Specifications

Typical ‘gear hunting’

without Grade Logic Control

Optimised gear selection

with Grade Logic Control

4 4 4 4

5 5

33 3

Shift patterns are examples only.

A seven-seater

disguised as a seda

The Odyssey may be a seven-seater, but that doesn’t mean

it should drive like one… Does it? The engineers at Honda

certainly don’t think so, which is why the Odyssey offers

impressive levels of power and torque, combined with the

agile handling you might expect from a sedan. So how did

they do it? Let’s take a quick look under the hood and find out.

For starters, there’s the versatile 2.4 litre DOHC i-VTEC

engine, which delivers just the right amount of power when

you need it, and enviable economy when you’re cruising along.

Speaking of cruising, the Odyssey offers a superbly smooth ride,

thanks to its independent coil spring suspensions and 5-speed

transmission with Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold. This clever

system senses when the Odyssey is on an incline or decline, and

adjusts the gears to smooth out any jerky ‘gear hunting’. There’s

also steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, so you can move

the gears up or down a notch whenever you choose.

Inside the cabin, the Odyssey feels more like a sedan than a

seven-seater. Its low floor and low centre of gravity make the ride

more enjoyable, while also making it easier to hop in and out.

The Odyssey even handles superbly in the most

unforgiving environment of all – the shopping centre

carpark. Its turning circle is an incredible 10.8 metres,

which is almost the same as the Civic. Manoeuvering

in and out of parking spots has never been more

effortless. (If only finding them was so simple.)

The Odyssey may be a seven-seater, but its brilliant

performance and agile handling make it an absolute

pleasure to drive. Who says a family car has to be boring?

Independent coil spring suspension.