Honda reveals redesigned Odyssey

HONDA is changing direction for its next-generation Odyssey, shifting from a sleek five-door wagon design to a more van-like offering in line with traditional people-movers.

Images surfaced this week on Honda’s Japanese consumer website of the 2014 Odyssey MPV that is likely to debut at the Tokyo motor show in November, ahead of an Australian berth in the first quarter next year.

The model in the images is the Japanese-spec version, but it is believed this will match the Australian model, albeit with a few minor changes.

The images reveal a taller, slightly boxier shape to the current model, with Honda doing away with regular rear doors in favour of sliding doors for the fifth-generation people-mover.

While this will be the first time an Australian-spec Odyssey comes with sliding doors, it is not the first Odyssey to feature them, with the second-generation US version also using a sliding mechanism.

The redesign means the Odyssey looks less car-like than the existing model, instead featuring a more traditional people-mover shape as seen on rivals such as the Kia Carnival and even the Toyota Tarago.

While reports had suggested the new model could take styling cues from the Jade concept that appeared at the Shanghai motor show in April, the Japanese-spec model in the images is closer in design to the Concept M that was revealed at the same show.

Honda has completely overhauled the cabin of the new Odyssey, with a cleaner dash design and a large touch-screen dominating the centre stack, while chrome surrounds, a new four-spoke steering wheel and wood-grain paneling also feature. A green ‘Econ’ button suggests an economy driving mode.

It is believed the next-gen MPV will have a lower floor than the current model, improving interior space and making for a more flexible seating arrangement.

Depending on the configuration, the Odyssey could be an eight-seater, with one image revealing a three-seat third row, while another shows a pair of reclining ‘captain’s chairs’ in the third row, hinting at a six-seat layout.

As previously reported by GoAuto, the 2014 model will feature a completely new powertrain, with a new engine set to replace the current 132kW/218Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, while a continuously variable transmission is expected to replace the existing five-speed automatic.

Honda Australia public relations manager Melissa Cross confirmed last week that the all-new Odyssey would go on sale locally in the first quarter of 2014, ahead of Citroen’s updated Grand C4 Picasso that arrives in the first half and the Kia Carnival that is not expected until late 2014 or early 2015.

Last week, Honda Australia announced drive-away pricing for the current Odyssey that is now in run-out mode, with the seven-seat MPV now kicking off from $37,990 and toping out at $45,990