Honda Odyssey performance evolves on epic scale

One touch opens the sliding doors, writes Colin Smith

Honda New Zealand has just launched the all-new Odyssey, the fifth generation of its family friendly people mover which originally debuted in 1994.

A new design, the latest Odyssey is the first to feature sliding rear side doors and is available in eight-seater Odyssey S and luxury seven-seat Odyssey L variants.

Both are powered by the Honda Earth Dreams i-VTEC 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine which develops 129kW of power at 6200rpm and peak torque of 225Nm at 4000rpm.

The new continuously variable transmission has a seven-speed manual mode with steering-wheel paddle shift system.

Honda says the new Earth Dreams powertrain achieves a 40 per cent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions, as well as increased torque.

The latest-evolution CVT provides excellent acceleration with smooth low-rpm cruising and has Auto Idle Stop and Econ button features alongside a wider ratio range, reduced weight and lower friction.

Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 7.6L/100km for the Odyssey S and 7.8L/100km for the L model.

Honda says the latest Odyssey design is an evolution in technology and performance with generous cabin space, multiple seat configurations and one-touch powered sliding doors - passenger side only on the eight-seat S model and both sides on the seven-seat Odyssey L.

Both models have a multi-angle reversing camera, touch-screen audio, intelligent auto headlights, tyre-deflation warning system and an integrated security alarm system.

The entry-level Odyssey S is priced at $45,900 and the Odyssey L is $52,500.

The L model gains a leather interior, power-adjustable and heated front seats, second-row captain seats, Smart Park Assist system, three-zone digital climate control, a 360-degree surround camera, Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Warning System, satellite navigation as well as Smart Key Entry with push-button engine start.

The Odyssey L also has an exterior aero kit, LED headlights and active cornering lights, silver and black finish alloy wheels and a power sunroof.

The new exterior has a modern, dynamic design with a low centre of gravity and an ultra-low floor, while the interior offers the largest cabin space in the model's history.

The new Odyssey has achieved a five-star Australasian NCAP safety rating and is built using Honda's next generation ACE body structure with an increase of over 20 per cent in the use of high-tensile steel and a new joint design that increases body rigidity.