15.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode cycle, so on paper, there's a 0.4 gap between them. Even if the StepWGN Spada's fuel economy is 14.8km/L, it still trounced the Serena C26's fuel economy. What's more aside from the idling stop offered on the StepWGN, it comes equipped with the new generation CVT. Those features really made them attract the new and improved "Eco Car Genzei" system.

There are nine colors available on the StepWGN, depending on the variant, such as Super Platinum Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, White Crystal Pearl, Premium Super Cool Black Pearl, Crimson Pearl, Premium Cosmic Violet Pearl, Aurora Suede Pearl, and Hidamari Ivory Pearl.

My Comment:



So, the facelifted StepWGN is now fuel efficient than the latest Nissan Serena thanks to its idling stop and the newly developed CVT. Those features did really attract the new and improved "Eco Car Genzei" system and these StepWGN variants, either the normal or the Spada, are a perfect fit for a typical Japanese families. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient minivan in Japan, this is the minivan to buy. Hopefully, this facelifted model would come in Hong Kong soon and I hope it won't be noticed by those Japan-MPV-attracting smugglers, most who are from Malaysia and Indonesia...the idiots...

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

2013 Honda StepWGN range coming soon!

2013 Honda StepWGN

    

Some say, that for the 2013 Model Year, the StepWGN and the StepWGN Spada, on its 4th generation, will be getting its first facelift, a first when the 4th generation StepWGN was launched in October 2009.

2013 Honda StepWGN

2013 Honda StepWGN Spada

No further details about the upcoming facelift but we do know that the 2013 Honda StepWGN and it's sporty version, the 2013 Honda StepWGN Spada, will get themselves a new face. A new face to keep those two fresh and updated.

Some say, the 2013 Honda StepWGN minor change range will be out this Spring 2012.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1002872/

New StepWGN variants!

2012 Honda StepWGN G Smart Style Edition

2012 Honda StepWGN Spada Z HDD Navi Edition

Today, Honda launched three new variants for the highly successful 4th Generation Honda StepWGN such as the G Smart Style Edition, G HDD Navi Smart Style Edition, and Spada Z HDD Navi Edition.

Features of the Honda StepWGN G Smart Style Edition:

1) HID Discharge Headlights

2) Power sliding doors

3) Honda Smart Key System

4) Security Alarm

5) Available in CVT FF variant and 5AT 4WD variant

6) Priced from 2.34 Million Yen

Features of the Honda StepWGN G HDD Navi Smart Style Edition:

1) Full-seg Honda HDD navigation system interface and other features to enjoy high-definition terrestrial digital TV broadcasting

2) Available in CVT FF variant and 5AT 4WD variant

3) Priced from 2.55 Million Yen

Features of the Honda StepWGN Spada Z HDD Navi Edition:

1) Full-seg Honda HDD navigation system interface and other features to enjoy high-definition terrestrial digital TV broadcasting

2) Available in CVT FF variant and 5AT 4WD variant

3) Priced from 2.828 Million Yen

Hope you'll enjoy their latest StepWGN offerings!

Scoop: http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2011/4110801-stepwgn.html

One Piece Serena collaboration puts the Ultraman-StepWGN team to shame...

Seen here is the Nissan Serena C26, debuted in November 8 and on sale in Japan this November 29, teamed up with One Piece, the world famous anime series highlights on a group of heroic pirates in search of the One Piece treasure. Everyone knows this popular anime right?

The biggest tie-up between the Nissan Serena C26 and One Piece really throw a curve on both anime fanatics and car enthusiasts alike.

What bothers me is this One Piece-Nissan Serena collaboration really puts the team-up between Ultraman and the Honda StepWGN to shame...

Back in October 2009, the month when the new Honda StepWGN released to the public, a commercial for this new model shows various Ultramen (oh, there's even Ultraman's baddies from the Spada commercial back then). That's how the collaboration between the car and the sentai hero begun.

We enjoyed watching the fourth-generation Honda StepWGN Japanese commercials starring Ultraman last year. What we will react if the special Nissan Serena C26 - One Piece Collaboration commercial airs this December?

Image source: Carview

Honda New StepWGN & New StepWGN Spada

A true people carrier only Honda cars could call for, the all new Honda StepWGN (pronounced Step Wagon) is finally all set to bring the new look and new features to rival against the Nissan Serena and the Toyota twin vans known the Noah and the Voxy. To be fair, middle-class families all over Japan because of its capability, spaciousness, power, ecology, and everything skeptical Honda fans could rely on mostly target the StepWGN from Honda. For the rundown, there are two StepWGNs to choose from; from the normal StepWGN targeted for normal families and the custom StepWGN variant known as the StepWGN Spada, which is perfect for cool dudes everywhere.

Although, previous StepWGN and Spada owners would miss its previous look, in favor for its boxier shape, square-shaped headlamps, new rear lamps, and new set of rims rigged on them. From the normal StepWGN variant, the form is very simple and clean from the eyes of middle-class families, especially soccer moms, while the Spada variant provides aggressive styling and perfect design, which makes it the "toy for the big boys" of today.








Both the new StepWGN and the new StepWGN Spada share the new interior form to provide adults everything they deserve in terms of space, comfort, and conveniences available on both of these vans.





Both StepWGNs are equipped with four-wheel-drive option, a choice of either a 5-speed automatic transmission or CVT, improved suspension, and enhanced safety features such as airbags, multi-view camera system, Vehicle Stability Assist, and improved braking systems. With these features, both the new StepWGN and the new StepWGN Spada powered by the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, which delivers an outstanding fuel economy of over 14.0km/L at the power of 150PS.

ONE LAST THING:
With the new StepWGN & new StepWGN Spada gained its all-new form packed with new packaging, new features, and new fuel economy helpers such as the Eco Ring and the ECON mode (as seen on the Insight hybrid car), the rivalry of minivans just reached its highest level no other minivan enthusiasts would ever forget. The regular StepWGN looks perfectly normal for Japanese moms everywhere while the StepWGN Spada is the enthusiasts' choice thanks to its aggressive exterior and interior. Both of these vans would perfectly work out against other Japanese minivans and for the hearts of adults everywhere. Once you are in the new StepWGN, you are ready to get to experience love at the highest peak.