Honda unveils all-new Odyssey

MANILA, Philippines - Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), launched last night the all-new Odyssey minivan in One Esplanade, Pasay City.

Originally made to answer the increasing need for mobility for a family and other large groups in Japan 20 years ago, Honda developed the Odyssey as a multi-passenger vehicle that has a large cabin space. That introduction triggered the minivan boom in Japan. Since then the Odyssey has strived to be an evolution in every way, generation after generation.

In the Philippines, the Odyssey nameplate was reintroduced in 2012 catering to families who opt for the “Ultimate Family Vehicle” that combines elegant styling, class-leading performance, advanced safety, and maximum utility in a minivan.

Its exterior design was based on the “Solid Streamline” concept with an ultra-low platform to achieve an elegant and dynamically proportioned look while still mindful of the cabin space. This resulted in a sedan-like stance with a low floor to ease passenger entry and exit. LED dual projector type headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lamps complete the new Odyssey’s stylish yet commanding presence on the road.

New to Honda’s luxury minivan is the use of Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman in its second row; and the third row showcases a three-way split reclining structure that enables three passengers to sit side-by-side with different reclining angle for each section to provide ultimate sense of relaxation for all seven passengers. The new Odyssey is equipped with a 7” touchscreen audio system with navigation system and it also has roof-mounted 9” rear entertainment system with HDMI port and DVD player.

Passengers of the Odyssey also get to enjoy a quiet cabin during idling, low- and high-speed driving as well as rough road surfaces due to the effective use of sound absorbing or isolating materials and acoustic glass for the windscreen and thick glass for all side windows to reduce Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH) levels for absolute comfort.

Honda’s luxury minivan seats are intended to provide not only flexible and comfortable seating arrangements but also to adjust to different hauling needs. The new Odyssey’s cargo area can hold a sizeable amount of load even when all seats are in use.

Third-row seats are equipped with a fold-flat mechanism which allows it to be stored under the floor with simple operation that does not require much effort. This configuration lets the second-row’s Captain Cradle Seats to slide backwards to give passengers a relaxing and comfortable seating position and space similar to a limousine; while sliding the Captain Cradle Seats to their forward-most position creates a cavernous flat cargo area. Another configuration is moving the second row Captain Cradle Seats sideways to create a private space for occupants or a walk through area for third row passengers.

The All New Odyssey is the first Honda model available in the Philippines that is developed with Earth Dreams Technology 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT with 7-speed paddle shifter). Earth Dreams Technology is a next generation set of technological advancements that enhances the engine to greatly improve both fuel efficiency and driving performance. The new Odyssey is also equipped with the Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON mode and the Eco coaching ambient light that promotes a more fuel efficient driving habit.

To further help in improving fuel efficiency, the new Odyssey boasts of a first-in-class Idle-Stop System which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The engine restarts once the brake pedal is released. For optimum passenger comfort, the Odyssey features a cold-storage evaporator which essentially maintains a comfortable environment for occupants during auto idling-stop. The Idle-Stop System, moreover, can be deactivated manually.

Driver comfort was also given equal priority; starting with the Smart Key with Push Start System and a 8-way power seat with armrest designed for a more convenient ride and drive. All information needed by the driver is available through the 7” touchscreen such as fuel consumption, trip computer, hands-free telephone (HFT) and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity and built in navigation system. The audio and Bluetooth HFT can be operated via the controls mounted on the steering wheel. USB and HDMI ports can also be found in the new Odyssey.

For safety the Odyssey showcases a multi-view camera system which consists of four wide-angle cameras that are located on the front grille, right and left door mirrors and tailgate. These cameras provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings which is also shown in the display.

For added safety and convenience, the Odyssey features Honda’s Smart Parking Assist System that analyzes and detects parking spaces where the vehicle can fit. This system also automatically steers the Odyssey into the parking space using the Electric Power Steering motor. The driver only has to operate the gear shift, accelerator and brake pedal through the guidance provided by the system. The Smart Parking Assist System can help the driver to reverse into parking space and parallel park.

Another new safety feature that the All New Odyssey is equipped with is, the Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor. The Blind Spot Information feature notifies (indicators on the side mirror) the driver of vehicles in the blind spot through radars installed in the rear bumper. The radars also activate the Cross Traffic Monitor which alerts the driver should there be a vehicle on its blind spots when reversing out of a car park.

To complete the array of safety features, the All New Odyssey has Active Cornering Lights, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), driver and passenger SRS airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

The all-new Odyssey is available at the introductory price of P2,298,000.

HCPI is also offering genuine accessory packages for the new Odyssey for added safety, convenience, and style. To give it a sportier look, a MUGEN sport package can be installed for P91,200. This package includes genuine MUGEN front sports grille, front lower grille, wing spoiler, door visor and luggage mat.

On the other hand, a Modulo Executive package is made available to supplement the Odyssey’s sleek look. This package consists of fender garnish, door mirror garnish, rear license garnish, cargo net and tray which retails for P21,700 and will be given for free to customers who will buy the new Odyssey until March 31, 2015.

The new Odyssey comes in three colors: Premium Twinkle Black Pearl (plus P20,000), White Orchid Pearl (plus P20,000), and Modern Steel Metallic. Other colors available by order are Glamorous Mauve Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Carnelian Red Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl.