Honda akan menjual model Odyssey minivan premium yang telah dikemas kini di Jepun. Model baru ini membawa peningkatan dalam reka bentuk, keselesaan, dan fungsi. Terdapat juga versi hibrid-elektrik baru yang dipanggil e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition, menyertai e:HEV Absolute dan e:HEV Absolute Ex yang sedia ada.
Ketiga-tiga versi ini berfungsi dengan sistem hibrid dua motor 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC + dua motor dengan eCVT. Sambil mengekalkan pemanduan yang stabil dan gaya minivan yang unik, Odyssey yang dikemas kini ini membuat beberapa penambahbaikan dalam reka bentuk dan ruang kabin.
Gril hadapan telah direka semula untuk memberikan penampilan yang lebih lebar dan premium. e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition mempunyai ciri-ciri istimewa seperti gril hadapan chrome hitam, lensa hitam pada lampu belakang, rim 18 inci matte Berlina Black, dan bumbung hitam.
Honda is set to commence sales of the revamped Odyssey premium minivan in Japan. The refreshed model introduces improvements in design, comfort, and functionality, accompanied by the addition of a new hybrid-electric variant called the e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition.
The three available types for the refreshed Odyssey are e:HEV Absolute, e:HEV Absolute Ex, and the newly introduced e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition. All three are powered by a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC + Two-motor hybrid system connected to an eCVT.
While maintaining key features from previous Odyssey generations, such as sedan-like driving stability and distinctive minivan styling enabled by the low-floor platform, the refreshed model enhances original styling and cabin space to better meet customer needs.
A redesigned front grille, featuring an enlarged opening and five horizontal plated bars, emphasises a wider and more premium look. The addition of architectural details further enhances the overall styling, creating a powerful and substantial presence. The e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition stands out with a black chrome-plated front grille, black smoked lenses on rear combination lights, matte Berlina Black 18-inch aluminium wheels, and black roof and pillar linings, showcasing a sophisticated aesthetic.
The second-row of all types now features four-way power seats, allowing more precise adjustments for comfortable seating positions. Standard amenities for the second row include heated seats, a foldable centre table, armrests with a mini table, and a USB charger (Type-C), contributing to an enhanced passenger experience.
Notable features include genuine leather seats, a wireless charger, and a hands-free access power tailgate, meeting the expectations of customers seeking higher comfort and quality.
New additions to the Odyssey include a deceleration selector, allowing drivers to adjust the rate of deceleration, and an electric gear selector for smooth shifting using a single finger.
Safety is a priority with the inclusion of the Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistive system, featuring three new functions: Low Speed Brake Function, Auto High Beam Headlights, and Unintended Acceleration Mitigation. The detection range for the Collision Mitigation Braking System has been expanded for improved safety in various driving situations.
For the first time, Honda Connect, an in-vehicle communication module with connected technologies, is integrated into the Odyssey. The Honda Total Care Premium connected service offers remote control of the air-conditioning unit via a smartphone and in-vehicle WiFi for added comfort during long rides.
The refreshed Odyssey embodies Honda’s commitment to delivering a premium and technologically advanced minivan experience for Japanese customers.
Closer to home, the latest offering of the Odyssey is the 2022 facelift priced at RM275,311. With a price tag that high for a 2.4-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, we can only imagine what the new e:HEV model would cost. Which is why it is unlikely for it to be introduced here.
Like the other top non-national brands, Honda focusses largely on locally-assembled models as they can be priced competitively and sell in large volumes. Nevertheless, it also offers some models that are imported in CBU (completely built-up) form for customers who want something that the local range may not have.
One of these is the Odyssey which is now in its fifth generation. To date, Honda Malaysia has sold almost 2,000 units of the MPV which was introduced locally in 2003. The latest generation of the MPV is priced at RM275,311 without insurance and with half the applicable sales tax exempted (until June 30, 2022). The model continues to use a 2.4-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (172 ps/225 Nm) and CVT.
“The introduction of the New Odyssey caters to the needs of customers such as families and executives who seek a luxury 7-seater MPV with excellent ride comfort, elegant exterior and unrivalled utility features, all in one package. In addition, the refined exterior and enhanced premium interior will further elevate the joy of owning a luxury Honda 7-seater MPV,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.
The Odyssey was originally developed for the US market to compete in the minivan segment and was a successful model. It was also available in Japan and to make it more suitable for urban conditions, its roofline was a bit lower than most MPVs so it could more easily slot into garages.
Cosmetic updates for 2022
The latest Odyssey inherits much of the DNA of its predecessors with an imposing front end to the monobox form. The new chromed grille and flanking headlight units are an interpretation of the ‘EXCITING H DESIGN!!!’ which has a ‘Solid Wing Face’ design language. At the rear, the taillight units have been revised along with a new bumper profile. Both the front and rear signal lights now have sequential signalling which gives a premium touch to the vehicle.
For this latest version, which is essentially a midcycle facelift, the interior has received premium upgrades as well as an updated dashboard design. The dashboard has a 7-inch TFT meter for the driver and an 8-inch display panel for infotainment. As would be expected of models being introduced nowadays, there is smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so favourite apps can be access from the display panel.
Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman
The Odyssey has always offered good cabin space with versatile layouts that makes it suitable for families as well as executives who may need to work while on the move. It comes with standard combination leather upholstery and Captain’s Cradle Seats with Ottoman on the second row. These wide and comfortable seats are like those on aircraft which allow the passenger to stretch out.
Loading luggage or other items in the boot does not require the use of hands to open the rear door. In fact, there isn’t even a need to press a button as placing a food under the rear bumper will automatically open the door. It’s great when both hands are carrying things and also if it’s raining and one hand has to hold the umbrella up.
Honda SENSING is, of course, standard and the integrated active safety systems are Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Auto High Beam. Additionally, there is also a Multi-View Camera System with Smart Parking Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Cross Traffic Monitor. All these systems can not only help the driver avoid an accident but also reduce the workload to reduce fatigue on long drives.
The Honda SENSING system, which uses a camera to scan road markings, can not only keep the vehicle within its lane but also guide it back if it unintentionally starts to move into another lane
More information on the New Odyssey can be obtained from authorized Honda dealers. To locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.
The war against the COVID-19 coronavirus is a global one as 196 out of 197 countries have cases. Besides government efforts, individuals, various types of organisations and companies are also contributing in various ways. Where the auto industry is concerned, R&D capabilities and mass production facilities have been used to make much-needed Personal Protection Equipment.
Some carmakers have also looked at how they can make their vehicles safer for healthcare workers to travel in. Unlike making conventional ambulances which would usually transport patients without infections, the ones used to transport people potentially infected with COVID-19 must be designed to protect the healthcare workers and also the driver and other crew.
In America, Honda has made modifications and installed additional items in 10 units of the Odyssey MPV for use by the City of Detroit. To protect the health of the driver from the potential for droplet infection during transportation, the MPVs have been fitted with a plastic barrier installed behind the front seating area. Modifications have been made to the ventilation system to maintain an air pressure differential between the front and rear seating areas.
Installing the clear polycarbonate barrier to isolate the rear compartment from the front
The MPVs were configured by a team of volunteers at Honda’s R&D centre in the state of Ohio. Senior engineers and fabrication experts quickly conceived and designed a method to modify the Odyssey at the company’s vehicle development centre where it was originally developed. They took less than two weeks from initial concept to completion.
The front occupants are protected from potential infection by the barrier as well as airflow tuned to blow rearwards.
All material fabrication and installation, and adjustments to the software for the Odyssey’s ventilation system, was done entirely in-house. The software controlling the ventilation system was tuned to assure the air pressure to create an environment inside the cabin like the negative pressure rooms in medical and research facilities.
Specifically, the software has been tuned to run the blower motor powering the fans in the front seating area faster than the fans for the rear seating area. The resulting air pressure differential creates a more negative pressure chamber in the rear seating area, with rear compartment air exhausted out the vents in the rear of the vehicle. This would greatly reduce the potential for droplet infection migration during transportation.
Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB) has extended its model range equipped with Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology by introducing its first model for 2018, the new 7-seater Odyssey MPV with Honda SENSING. Check out this quick 360-degree walk-around and interior video taken at the launch:
The Odyssey is the third model after the CR-V and Accord to be equipped with Honda SENSING, the safety feature which bagged the 2016 ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award in the “Best Safety Technology” from a carmaker category. The launch of the New Odyssey completes the trifecta of Honda vehicles with SENSING in Malaysia, which includes its sedans, sport-utility vehicles (SUV) and multi-purpose/passenger vehicles (MPV).
The Honda SENSING* in the new Odyssey consists of six features, which are divided into the two categories of Safety and Convenience, as well as Comfort:
Features for Safety:
– Forward Collision Warning (FCW) that will trigger a visual warning and audible alerts for the driver when the monocular camera and a millimetre wave radar detect that it is at risk of collision with the front vehicle
– Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which assists in applying brake force progressively when it senses an increasing risk of collision
– Lane Departure Warning (LDW) which monitors vehicle lane position using cameras, and alerts if the driver drives out of the lane
– Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) that provides alerts, applies brakes and assists the driver’s steering to prevent driving off the road .
Features for Convenience & Comfort:
– Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that sets a desired speed and following interval from the vehicle detected ahead
– Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) which uses camera to read lane markings and assist the driver’s steering to keep the vehicle in the centre of its lane
Honda Malaysia Group Vice President, Akkbar Danial said, “In addition to Honda SENSING, the New Odyssey is expected to elevate the safety benchmark in Malaysia’s MPV segment with its unrivalled premium safety features. These include Multi-view Camera System, Smart Parking Assist System, Blind Spot Information that alerts on oncoming vehicle in the blind spot when the driver is switching lanes and Cross Traffic Monitoring that gives off a warning whistle when a collision with a cross-approaching vehicle is predicted when backing up the MPV. On top of all these features which are exclusively found only in the Odyssey, the New Odyssey is also equipped with six airbags.”
You can see him highlight some of the new Odyssey features in this short video:
The outward appearance of the Odyssey is enhanced with a new front bumper, new front grille, new LED rear lights, LED fog lights, 17” Dual Tone Alloy Wheels, Auto Retractable Door Mirrors and it is also equipped with Auto Dim Rear View Mirror. Meanwhile, the interior of the Odyssey has also received a makeover.
These include new bigger armrests for the driver seat, 4-Way Passenger Power Seat, added storage and enhanced utility as well as bigger headrest for its Premium Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman on the second row to boost comfort and enjoyment for the passengers, especially during long journeys. The Ultra-Low Floor Platform of the New Odyssey eases passenger ingress and egress in addition to enabling this MPV to have a spacious cabin that is equivalent to a large-class MPV.
The Odyssey upholds its predecessor’s characteristics that offer a refined and exquisite silhouette, spacious and elegant interior while being fully equipped with other advanced features of an MPV. Performance-wise, the Odyssey is powered by a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that gives dynamic acceleration at start and also best-in-class fuel efficiency.
The Odyssey is offered in just one variant, the 2.4L EXV with Honda SENSING, and it’s priced at RM254,800 without insurance (including GST). Honda Malaysia has set a sales target of 130 units per year for the New Odyssey.
It will be available in three colour options, of which two are the first in a Honda model. The new colours are Platinum White Pearl and Premium Twinkle Black Pearl, while the popular Super Platinum Metallic is maintained.
It is now open for booking at all 93 Honda dealers nationwide. It comes with 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a service interval of 10,000km.
For more information on the new Odyssey with Honda SENSING or to book a test drive, you can visit any Honda authorised dealer or call Honda’s toll free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.
2018 Honda Odyssey Launch Photo Gallery…
*Low Speed Follow (LSF) is not equipped in the new Accord (below) with Honda SENSING or the new Odyssey MPV.
Honda USA teamed up with Disney-ABC to produce the Minnie Van, which is essentially a 2018 Odyssey that has been reworked to resemble the looks and colours worn by the iconic Disney character.
The car features the signature polka dots worn by Minnie. And the idea of creating such a vehicle was inspired by the magic of Disney, its beloved characters and the power of imagination.
“The all-new Odyssey was developed for modern families offering high-tech features, flexible seating and new styling, all aimed at keeping everyone in the family happy,” said Susie Rossick, Assistant Vice President of Honda Marketing.
He went on to say, “In creating the MINNIE VAN that will be on display at the D23 Expo, we’re proud to partner with Disney-ABC and be inspired by the style of the most fashionable gal around – Minnie Mouse.”
The MPV will be put on display at this year’s Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, which is said to be the company’s ultimate fan event. The vehicle isn’t meant to serve as just a tourist attraction, rather its to educate the public on the improvements made to the Odessey and the benefits that it is able to offer to families across the country.
It’s now quieter, more spacious, safer and offers a whole host of connectivity as well as entertainment features. There’s even a slew of tech that include Magic Slid second row seating, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies, and Honda Sensing® technology.
Developed in Honda’s R&D facilities in Ohio and Califronia, the Odyssey is the best selling MPV in the US for the past 7 years. And this latest vehicle should help bolster the interest in the brand and the namplate even further.
