Honda Odyssey Road Tests
At the time most pe-ople movers were based upon commercial variants in a manufacturers range and the vehicle from a distance looked more like a delivery van with windows. Move forward to the present time and look at the new Honda Odyssey. A purpose built vehicle that since its initial release in 1996 has been constantly improved and refined. DISLIKES Centre sash only seat belt for second row seats Slightly awkward to use auto shifter Low height of rear hatch COMFORT The front seats are soft and comfortable although support falls away somewhat under hard cornering especially in the shoulder area.
The second rows are similarly comfortable with adequate legroom. The third row has a more upright seating position, not ideal for longer trips but still comfortable enough for adults. ERGONOMICS The driving position is closer to a normal passenger car or wagon in that it is lower than the previous high perched positions of the older generation people movers. Smaller drivers will notice the front of the Odyssey drops away quite sharply making parking slightly more difficult. The instrument binnacle has some of the most modern in design gauges going around, lit in Honda’s blue hues.
Audio controls on the steering wheel are simple to use as are the large, easy to identify controls for heating and radio centrally located on the dash. The Odyssey has a under dash foot operated handbrake, it is simple to operate and increases space around the drivers seat. The centre console is hinged and can be swung out of the way to make access to the second row of seats easier. Smaller items rattle around inside the console when flipped down, which is somewhat distracting.
SAFETY The new Odyssey benefits from the latest thinking on occupant safety by providing a crash compatible body that can withstand collisions from any direction, reducing occupant injury and providing a passenger survival space. Honda’s safety strategy is not limited to the occupants inside the Odyssey . Engineers have designed the vehicle to minimise aggressive impact to other vehicles.
The front row seats have three point, load limiter equipped, pre-tensioner seat belts. The centre seat in the second row has only a sash type seatbelt; Honda falls behind its competitors in this important area.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE
Type Inline four cylinder Capacity in litres 2354 Induction Programmed fuel injection. Fuel recommendation ULP Claimed max. power 118kW@ 5,500rpm Claimed max. torque 218 Nm@4,500rpm TRANSMISSION Type Five speed automatic Driving wheels Front WHEELS Steel Tyres 215/60R16 Spare Space saver
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