Fresh details of the all-new Honda Odyssey have been released, revealing more information about its new powertrain and safety technologies ahead of its Australian launch in the first quarter of 2014.
First shown in Japanese domestic market specification last month with evolutionary styling changes, sliding rear doors and a completely new platform, the fifth-generation Honda Odyssey will be sold in Japan in front- and all-wheel drive, seven- and eight-seat configurations and in base Odyssey and premium Odyssey Absolute trims.
Equipped with a newly developed 2.4-litre direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine and a new automatic continuously variable transmission (with paddleshifters in Absolute spec), Honda promises more power and torque and improved efficiency over the current model’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder/five-speed automatic combination.
Advanced safety features include a collision mitigation braking system and active city brake, blind spot monitor, around-view camera and automatic reverse parking assist.
Claiming to offer more space and new levels of quality and comfort, Honda says the Odyssey also features an ultra-low floor and a higher ceiling. Occupant-surrounding “cradle seats” have been added to the second seating row.
The Odyssey headed for our shores will largely mirror the Japanese version pictured here, though with some subtle changes. Sliding rear doors will feature for the first time, with full specifications to be announced closer to its Q1 2014 launch.
The new Odyssey is tipped to cost more than the outgoing model’s recently reduced $35,100 starting price.
The Japanese-spec Honda Odyssey starts at 2,490,000 yen ($26,800) and will debut at the Tokyo motor show on November 20.
