The Honda Odyssey loses its low-slung profile, but makes up for it with more space, more features and more bits of modern tech.

Photos: Jimmy Oh

Known for it's good looks and car-like handling, the Honda Odyssey has been a favorite among family men who love to drive. The new one maybe less sleek, but it promises to offer all of its previous attributes, and more.
 

Now in its fifth generation, the Honda Odyssey is clearly larger than its predecessors. For the first time, it will feature convenient sliding doors and a low floor panel to make entry and exit maneuvers a lot easier.

Like the previous model the full-sized MPV will come in two variants - the EX and the EXV. The EX is the 'base' model, although it already comes with quite a list of features and seats the most number of people (eight vs. seven in the EXV). Available as standard on both models are Honda's new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, HondaLink navigation and of course, the 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams technology. The unit pumps out a healthy 172bhp and 225Nm and will return a fuel consumption figure of 12.7km/L.

As mentioned earlier, the EXV seats only seven as it comes with a pair of leather wrapped individual seats in the centre row. The EXV is currently only available with a black leather interior, while the EX is offered with an ivory beige fabric interior.

Other features found on the EXV include a sunroof, Cross Traffic Monitor, Smart Parking Assist as well as a system that alerts you if a car is in your blind spot.

Priced at S$198,900 for the EXV and S$188,900 for the EX, sales for the Odyssey have been very positive, with Honda receiving more than 70 orders since its release. So don't be surprised if you start seeing this stylish people mover on our roads soon.