Maestro of minivans?

Honda launches its all-new Odyssey with a tech-laden personality. The question is: can it win over the multitudes?

MPVs don't make for exciting news highlights in the automotive world, but their purposeful personalities have been welcomed by households all around the world - the Middle East included. After being showcased at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in January, we got the opportunity to drive the all-new fifth-generation Honda Odyssey around town. Here is a closer look at the people-hauling commuter.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The 2018 Honda Odyssey is all-new ground up, although the mildly modified exterior might not emphasise its newness on the outside. A marginal increase in dimensions in every direction - the length has now been stretched to 5,183mm - makes for a rather big and bulky minivan.
But there are several telltale signs of its rebirth. like the bigger chrome sash across the front grille and larger air intakes at the bottom. Surprisingly, the profile, which is oft ignored, gets BMW Z4 style creases along the bottom of the front door, and one over the rear wheel. They got innovative too, by tucking the sliding door track along the bottom of the third-row window, although, to be fair, this is something seen in rivals. You have LEDs for the headlamps with a sleek arrangement similar to that on the Accord, LED DRLs to make the minivan visible during the day and LED fog lamps. even the tail lamps are LED lit, with a new chrome band connecting luminaires.
The top-tier Touring model, our test car, came with sporty, dual-tone, 19-inch wheels - unheard of in a minivan. And that's not all: it's even got a roof-spoiler!
Those habituated with previous Honda offerings will feel right at home in the new Odyssey, while others who've moved up from Korean and Chinese vehicles and will definitely notice the improved feel quality in the panelling and fixtures. But the farther you're seated away from the dashboard, the worse it gets in terms of materials: the fake stitching embossed in the plastic isn't our style.
The top-tier dashboard plastics come in black and the underlying ones in beige; it's a formula that works in most Hondas. The 4-spoke steering wheel has all the controls for multi functionality, while being easy enough to steer regardless of speed, thanks to the electric-assisted steering. Thankfully, they have dropped the finicky centre stack mounted shift lever - typical of Honda - for a push-button system like in a Maserati, Ferrari, Lincoln etc. But it takes some getting used to.
Another refreshing change is the introduction of a conventional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface over the confusing double-screen interface of its predecessor. And it's a responsive unit, unlike some we found in Pilot and Civic.
As for interior space, there's plenty of room up front and the handrest lever is a big plus. The 'Magic Slide' second row seats allow you to slide into second row seats not just front to back, but side to side. You can even choose to take them out of the vehicle and have multiple seating configurations, as you wish. That's definitely going to go on the highlight reel. The third bench is comfy even for two adults of good stature; three may be a bit of a squeeze. The sunroof isn't much but you have manually operated sunshades, plenty of stowage space, and some dozen cup-holders or so.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
When summer comes, you can get the engine running and the cabin cooled with the remote control engine starter found on the key fob, or just get in and press the starter button. As you'd imagine in a commuter like this, you'd be equipped with something run-of-the-mill. Still, Honda's garden variety but very dependable 3.5-litre V6 makes a strong case for itself.
With some 244 horses in the previous generation, it was no slouch; for 2018, the output has been upped to a healthier 280bhp. The engine loves to hit the high limits of the rev counter. Effective maximum torque gets bumped up a little, thanks to the new 10-speed automatic - also unheard of in a minivan - that allows a 3,500lb towing limit and has helped improve its acceleration: it now gets to 100 km/h from a standstill in a front wheel screeching seven seconds - give or take! Allowing you keep that highway speed limit without troubling your right foot too much is a cruise control system. with active noise cancellation negating unwanted frequencies in the cabin.
Throw it into a corner too soon and it will hold its intended line - which means it has the dynamic characteristics of a sedan. Of course, loading it with people and too much baggage may tell a different story, but otherwise it is confident and surefooted on the roads.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
The new Odyssey, depending on the seating configuration, can seat six, seven and even eight people. It also allows you to spy on your kids with the innovative CabinWatch that projects a view of the rear via a camera. The innovative infrared feature maintains visibility at night. If things don't go your way, you can broadcast announcements using the CabinTalkT In-Car Public Announcement system; like in a flight, it will cut through your headphones to be heard.
Adding to the list of safety features are parking sensors (front and rear), and a rear camera that will give you better visibility of kids riding their cycles. It gets a whole set of airbags; the front ones are dual stage and there are curtain airbags for every row.
Taking on entertainment duties at the rear is a 10.2-infotainment system with a Blu-Ray player. and apps! Instead of explaining to your child whether you're "there yet", you can just turn on one of five themes, each with a livid depiction of a spaceship, ship etc moving along towards the destination. Speaking of apps, the passengers also get smartphone apps through which occupants can control the tri-zone automatic climate control (which, by the way, works better than the one in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class), or play select tunes from their phones via a sound system (through a 11-speaker and subwoofer unit). You also have the option of WiFi hotspot to share data with friends, but if its operation eats into your battery life, you can always charge it wirelessly.
Open up the power programmable tailgate - by a kicking gesture or a simple press of a button - and you get access to the vast luggage compartment. You can fold down the third row with ease but taking the second row seats out will require some manual labour. You still end up with either more seats or more cargo space than a typical SUV.
VERDICT
While the MPV may not be able to overcome the 'Soccer Mom' label just yet, the 2018 Honda Odyssey does everything it is built to do and more. The fifth-generation has improved on its existing qualities like the lavishness of space, customisable seating configurations and purposeful power, while adding a suite of tech and safety features - some unprecedented for a vehicle of its class. The Touring model with its many degrees of technological extravagances is pricey though, so getting a lower trim makes more financial sense. The Odyssey could arguably be the MVP or Most Valuable Player in the MPV segment.
FUN FACT
The Odyssey was also known by the names Shuttle & LaGreat in other countries. Two polarising egos, aren't they!
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type: 6/7/8-seater; 5-door premium full-size MPV
Engine: Front-engine; 3.5-litre V6; front-wheel drive
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Peak output: 280bhp @ 6,000rpm; 355Nm @ 4,700rpm
0 to 100km/h: sub-7.5 seconds (estimated)
Top speed: 200 km/h (drag limited; estimated)
Price: Starting at Dh139,900
Pros: Vogue-ish details despite the bulk; tech-laden; drive dynamics; space and configurations; reliability and resale.
Cons: Not an SUV; Touring model is expensive; some features are an overkill
Author's rating: 8/10
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

• On The Road