If you found the Toyota range of MPVs too boxy, too boring, and did not turn head as almost every well to do family already have one, here is your choice from Honda, which is the Odyssey. Sounded like it is from the Star Trek, the Odyssey at RM228k is now an official model from Honda Malaysia, providing the comfort of excellent support and service. Powering the MPV is Honda's 2.4-litre Earth Dream Technology i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT gearbox, capable of generating 173hp/225Nm of power. It should be good to pull a fully loaded unit with ease.
Since the Odyssey is fully imported, it is a full specifications unit, completely with all round 6-airbag, VSA, Hill-Start-Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Active Cornering Light and Auto headlights system. The car also comes with 2nd row captain seat with ottoman, thus providing the ultimate comfort to the passengers. It might not be as big as a Toyota Alphard or Vellfire, but it is definitely in direct competition of the Estima, offering latest in technology and a name from outer space.
The interior is neat, as always with a Honda. Simple and elegant. The dash mounted gear stalk provide a good space between the driver and passenger. Even the parking brake is operated from a foot pedal. Smart design. For those driver that think the Odyssey is still huge, it has Smart Park Assist to auto park the car, just in case the front and back sensors do not suffice here. By the way, it has a rear view camera as well, thus if you still bump the car to the curb or other while parking, please revisit the driving school, and maybe a visit to the medical centre to get your eyes and ears diagnose.
Luxury with Peace of Mind...that's how Honda called the Odyssey, and it definitely is! It is not a fast moving model, thus one seldom see it in the showroom, nor test drive is available. Somehow, Honda should at least get all its dealers a demo unit if it were to compete with the abundance avaiability of other MPVs from parallel importers.
