Honda Introduces All-New Step Wagon

Tokyo, Japan, May 26, 2005 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of an all-new Step Wagon (Step WGN). Featuring a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, the new Step WGN offers superior comfort and a compact body along with sedan-like handling and maneuverability. Attractive features such as floor panel design, a first for a production passenger minivan, help create a comfortable and inviting interior. The new Step WGN goes on sale May 27 at Honda automobile dealers throughout Japan.

This all-new third generation Step WGN combines the spaciousness of a minivan with the driving performance of a sedan. Based on the concept "Fun-derful Mover," the new Step WGN offers high-value, next-generation utility in a comfortable vehicle that's fun to drive and fun to use.

The new Step WGN is built on Honda's unique low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, and offers the same interior height as the previous model. However, the vehicle's center of gravity is 40mm(1) lower and floor height 60mm lower(1). Reductions in vehicle height of 75mm(1) and in vehicle length of 45mm make the new Step WGN more compact and give it enhanced drivability, yet the interior is spacious and accommodating. The lower center of gravity helps improve maneuverability, resulting in sedan-like handling, stability, and ride comfort. The highly functional packaging of the new Step WGN makes it ideal for a wide variety of everyday activities.

Cabin features such as floor paneling that provides the look and convenience of a hard wood floor; an optional six-panel skylight for soft, natural illumination; and flexible seat configurations contribute to the relaxed, spacious ambience of this high-value next-generation minivan utility vehicle.

(1) Comparison with previous FF models according to Honda internal calculations.