Honda has released preliminary information
for the upcoming Odyssey facelift, which is set to go on sale in Japan this
autumn. This will be the second facelift for the minivan, which is currently in
its fifth generation, with the first one being in 2017. It should be noted that
the Odyssey we get here is based on the Japanese version, and differs from the
one designed specifically for the North American market that also got a refresh
this year.
One of the more interesting new features
is the ability to open the powered sliding doors via a gesture instead of
pushing a button or pulling a handle. According to Honda, a blue light guide is
illuminated on the door as you approach the vehicle, and you simply need to
wave your hand over it to get the door to open.
In terms of design changes, the Odyssey’s
previous vertical-style grille has been replaced with a hexagonal-shaped unit
with four slats. The new nose is highlighted by a thick chrome bar at the top,
with defined creases lines on the bonnet drawn towards it.
Also new are the reshaped headlamps, which
sports a “jewel eye” look reminiscent of the Civic and Accord. Meanwhile, the
lower intake has also been enlarged to make contact with two LED strips,
forming a wider “mouth” that is framed by more defined creases at the corners
of the bumper. There are likely more changes to the bodywork, but these are the
only ones visible based on the sole image of the exterior provided so far.
Moving inside, the Odyssey gets an
entirely new upper dashboard design, with slim air vents seen in the middle and
on the passenger side, but curiously not for the driver. Other notable
revisions include a 10-inch touchscreen head unit, a new instrument cluster and
a new steering wheel design similar to what you’ll find in the latest City.
The company wasn’t specific on what
powertrains will be offered, but has said that the i-MMD system, otherwise
known as e:HEV, will be available. The e:HEV system operates differently from
traditional hybrids in that the petrol engine acts more like a generator to
charge an electric battery, which in turn powers an electric motor.
Only at higher speeds does the internal
combustion engine get linked directly to the wheels, which is accomplished by
way of a single-speed transmission and a lock-up clutch. This system comes in
different configurations and is already found in the Jazz and will debut on the
Malaysian-spec City.
