In Japan, Honda
offers an extended wagon/minivan version called the Shuttle, and it's just
announced a series of revisions for the model.
The Honda
Shuttle is still relatively new. But there's always room for improvement. In
this case the enhancements come down principally to the safety systems, but
there's more to it.
The latest Honda Sensing suite of electronic aids
include eight functions, all standard across the range – regardless of trim or
spec. Those include radar and camera sensors for scanning the road ahead,
automatic braking, lane departure, adaptive cruiser control, and more.
Along with the Sensing systems, Honda has also
installed a revised powertrain in the hybrid model, incorporating a 1.5-liter
four-cylinder gasoline engine with a seven-speed dual-cluch transmission and
integrated electric motor. There's a conventionally powered version of the same
with a CVT, both versions available in either front- or all-wheel drive.
The adaptable cabin space has room for five and
features an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
support. There's new LED fog lights as well, but that's about the extent of the
exterior changes. Honda sells about 2,500 of these every month in the Japanese
Domestic Market, with prices for the upgraded model ranging from 1.7 to 2.5
million yen – or roughly $16-23k in equivalent American funds.
