New Honda Freed MPV with up to 8 seats
Honda Japan has added one more vehicle to its line-up, the Honda Freed MPV. Based on the Global Small Platform which underpins cars such as the Honda Fit as well as the Freed’s more boxy cousin the Honda Mobilio/Mobilio Spike, the Honda Freed is powered by the new L-Series 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine (118 PS at 6,600rpm, 144Nm at 4,800rpm) mated to a CVT gearbox with a torque converter as its start-up device. It has 3 different seating configurations: a 5-seater, a 7-seater (2,2,3 with second row captain’s seats) and an 8-seater (2,3,3).
The Fit platform’s innovative flat floor allows maximum interior space to be used (Honda claims to be able to carry a 27 inch bicycle without taking off wheels or handle bars), and Honda says the 7-seater seating layout allows any passenger in any row to exit via any door thanks to a “walk through layout”. Looking at an image of the 7-seater interior seating configuration found after the jump, they are probably right as there is a clear empty space between the front two seats as well. The 8-seater version uses a 60:40 split fold bench for the second row.
The dashboard gets Honda’s latest two-tiered design, with both speedo, RPM and multi-info display located at the top deck nearest to the windscreen for easier visibility. The lower deck hosts the air conditioning controls and the gear shifter. Smack in the middle of the two decks in a rather high position is the 2-DIN player - a high position like this could allow the rear passengers to view it easily in case an in-dash LCD screen with DVD player is installed.
The front suspension design is of the MacPherson strut layout while the rear is a H-shaped torsion beam to minimise interior intrusion of suspension components. The Honda Freed uses an Electric Power Steering system, and safety features include ISOFIX points for child seats, optional Vehicle Stability Assist, and a maximum configurable option of 8 airbags including front, side, curtain and third row side airbags. Certain models have HID headlamps, but all lenses are reflector lenses.
As Honda model offerings are regional, the Honda Freed is not likely to make its way anywhere to the ASEAN region unless the Japan office gives the green light. The Honda Fit is sold over here as the Jazz, but you could say the Jazz platform-derived Mobilio looks too boxy for regional tastes. The Honda Freed is a new execution of a Global Small Platform car that can carry more than 5 people with design cues that should be very acceptable here.
More images after the jump.
VIDEO: Honda Freed MPV
June 2, 2008 @ 10:57 am
The exemplary hybrid design of the Jazz and the Accord. Starting to love Honda’s creative ideas lately…
June 2, 2008 @ 10:57 am
nice model. looks fully geared towards a family oriented car. I suppose those extra features for the disabled are optional. Too bad if it were to be a 1.8 instead… so is it going to be in Malaysia?
June 2, 2008 @ 11:24 am
We can expect the new Perodua MPV having the same concept as this Honda Freed. Myvi/Boon/Sirion/Passo/Justy platform elongated into a mini MPV. Can’t wait to see it.
June 2, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Honda just launch the “Freed” about 1 week ago in japan, well respon from the market, it will same as “Fit” as well, maybe the Malaysia office will bring in this model like what the HM done before, the Civic Type R. I think should receive a good respon from the market.
Well done HONDA, well done freed.
June 2, 2008 @ 11:52 am
They already have the airwave right? The extended and elongated Fit/Jazz actually.
June 2, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
yes, now even great grandma and great grandpa can come along holiday trips too……
if got room left, mummy’s little Poochy can come too!
June 2, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
Can we compare this Freed with Merc A180?
June 2, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
airwave is a station wagon, not an mpv. it has no option for 3rd row of seats.
June 2, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
Will the latest generation of Honda City share any of Freed DNA, that would be super cool. 1.5 i-vtec… hmmm… 1.6 i-vtec sound better…
June 2, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
it’s one of those good japanese sushis which areavailabl only to Japan
June 2, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
For you dog lovers….this may interest you: http://www.honda.co.jp/dog/
June 2, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
Looks encouraging if Honda Malaysia brings it in.
Looking for more competition on car based 6/7 seat Compact MPVs. Something just one size smaller and once class cheaper than the Stream and Wish.
Right now, there’s only the aging Citra and the Grand Livina. I could use some competition and choice in the 80k range. A 1.5/1.6/1.8 is good. Works against the oddly thirsty 2.0 in the Citra.
Perfect!
June 2, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
a bit of B-class, a bit of Serena, and a a bit of Honda……
NOT NICE AT ALL……
stuck a model in between Jazz and Stream (or Oddysey) is not a good idea….
hopefully this is not the sequel to the nightmare of Mercedes Benz Vaneo…..
June 2, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
Good interior with two tier dasboard and roomy headroom. The exterior also look good like estima(bullet head). I will put my money if this 1.5 V-tec selling at RM 90K.
Overall better than our Nissan Livina and Toyota rush/avanza/innova.
Honda, please bring in your “freed” MPV.
June 2, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
almost like the stepwagon with different look
June 2, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
I like this a lot. I never like people carrier, but I like this one. Can put 2 bicycles in. How much will this cost in Malaysia. Please bring it to Malaysia!
June 2, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
This car should be introduced in Malaysia then we can see an interesting fight between Freed, Livina and Avanza…
June 2, 2008 @ 10:26 pm
fight against avanza…
June 2, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
with rising fuel prices, this is a very wise move by honda… other car manufacturers would do well to follow.
June 3, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
Paul pls tell Honda Malaysia to bring in this model with competitive price .It’s look so cute .Hope our government reduce the tax to let more people get their dream cars / transports.
June 3, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Actually the price of cars / transport in Malaysia is very expensive compare to US , Europe or middle East .Eg let say our RM4000/month ‘ Car prices- Waja =RM60K, persona =RM40K-50K , Merc /BMW =RM200-RM600K, Subaru+RM100 ,proton BLM /Saga RM30K ++
In USA income USD4000 ;car prices Subaru = USD 13K- USD30K
In UK income 4000Pound/month , car prices , Waja /Persona =6-7Kpound………….example only For more info can get from web.
Thanks
June 4, 2008 @ 8:31 am
the rear looks like Mazda MPV and Toyota bB…rite?
June 5, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
everything about the car is perfect until the pic of the rear appears….
they could have made it better looking at least…….the front is awesome, and i like the practicality of this MPV….low CC = good enuf to carry ppl around and not consuming too much.