Two for the family road

It’s not often that we instantly like a car the moment we climb aboard. Such was the case with two vehicles we recently drove. Both are suitable for families and are appropriate for the back to school season.

Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is one vehicle we can recommend for families, without hesitation. It’s as comfortable as a living room on wheels and nearly as spacious.

 

The shortcomings are few, and Honda addressed them with the new Odyssey 2.4 EX.

 

First is the price. The EX model is cheaper by P420,000 versus the top EX-V, bringing the price down to P1,948,000.

 

The features below make the Odyssey an ideal family vehicle.

 

1. Seats: The Odyssey EX capacity goes up by one, to eight persons. Out goes the second-row captain’s seats, in comes a three-person bench.

The second row can split-fold and even split-slide, giving it more flexibility.

The second-row seatback is foldable in three sections. The third row can fold flat into the floor, giving more cargo space.

What’s new is that the third row seatback can also be folded in sections, allowing for a seven- or six-person configuration with added luggage space.

 

The front seats have folding armrests, and their design includes a walkthrough space from the driver’s area to the back.

 

2. Easy entry and exit: Large dual sliding doors, a low floor, and high roof make entry and exit easy for kids, the elderly and those with bad backs.

 

Only the right-hand door is powered, switchable via the remote control as well.

 

The second-row seats tilt and slide forward using one lever, giving access to the third row.

 

3. Ergonomic controls: The driver isn’t shortchanged by the Odyssey. The driver’s seat is soft and comfortable, with height adjustment. Steering wheel is adjustable for tilt and reach, making it easy to find the ideal driving position. Multiple outlets provide power and connectivity, with Bluetooth also as standard.

 

4. Responsive drivetrain: The Odyssey is powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission. At 175 ps and 226 Nm, the propulsion is adequate, even with a full load.

 

It does particularly well in city driving, where the quietness and low-end torque deliver a comfortable riding experience.

 

The engine shuts down automatically when the car is at a full stop, with the aircon and electrical system staying on.

There’s also the Econ switch that cuts aircon cooling and keeps revs lower.

 

5. Suspension and handling: You won’t think that you’re driving a van. The Odyssey’s steering is light and crisp, giving it a responsive feel. This is one of the few vans that can induce a grin when going into a curve.

 

What’s missing from the top model: “nice to have” equipment, but not really essential.

 

These include leather seats, captains chairs with folding ottoman for the second row, triple-zone air-conditioning, power sliding for the left-hand door, back seat entertainment screen, park assist and blind spot monitor. Others that could be added later would be the 16-inch alloys instead of 17s, LED daytime running lights and headlamps, and the fancier grille.

 

What’s important is the Odyssey keeps all of the significant safety features, including stability assist; ABS and EBD brakes; and front, side and curtain airbags.

 

We guessed that the Odyssey EX would be a better fit for most families. With its key features, comfortable ride, and snappy driving behavior intact, we remain delighted with this van.

 

Audi Q7

For something related but in many ways completely different, we find the Audi Q7 as another family vehicle that transcends its core purpose.

 

The Q7 could be the ideal school transport too. Here’s why.

 

1. Commanding driving position: With its high ground clearance and high-mounted seat, the Q7 gives an unobstructed view of the road. Visibility is good all around the car, aided by the 360-degree camera system.

 

2. Diesel drivetrain: The Audi Q7 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering 272 ps and an eye-popping 600 Nm.

 

When the turbo spools up, torque is locomotive-like, allowing for quick overtaking and powering up twisty roads.

 

Zero-100 kph is 6.3 seconds. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic.

 

3. Secure handling: Quattro full-time all-wheel drive is suitable for delivering all that torque effectively to the road.

 

Fully-independent suspension keeps the big SUV well planted at all times.

 

4. Sumptuous interior: The Q7 has three rows of seats, with a power-folding third row. The seats are trimmed in Valcona leather, with aluminum trim for the instrument panel.

 

Four-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone cool, or warm, as desired.

 

5. Technology: This wouldn’t be an Audi without generous helpings of technology. Aside from the drivetrain, the cabin features state-of-the-art equipment.

 

The instrument cluster is a large high-resolution video screen that can reconfigure itself depending on the chosen mode. The default is virtual analog gauges, with one mode displaying a wide-screen navigation map.

 

The Q7 features air suspension that can raise or lower the car depending on the current use. The car lowers itself at speed, and in off-road mode, can be raised for higher ground clearance.

 

The Q7 is by no means cheap, costing as much as a small condominium. It pays off by delivering a sophisticated driving experience that revels in high technology.