Honda Odyssey: fifth-gen people-mover revealed

Shown in Japanese domestic market specification, Honda says its fifth-generation full-size people-mover inherits the DNA of the outgoing Odyssey but is based on a revamped platform with an ultra-low floor.

Aimed at delivering "a new era" of "comfortable moving space", the new Honda Odyssey promises space and comfort "far beyond" what has previously been offered as well as a high level of driving performance coming from an all-new "powerful and fuel-efficient" engine and transmission.

Up front, the evolutionary rather than revolutionary styling changes include a new grille; larger, upswept LED-infused headlights that flow high into the front quarter panels; and a stubbier bonnet. A lower and deeper front bumper with chrome-ringed fog lights is also far more modern.

New character lines feature down the front conventionally opening and rear sliding doors with additional chrome details on the side skirts and door handles tying in with a chrome strip along the top of the doors.

At the rear, new tail-lights follow the same basic shape as the current model, however, the simplified layout creates a cleaner look. They are also divided by a new 'Odyssey'-stamped centre piece. A more prominent tailgate-mounted rear spoiler, new rear bumper and new alloy wheels complete the exterior.

Inside has also been sharpened up with a new dash, steering wheel and instruments added along with wood and metallic trim accents and a flush-mounted infotainment system with display screen. New reclinable rear seats with integrated footrests are also on offer on higher-specced variants.

Details remain scarce at this stage, though, some form of collision avoidance technology (pictured below) appears to be part of the new car's safety package.

Due in local showrooms in the first quarter of 2014, the next-gen Honda Odyssey is tipped to start slightly higher than the recently cut $35,100 price of the outgoing 132kW/218Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder-powered model.

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