Honda upgrades Odyssey

Honda Australia has announced an upgraded ‘18YM’ Odyssey people-mover range that brings a range of ‘Honda Sensing’ driver-assistance technologies and increased towing capacity.

The catch is those upgrades are reserved for the more expensive (but top-selling) Odyssey VTi-L model, which is now $1100 pricier than before at $47,590 plus on-road costs, while the entry-level VTi is now priced from $37,990 plus ORCs -- up $380.

However, Honda says both those prices remain below their launch prices in 2014 and both models in the popular two-variant Odyssey line-up come in for changes, including a number of exterior design changes, interior updates and improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Due to start arriving into Honda dealerships near the end of December, both Odyssey variants gain a number of visual exterior enhancements as part of the refreshed 2018 range.

The entry-level Odyssey VTi adopts the full Odyssey family-look, picking up the ‘aero’ front fascia design previously reserved for the top-of-the-range VTi-L, along with chrome surrounds for the new front fog lights.

Meanwhile the Odyssey VTi-L now showcases the latest evolution of Honda’s ‘solid wing face’ design, with a new premium aero package comprising enhanced bumper shaping, pronounced aero forms, LED fog lights and a dark chrome finish on upper and lower grilles.

The same dark chrome finish has also been applied to the door-handles, while new-design two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels and revisions to the rear fascia, badge and tailgate applique set the new VTi-L apart from its predecessor.

Inside the VTi-L, the second-row captain’s chairs are now fitted with larger, more luxurious headrests and additional seat-mounted storage compartments, while there also new trims on the instrument panel and doors, a new engine start/stop button and power-folding door mirrors.

Two new paint colours have also been introduced for both models, including Cobalt Blue Pearlescent and Platinum White Pearlescent, replacing Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearlescent respectively.

Other 18YM changes include reduced NVH and a higher (1000kg) braked towing capacity for the VTi-L.

But the latter scores all the new Honda Sensing features including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).

“The addition of Honda Sensing on the new Odyssey VTi-L represents another step in our plan to introduce the full suite of intelligent driver-assist features and active safety technologies right across the Honda vehicle range over the next few years,” said Honda Australia director Stephen Collins.

“So while it will take some time before the Honda Sensing system is standardised across all models and all grades, we are committed to supporting the safe and comfortable driving of our customers with Honda’s driver-assist technologies.

“With the introduction of Honda Sensing on the Odyssey VTi-L, it becomes the only model in the people-mover segment to offer Road Departure Mitigation technology, which alerts the driver if the vehicle is detected drifting out of its lane without a turn signal in use.

“It can also provide steering assistance to help you return to your lane or provide braking to help keep the vehicle from leaving the road entirely,” Collins said.

Honda says the Odyssey has been Australia’s favourite people-mover for private buyers over the past four years with a 35 per cent market share, although Kia’s Carnival commands a 47 per cent share of the overall people-mover market, ahead of the Odyssey on 17.5 per cent.

2018 Honda Odyssey pricing (plus (ORCs):
VTi -- $37,990 (+$380)
VTi-L -- $47,590 (+$1100)