We grew up dreaming about the cars we would love to own when we are older. No surprise if the wishes were to converge into a relatively small group of dream rides - from the stable of prancing horses to the farm of bulls (Ferraris and Lamborghinis for the matter). Regardless of which, it is fair to say that people movers (or what we fondly call MPVs) are usually abstained from the 'wish list'.
In reality, a large portion of us wouldn't be affiliated with our dream rides. Honda, on the other hand, recognised the fact and has been churning out a regular supply of flavourful interpretations of automotive solutions - a seemingly good cause to bridge our dreams closer to reality.
Exterior
The Odyssey, no exception from the more sporting siblings, is imbued with Honda's design wizardry. The facelift sees minor nips and tucks: reworked front grille; addition of chromed bits to the rump - nothing that will radically change the looks of the car.
Squat, wide stance endows the Odyssey with sporting elements; reworked grille though, takes more than a keen pair of eyes to spot
In reality, a large portion of us wouldn't be affiliated with our dream rides. Honda, on the other hand, recognised the fact and has been churning out a regular supply of flavourful interpretations of automotive solutions - a seemingly good cause to bridge our dreams closer to reality.
Exterior
The Odyssey, no exception from the more sporting siblings, is imbued with Honda's design wizardry. The facelift sees minor nips and tucks: reworked front grille; addition of chromed bits to the rump - nothing that will radically change the looks of the car.
Squat, wide stance endows the Odyssey with sporting elements; reworked grille though, takes more than a keen pair of eyes to spot  |
From its exterior, the MPV was contemporary when it hit the market years back. The taut, low and wide stance grants a sporting stance which is less seen in its segment of the market. While the acute edges lend a boxy outlook, it does adeptly instil a sense of dynamism in the aesthetics.
The facelift sees to more extensive use of chrome works - with the updated grille and rump taking on bits of the highly-reflective surfaces. Extensive to say the least, the slight reworks gives a more up-class feel to the cruiser.
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Interior
On the inside, the Odyssey remains virtually unchanged, with much of interior trimmings carried over from the pre-facelift model. It retains the intuitive instrumental layout, which had many keen eyes rolling when it first set foot on our grounds. The strategically positioned controls exude a futuristic feel to it, especially with the protruding central display with wrap-around controls.
Across the dash, the trims and buttons carries a premium feel. The plush setting too, is apparent elsewhere within the cabin. Not forgetting its main motive (to be a people -carrier), the interior brims with smart features that will keep the family comfy, if not jolly on the ride.
Unaltered space-age styled central console still looks brisk in business
On the inside, the Odyssey remains virtually unchanged, with much of interior trimmings carried over from the pre-facelift model. It retains the intuitive instrumental layout, which had many keen eyes rolling when it first set foot on our grounds. The strategically positioned controls exude a futuristic feel to it, especially with the protruding central display with wrap-around controls.
Across the dash, the trims and buttons carries a premium feel. The plush setting too, is apparent elsewhere within the cabin. Not forgetting its main motive (to be a people -carrier), the interior brims with smart features that will keep the family comfy, if not jolly on the ride.
Unaltered space-age styled central console still looks brisk in business The roof-mounted rear ventilation ducts, for instance, will come in handy for our tropical climate, complete with secondary controls that allow rear passengers to adjust air-con settings to their likings.
Space-wise, the Odyssey will easily gobble six passengers with ease, with a respectable amount of leg room even at the rear-most row of seats. The low boot floor give rise to an adequate 259 litres of volume. Should the need arise for more space, the electrically-operated seats allow further expansion to 708 litres - folding flat into the boot space at the touch of a button.
Rear-most seats fold flat into the floor: though no longer a novelty, still packs the much-desired practicality
Space-wise, the Odyssey will easily gobble six passengers with ease, with a respectable amount of leg room even at the rear-most row of seats. The low boot floor give rise to an adequate 259 litres of volume. Should the need arise for more space, the electrically-operated seats allow further expansion to 708 litres - folding flat into the boot space at the touch of a button.
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The Drive
The low stance does more than just looking good, bestowing the Odyssey with a driving experience that is more akin to what a normal sedan would offer. The sophisticated double-wishbone suspension at each corner bestows the Odyssey with a nimble handling, keeping chassis-roll in check without compromising comfort on-the-go.
More notably, the grunt from the 2.4-litre powerplant sees to an energetic drive. With Honda's renowned VTEC magic at work, the workhorse revs through its band in a lively, willingly manner.
Undeniably, there are hints of the car's heft to be felt at the helm, especially when being carried through the bends at speed. But that does not hamper the overall experience that Honda cars are renowned for - one that embraces connectivity and drivability.
Econ mode part of the latest addition - with eco-friendliness in mind
The low stance does more than just looking good, bestowing the Odyssey with a driving experience that is more akin to what a normal sedan would offer. The sophisticated double-wishbone suspension at each corner bestows the Odyssey with a nimble handling, keeping chassis-roll in check without compromising comfort on-the-go.
More notably, the grunt from the 2.4-litre powerplant sees to an energetic drive. With Honda's renowned VTEC magic at work, the workhorse revs through its band in a lively, willingly manner.
Undeniably, there are hints of the car's heft to be felt at the helm, especially when being carried through the bends at speed. But that does not hamper the overall experience that Honda cars are renowned for - one that embraces connectivity and drivability.
Econ mode part of the latest addition - with eco-friendliness in mind Like many of the marque's latter offerings, the Odyssey aims to be a fuel-saver, and comes with a coaching system to guide drivers achieve the best mileage out of their propellant - activated via the striking - green Econ tab next to the steering column.
Conclusion
In its latest iteration, the Odyssey has seemingly taken on a very conservative approach for the facelift, with very minor upgrades in the aesthetics department.
Arguably, that did not alter what we have come to love about the Odyssey - the handsome exterior styling, practical interiors that will seat seven with ease, as well as the superior driving performance that edges it over its competitors. Sounds like the retention may not be a bad thing after all.
Conclusion
In its latest iteration, the Odyssey has seemingly taken on a very conservative approach for the facelift, with very minor upgrades in the aesthetics department.
Arguably, that did not alter what we have come to love about the Odyssey - the handsome exterior styling, practical interiors that will seat seven with ease, as well as the superior driving performance that edges it over its competitors. Sounds like the retention may not be a bad thing after all.
