Honda Odyssey test drive since 2011 minivan
Honda Odyssey car review
GeneralFor the Honda Odyssey (Odyssey) of the first generation (1994), the production lines of the Honda Accord sedan model were temporarily used, so it received an unusual body height, which differs from both the sedan and the station wagon. At that time, he received both laudatory and critical reviews, but immediately made a splash and created the Minivan market in Japan. The subsequent second generation (2000) appeared with a design inherited from the first generation, in accordance with the rule: in the machine that had demand, the concept should be preserved. The peculiarity of the second generation was a significant increase in the stiffness of the body and improve handling. However, as such models appear from other manufacturers in the midst of minivans, the uniqueness of the Odyssey model gradually weakened. Therefore, Honda responded to further challenges by the development of the third -generation Odyssey. She turned it into a minivan with a small height of 1550 mm, which allows him to enter almost any multi -storey parking lot in Japan. It should be said that the ability to enter such parking has a side value, and the initial goal was to give controllability more characteristic of a light car. To do this, a platform with a low floor was designed, a super -thin gas tank and a suspension of a new structure were installed. Thus, not only reduced the height of the car, completely eliminating the excessive space under the floor, but also provided the space of the salon, which exceeds the second generation Odyssey. This leads to a further increase in the comfort characteristic of the minivans.
Two types of 2.4-liter engines of the DOHC I-VTEC type (with a double upper camshaft and a gas distribution phase change system). One usual, with a capacity of 160 hp, connected to a vast transmission (with a 7-speed mode), and the other for modification of ABSOLUTE Sports type, with a capacity of 200 hp, connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission. In addition to conventional equipment, the list of options has such a unique equipment as an adaptive front lighting system (Adaptive Frontlighting System, AFS), which changes the direction of the light beam in accordance with the rotation of the steering wheel; The speed control system (Intelligent Highway Cruise Control, IHCC), which reveals the distance to the car walking in front and supports the desired distance; as well as anti -suggestion brakes, which previously identify the possibility of a collision by using IHCC functions.
Exterior and interior
The greatest feature of Odyssey is still a small height. A significant minivan market has now developed, and how much it has increased, so diverse. And more than expected, voices are heard those who can no longer be satisfied only with the convenience and functionality that allow whole families or a large number of passengers, but requires interesting driving and stylish design, which allows you to feel the joy of having a car. Therefore, Honda designed a bold sports minivan while maintaining its functionality (as the dimensions indicate). In the appearance, 180 ° from moderation and softness, common to minivans, to courage and impressiveness, is committed.
In the interior, not a relaxed comfortable design is expressed, but sports. The result was a sports design in which the side supports of the first row chairs are especially emphasized. In addition, the ABSOLUTE modification as an option also offers real seats Recaro with lateral support.
You can enter the decreased floor, lifting your leg slightly. It seems that the height of the floor is almost no different from the usual sedan. The position for landing did not decrease too much, so the viewing point is in height between sedans and other minivans or slightly higher. Although it is worth recognizing that for Minivan it is still quite low.
All functions characteristic of Minivan are available. Of course, there is a 100 V battery and flat seats of the first or second rows. In addition, depending on the class, they are installed standardly or in the form of the option, the mechanical rear door, opened and closed by the button on the key, the folding system of the third row, removing the seats under the floor, etc.
Performance
The beginning of the movement also surprised. Even with such an operation as turning the steering wheel and departure from the parking lot, it became clear that the movement of the car was clearly different. When turning, there is almost no roll, and it seems that the front part when turning immediately changes the direction without any delay. She obediently responds to the movement of the steering wheel. And at the entrance to the winding road, such an impression becomes more distinct.
Trinal driving was carried out on the sports version of Absolute, and this was no longer the Minivan movement. Rather, this is the movement of a sedan or a sports car. When turning the steering wheel, the roll is almost absent, and if you compare the previous generation with the Odyssey-Absolute model, you can even feel that the center of gravity is clearly located lower and there is a feeling of stability. In addition, it is also convenient to ride.
On this modification, 17-inch flattened tires 215/55R17 are installed, but nevertheless, there are absolutely absent shocks, and the comfort when driving is very soft. The engine issuing 200 hp is really powerful, with a truly exceptional margin at high speeds. The weight of the machine exceeds 1700 kg, therefore, frankly, it seems that at low speeds I would like a little more torque. But this, probably, should close your eyes if you think about the engine volume of 2.4 liters.
I also went to modifications with a standard capacity of 160 hp, and the feeling of power, as expected, is size below. However, the mild, unaccounted transmission combined with him works very well, which is admirable. There is a function of short -term learning, and if, with sports driving, pressing the accelerator deeply and for a long time, then the engine speeds will not fall immediately after the accelerator is released and will remain high. High speeds remain even after turning off the accelerator at a bend, so if you press it again when lifting at a bend, then a powerful acceleration occurs immediately. Apparently, due to problems with power, this was not used for an engine for 200 hp, but I would definitely like to put such a transmission on Absolute. In other words, it is thanks to such a vast transmission that the movement of modification with a capacity of 160 hp. It turned out better than expected. However, the tires leave a somewhat poor impression based on the weight of the machine, and the lack of lateral stability causes regret. I would like to establish more sports tires, which, apparently, failed due to problems with comfort, noise or cost. If this happens, then the movement of modification with an engine of 160 hp. It will really become an order of magnitude better. The same can be said about the modification of Absolute. I think that if there is a desire for sports driving, then the sensation of movement will improve significantly if the size of the tires is left the same and only replace the brand with sports. In any case, the impression of the Odyssey movement was so fresh and sharp that I didn’t even want to go into details in this article.
Source: CarView.co.jp