Honda's fourth Odyssey...

Honda Australia has launched two new models despite describing the Australian dollar as "in critical condition" against both the Japanese Yen and Thai Baht; the two currencies it uses to trade. Pricing for both the new Odyssey people mover and the Civic Si five-door hatch have been affected by the weakening Aussie dollar.

Despite this the company is confident that both models can still succeed. The basic spec Odyssey now starts at $43,990 and the Luxury model starts at $49,990. Honda is targeting sales of 100 per month.

The fourth generation of the Japanese people mover went on sale in Australia yesterday (Friday April 3) and it continues to blur the line between car and mini-van. Although based on the same platform as the out-going model there have been significant changes to the car's structure and design.

Longer and lower than the model it replaces the new Odyssey is designed to improve upon its famed car-like handling while increasing interior space and comfort.

Power comes from an improved version of the 2.4-litre four-cylinder I-VTEC engine that now produces 132kW; a 12 per cent upgrade over the old unit. Special attention has been paid to improving fuel economy achieving 8.9L/100km.

Despite the trend towards bigger SUVs having an impact on mini-van sales Honda believes there are still enough buyers out there who don't need the four-wheel drive capabilities found in many SUVs or the environmental connotations that also surround the bigger wagons.

The long-awaited five-door Civic Si also joined the Honda fleet yesterday but will only be available in limited numbers due to supply restrictions from the car's British plant.

In what the company is calling "test marketing" there will be just 420 examples of the Civic Si available in Australia this year.

Only one specification will be offered and it will be priced from $38,990 for the six-speed manual and $41,290 if equipped with the five-speed automatic gearbox.

Both are mated to the firm's 1.8-litre I-VTEC engine that produces 103kW and 174Nm. Cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels are among the standard features.