Honda Odyssey Named Drive's 'Best People Mover' For The Third Consecutive Year

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – Nov 24, 2011: The Honda Odyssey has been crowned ‘Best People Mover’ in the 2011 Drive Car of the Year Awards for the third consecutive year.

The luxurious, seven-seater Odyssey outclassed competitors to take the coveted title for the sixth time in seven years.

Drive’s editor, Toby Hagon remarked; “The Odyssey continues to shine as a people-mover that doesn’t feel like a bus. With seating for seven and car-like appointments at a competitive price, the Honda impressed the Drive judges with what is a viable alternative to bigger, more expensive vehicles.

“The recent improvement in value makes the Odyssey a standout for anyone looking to carry seven people.”

Honda Australia spokesperson, Lindsay Smalley said the Odyssey is in a class of its own. “Honda is thrilled that the Odyssey is Drive’s Car of the Year Best People Mover for the third consecutive year.

“The Odyssey’s superior styling, advanced technology and fun to drive personality are praised by Australian families. The Odyssey represents Honda’s commitment to provide our customers with engineering excellence, value for money and worry-free motoring. The Odyssey is a true champion,” Mr. Smalley said.

The Odyssey has received significant upgrades and is on-sale from December 1.

The Odyssey model now offers around $2,500 worth of specifications upgrades for the all-new price of $37,100, a reduction of $2,000 over the YM2011. This includes integrated satellite navigation, ECON button with Honda’s unique Eco Assist coaching function, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifts and redesigned 16 inch alloy wheels.

The Luxury model is now available from $44,920, a reduction of $1,000.

Both variants receive several updates, including a redesigned front grille and headlights, LED rear tail lights, silver license-plate garnish and silver metallic finishing for the centre panel and door handles.

The Luxury model also receives the ECON button with Eco Assist and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifts. In addition, it is equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels and smokey-clear LED rear tail lights.

Technology is a key feature of the Odyssey, with the satellite navigation system – now standard across the range – featuring iPod compatibility, USB connectivity, integrated Bluetooth, live traffic updates, map updates, rear camera and DVD player (operates when the vehicle is stationary only).

Over the years, the Honda Odyssey has been the recipient of other industry awards, including Australia’s Best Cars ‘Best People Mover’ and Wheels Magazine’s Car of the Year.

Honda is the world’s biggest engine manufacturer, a leader in automotive research and development and consistently rated a top performer in customer satisfaction. There are more than 400,000 Hondas on the road in Australia and millions of happy customers worldwide.