Techzle not only closely follows what is happening in the European corner of the car country, but also likes to listen to the adventures that are experienced elsewhere in that wonderful world. Which brings us to Japan, where Honda has hoisted the facelifted Odyssey onto the podium.
Honda undoubtedly used a hefty crane during that hoisting work, as the Odyssey is a large ballroom. The current generation (photo 13) of the 4.8-meter MPV, presented in 2013, gets a different nose in which not only changed headlights, but also a much wider grille and a completely new front bumper. Of course, Honda does not leave the rear untouched either. Honda screws in new taillights, which are connected by a chrome strip. The direction indicators are both front and rear ‘dynamic’ and that naturally produces cheerful orange-colored lights when turning. Lower on the rear we find another bumper, decorated with chrome-colored elements.
Honda, not to be confused with the model of the same name that is sold in the United States, is also taking care of the interior while fine-tuning the Odyssey. The Odyssey will get new outlets for the ventilation system, a digital 7-inch screen between the analog clocks and a different steering wheel. The top of the dashboard is finished with soft material. Nice detail: Honda adds a function that allows the two sliding doors to be opened by moving your hand over a sensor. And yes: the MPV gets a new folding cup holder on the driver’s side. As before, the Odyssey is available with a hybrid powertrain, among other things. That version has a 2.0 liter petrol engine, two electric motors and a CVT automatic transmission. This hybrid variant is now called Odyssey e: HEV. Honda also supplies petrol versions with a 2.4 VTEC power source. The seven- or eight-person Odyssey can be ordered in an extra thickly dressed Absolute version. In Asia, the space wonder takes on the Kia Carnival / Sedona, Nissan Serena and Toyota Alphard / Vellfire.
The Netherlands
The Odyssey is not coming to the Netherlands, although a distant ancestor of the MPV is no stranger here. Between 1994 and 1998 Honda delivered the Shuttle in Europe, which was already known elsewhere in the world as Odyssey. After the disappearance of that first generation, the model split into a line for the American market, and one for the international car market. In March this year, the American variant was facelifted and now Honda is showing how the updated international variant is being designed.