Honda Odyssey Luxury 2011 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $45,920
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Four-Star
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 8.9
CO2 emissions (g/km): 212
Also consider:Dodge Journey; Kia Grand Carnival; Toyota Tarago

The Honda Odyssey has been a perennial judges' favourite when it comes to Car of the Year awards, but its bootload of trophies has never really translated into sales success Down Under. In Australia peoplemovers are not the hit they are on some other markets – the Odyssey is a top performer its category and yet has averaged a modest 1500 sales a year since its arrival here in 1995. 

Targeted towards the premium end of the peoplemover market, the Honda has appealed most to those buyers who appreciate its excellent road manners, quality build, smart looks and roomy interior… And who don't mind paying a bit extra for the Honda badge.

But as buyers shift to other, often cheaper, seven-seat alternatives, the Odyssey's weaknesses have been highlighted; specifically its premium price, which was exacerbated in 2009 when Honda was forced into a price hike due to unfavourable exchange rates.

Also, the Odyssey hasn't always kept pace in regards to standard equipment, with USB connectivity, for example, not available with the previous update.

The good news for potential buyers is that Honda has recently addressed both of these issues, with new features recently announced for Odyssey's two variants as well significant price cuts across the range.

Arguably the 'bargain' now is the range-topping Odyssey Luxury, tested here. Along with new silver metallic interior highlights, the seven-seater receives a much-needed 'infotainment' system which includes an integrated satnav system, reversing camera, DVD player, Bluetooth telephony, and USB music player connectivity.

Honda has also cut $3570 from the price into the bargain, bringing the Luxury back to a far more enticing $45,920 -- or pretty much the same price as the far poorer equipped 2006 model Luxury.

The first thing you notice is the new six-inch colour touchscreen display, which replaces the previous in-dash CD system, and, as noted above, incorporates satnav, DVD and audio functions, as well as the rear camera.

It's an excellent, easy to use system, with Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling via an iPhone working flawlessly. However, those who want to connect via USB to an iPod or similar might be disappointed with the cord located behind the glovebox, limiting access to the device while it's in use.

We ran an episode of The Wire through the DVD player (Ed: hope the kids were pre-warned!) and the sharp picture and clear sound delivered a micro-movie experience.

The rear camera is a handy addition given restricted rear visibility from the driver's seat, but the Luxury still misses out on reverse parking sensors (the base Odyssey gets sensors but no rear camera), which is an annoying omission.

Otherwise, the Odyssey is as enjoyable to drive and spend time in as before. It's a cliché, but the big Honda really is car-like in its handling and having recently driven some SUVs and utes, the Odyssey's well-sorted suspension and low centre of gravity was a revelation when punting hard through the corners.

While its ground hugging stance and low-hanging body kit won't be appreciated by all, one benefit over a jacked-up SUV is that young kids can more easily climb in without a helping hand. And loading a heavy pram or other awkward goods through the rear gate is far easier with the Odyssey's low loading height.

While the 132kW/218NM 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine could do with a little extra punch, it's remarkably smooth, refined and willing to rev, and more than adequate for most situations.

The upside of an efficient, small capacity engine is decent economy, and the Odyssey averaged 10.2L/100km across a week of mostly peak-hour driving through the 'burbs with some freeway runs. This is certainly better than most petrol seven-seater SUVs.

Inside, the fit and finish of the black leather lined interior is up to Honda's usual high standards, and the new brushed metal-look dash and side door inserts combined with the new display unit add to the edgy 'cockpit'-style cabin's contemporary feel.

While the Odyssey provides a proper boot at the same time as seven very comfy seats, it's not quite as spacious as the Kia Carnival with slightly less shoulder room for three adults across the second row. The Odyssey's second row middle seat is also not as passenger-friendly with its narrow, firm, fold down backrest.

It also doesn't have as many 'man-sized' storage nooks as the Carnival, and the Honda's fold-away centre console between the front seats is really only useful as a tray for odds and ends like a phone and wallet.

The Odyssey gets full marks for curtain airbags and HVAC vents stretching back to the third row. While the equipment list is now almost complete for its market segment, we'd still like to see more than two 12V outlets in this electronic device hungry day and age, and of course, rear parking sensors fitted as standard to the Luxury model.

Overall, though, the latest equipment boost and price reduction should help put Honda's top-spec peoplemover back on the radar of value-conscious buyers looking for a well-equipped, fun-to-drive, and family friendly urban commuter.

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