A white orchid pearl 2015 Odyssey with Modulo package Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza
THE FIFTH generation Odyssey that Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) launched recently is very different from the 2012 Odyssey not only in terms of size, but also in the drivetrain and rear suspension.
The previous model Odyssey was the “twin” of the 2012 Pilot SUV because they had the same engine (3.5-liter, i-VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management technology producing 250 horsepower and 347.27 Newton-meters max torque) and the same eight-passenger seating capacity.
It was the same Odyssey model sold in North America and was longer and wider than the 2015 Japanese Domestic Model (JDM) Odyssey being offered here now by HCPI.
At the rear, LED tail lights, tailgate spoiler, aero-type bumper
The Odyssey made its debut in Japan in 1994 and soon became the best-selling minivan in the United States. But when Honda Motors downsized the Odyssey, its sales declined in North America although it was widely accepted in Japan.
Since 1999, Honda has adjusted to consumer preferences by selling a larger Odyssey in North America and a smaller one in Japan, Australia and other markets.
LOWER PRICE. The good news for minivan buyers is that the 2015 Japanese Domestic Model Odyssey now marketed by HCPI is priced much lower (P2.348 million) than the outgoing model (P2.8 million). That’s almost a million bucks less than its major Japanese brand competitor (P3.292 million) in the 2015 premium minivan segment.
And it gets better. The new Odyssey is powered by Honda’s new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine that HCPI claims provides better output, torque and fuel economy than the V6 powerplant of the previous model.
Inside, black leather, wood and silver trim, 7-inch touchscreen
Its max power is 172.6 HP at 6,200 revolutions per minute, and its peak torque is 225.63 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
You may wonder how a 2.4-liter engine can deliver better output and torque than a V6, but Honda Motor is so confident about its Earth Dreams engine power that the new Odyssey is equipped with seven-speed paddle shifters.
You would probably like to use paddle shifters when driving a sports car, sport sedan or turbocharged SUV, but a 2.4-liter minivan weighing 1,851 kilograms?
SUPERIOR. On the other hand, there’s no question that the Odyssey’s new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter engine, mated to a seamless CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), provides superior fuel economy compared to the V6.
In the third row, three seats with individual recline
The Econ Button that lets the driver control throttle, transmission and air-conditioning settings to improve fuel efficiency together with an Idle Stop System also helps.
An Eco Coaching Ambient Meter on the dash changes from white to green when the driver is being efficient with the gas pedal.
While the front suspension remains the same as before
—MacPherson strut—the rear suspension has been changed to torsion beam from multilink double wishbone. However, this change has not too adversely affected the sedan-like riding comfort of the new Odyssey.
The exterior styling of the new Odyssey compared with the preceding one, is more svelte because the body is smaller and really cool with its sporty, ground-hugging platform which, by the way, makes ingress and egress easier for elderly passengers together with the power sliding doors.
The new chrome front grille with bigger, wider slats and the dual-projector LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights endow the Odyssey with more road presence, while the new curves and creases give it a sharper, sleeker appearance.
The cradle captain seats with ottoman can slide and recline
EXEC CLASS. The sophisticated styling continues inside with executive class luxury features such as black leather, wood and silver trim, dash-mounted gearshift lever, smart entry with push start button, power tilt and slide sunroof, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, two captain cradle seats with ottoman in the second row with long sliding, reclining and articulating backseat and armrest, three seats with individual recline in the third row, second row rear window sunshades, and a drop-down 9-inch rear entertainment system.
Honda has long mastered the art of maximizing cabin space. While the Odyssey is a people carrier rather than a cargo vehicle, the third row seats can be folded flat and stored under the floor to maximize luggage space at the rear.
Because of its shorter and narrower dimensions plus the ottomans, the 2015 JDM Odyssey seats seven instead of eight. The triple-zone automatic air-conditioner with touch panel controls has independent controls at the rear, and second and third row air vents.
The infotainment system consists of a 7-inch touchscreen display audio with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, iPhone and iPod connectivity, HDMI ports front and rear, two USB ports, AM/FM radio with CD/DVD player, and six
speakers.
In other words, the new Odyssey is cutting-edge smart.
SAFE SUITE. The suite of safety features includes six airbags, the multiview (front, side and rear) camera system of the Smart Parking Assist System, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, LED Active Cornering Lights and the usual antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
All four 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with disc brakes.
While the 2015 JDM Odyssey looks snazzy enough, you can make it look even more premium with the Modulo Executive Package.
By adding P21,700 to the purchase price, you get a Modulo door mirror garnish, front fender garnish, rear license garnish, side step illumination, front and rear sensors, cargo tray, cargo mat, deck board kit, cargo net and cargo upper cover. The Modulo kit enhances light-color Odysseys like white orchid pearl (additional P20,000) or super platinum metallic.
For dark-color Odysseys like the premium twinkle black pearl or the crystal black pearl, the Mugen Sports Package is perfect. For an extra P91,200, you get a Mugen front sports grille, front lower grille, wing spoiler, ventilated visor, 18-inch Mugen alloy wheels, wheel nut and lock nut set, chrome side garnish, rear under spoiler, front under spoiler, LED fog light, and Mugen luggage mat.
Bottom line, in the premium minivan segment, the 2015 Honda Odyssey JDM is a steal for its basic price (P2.348 million without a Honda Custom Performance kit.) It is svelte, smart and safe for family use, which is its very reason for being.
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