The industry's best-selling minivan, the Honda Odyssey, has been completely redesigned for 2011, and goes on sale in early fall.No prices have been announced yet, but there will be a new fully equipped top model called the Touring Elite, which comes with a long list of standard equipment, including leather seating and navigation.
Other special features include an ultra-wide rear entertainment system with split-screen capability so two programs can be shown at one time; and there is even a small refrigerator, which Honda calls a “cool box,” that works when the engine is running.
This is the fourth generation of the Odyssey, and it was first shown at the Chicago auto show in February.
Honda says the new Odyssey “seeks to redefine the concept of the minivan with its aggressive stance and sporty ‘lightning-bolt' beltline.”
The roof is more steeply raked toward the rear than the current Odyssey, making the vehicle 1.6 inches lower than the current model, which was introduced for 2005 and given a mid-cycle makeover for 2008.
While there are many changes, the new model is still quite recognizable as an Odyssey. Besides the lower stance, the 2011 Odyssey is 1.4 inches wider than the 2010 model, and has improved aerodynamics to help boost fuel economy.
The new model is 202.8 inches long, 78.5 inches wide and 68.3 inches high, with a 118.1-inch wheelbase.
There are improvements inside to make the vehicle more family-friendly, and that's really where Honda makes its mark both in the minivan and sport utility segments. Nobody does family friendly interiors better than Honda. Busy families spend a lot of time in their minivans, and the Odyssey's designers kept that in mind.
“The Odyssey established its reputation by providing families with what they most want in a minivan — great functionality, an emphasis on safety and good fuel economy," Vicki Poponi, American Honda's product planning chief, said during the Chicago introduction. “The next-generation Odyssey promises to take these strengths to a higher level while adding more style and personality.”
Even with its sportier exterior styling, the new Odyssey has better outward visibility for those sitting in the third row.
Outside, the Touring Elite model comes with high-intensity-discharge headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.6-inch ventilated front disc brakes, power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a power-operated tailgate.
Interior features of the top model include an AM/FM/XM/CD premium audio system with 12 speakers; the Honda voice-activated navigation system; the rear entertainment center; a 110-volt power outlet for game consoles and other electronic devices such as laptops; a media tray with integrated cup holder; a removable first-row center console with hidden storage; a 10-way power driver's seat with memory; enough anchors for up to five child safety seats; a total of 15 cupholders; second- and third-row sunshades.
There's even a ring to hold a trash bag. Trash can pile up in a hurry on a road trip while the kids having their snacks.
Among other new features are projector beam headlights, LED taillights and “form-fit” fog lights, Honda said.
Advancements in engine design and the vehicle's aerodynamics give the new Odyssey EPA fuel-economy ratings as high as 19 mpg city/28 highway.
The current model has ratings as high as 17 city/25 highway when equipped with Honda's three-mode Variable Cylinder Management. It cuts out either two or three cylinders at cruising speeds to save fuel. Without the cylinder management, the 2010 model is rated at 16 city/23 highway.
Under the hood will be the latest version of the 3.5-liter V-6 engine used in the 2010 model, which puts out 244 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. Honda hasn't released final performance data for the 2011 model, however.
The new Odyssey will have room for seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration chosen. The middle row has two captain's chairs with a smaller seat in between that can be folded out of the way to create a pass-through to the rear seat.
The third row, which seats three (and is best left to the kids) is Honda's so-called “Magic Seat,” which has a 60/40 split and can be folded completely flat into the floor either in sections or all together to create a larger cargo area when the seat isn't needed for passengers.
The new Odyssey faces stiff competition from the redesigned 2011 Toyota Sienna, which is already on sale and has been its most formidable import-brand competitor.
Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic stability control with traction control, front seat-mounted side air bags, and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all three rows.
The vehicle also features Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to lessen its impact on pedestrians and other vehicles in the event of a collision.
Honda assembles the new model at its plant near Birmingham, Ala. Design and engineering work were done in California and Ohio, rather than in Japan.
Source;
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/topdown/detail?entry_id=70599
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