The JDM Honda Odyssey will be getting an update that
will surface in November. This is the Odyssey MPV for Japan, and not the larger
minivan sold in North America, which switched to a new generation this year. We
also get this Odyssey in Malaysia, of course.
This minor model change gives the familiar face a
lift. We see changes on the grille with thicker “wings” sprouting from the H
logo. Where there were three horizontal slats below, there are now four
differently shaped ones, and there’s also a thin chrome frame for the giant U.
The bumper has been reprofiled and the side “air
intake” elements are now smaller, and house LED fog lamp strips. The new design
connects both sides, creating a more prominent chin for the sporty Absoulte.
There are also new multi-spoke wheels (note the gentle curve in at the hub).
At the back, the trim that bridges the tail lamps
used to incorporated the “Odyssey” logo. That has now been scrapped and the
emblem moved to a conventional location below the left tail lamp. Minor changes
overall, but they help to make Honda’s big MPV look classier. “The New Premium”
is the tagline, by the way.
Inside, the Odyssey features new trim and a unique
geometric print for the upholstery. The Honda Sensing active safety suite has
been updated with a low speed follow function for the adaptive cruise control.
The Odyssey Hybrid made its debut in early 2016, and
is the popular variant for the MPV in Japan. It’s powered by Honda’s Sport
Hybrid i-MMD powertrain, which combines a 143hp/175 Nm 2.0 litre petrol engine
with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is
181 hp and 315 Nm, and claimed fuel economy is 26 km/l in the Japanese JC08
cycle.
