Honda begins sales of new compact minivan: the Freed
TOKYO, Japan - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it
will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May
30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with
stylish design. Special mobility assistive versions—Freed with side
lift-up seat and Freed with passenger lift-up seat, also go on sale May 30,
2008—while a Freed wheelchair-accessible model will go on sale June
20, 2008.
Developed under the concept of “Freedom to create the perfect
lifestyle,” the Freed features Honda’s original low-floor and
low-center-of-gravity technology, to achieve a compact body size that makes
it easy to maneuver through city streets as well as a spacious cabin that
enables adults to sit comfortably in all three rows. Honda developed this
vehicle with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and
easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling
customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet
individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time
trips.
Three different versions are offered: the first seven-passenger vehicle
in its class*1 featuring captain’s seats in the second row; the first
eight-passenger vehicle in its class*1; and a five-passenger type which
offers a large, best-in-class*1 cargo space. Moreover, for the first time
in a registration-class Honda vehicle, wheelchair-accessible models are
offered in addition to versions with a side lift-up seat and passenger
lift-up seat. With the addition of these mobility assistive models, Honda
positions Freed as a vehicle which fulfills the diverse needs of a wide
range of customers.
Space creates freedom – Selecting the best space for each
lifestyle
A compact body with cabin space that allows adults to sit
comfortably in all three rows A flat-floor, newly designed from the
frame up, maximizes usable space from end to end The one-step low- and
flat-floor and walk-through layout provideease of access for children and
seniors Seven-, eight- and five-passenger seat configurations to
respond to various lifestyle needs Spacious and well-lighted interior
achieves liberated feeling with two-layer instrument panel design Large
cargo space accommodate shopping and leisure activities Three mobility
assistive versions share the freedom and fun of mobility
Style and performance create freedom - smart design and driving
performance for everyday use
Dynamic and stylish form creates eye-catching urban look
Compact, easy-to-maneuver body and excellent field of vision provide
driver with confidence Powerful and smooth performance together with
economical high fuel efficiency
With the goal of making multi-passenger traveling more comfortable and
to enhance the joy of driving, Honda has been adopting its low-floor and
low-center-of-gravity technology as the foundation of its minivan
technologies. With the addition of the Freed, Honda is further enhancing
its low-floor, low-center-of-gravity minivan lineup.
Key Features of the Freed
Packaging
A spacious interior and three rows of seats provide comfortable
seating for up to eight adults. Compact dimensions: 4,215 mm L × 1,695
mm W × 1,715 mm H (FF vehicles) or 1,720 mm H for vehicles equipped with
the Skyroof. Compact fuel tank and ingenious under-floor structure
result in a low, flat floor. Unique hip-point layout that rises from
front to back provides passengers a sense of spaciousness.
Seven-passenger variation features captain’s seats in the second
row and a walk-through layout that allows passengers to access any row from
any door without having to operate a seat adjuster. One-step, low, flat
floor layout with second-row floor height of 390 mm*2(standard on FF
vehicles) provides easy access for children and seniors. Sliding rear
doors on either side of the vehicle achieve a large (600 mm*2) door opening
for easy ingress and egress even in cramped spaces. Also available with
each variation are power sliding doors that open and close easily for added
convenience. Owing to its 2,740 mm wheelbase and compact mechanical
devices, the Freed has ample interior space while offering a minimum
turning radius of only 5.2 meters.
Utility
The Freed comes in seven-, eight- and five-passenger configurations.
Seven-passenger: Captain’s seats in the second row ensure
that your passengers are treated to same comfort they’d have if they
were in the front. The walk-through layout allows passengers to access any
row from any door without having to operate a seat adjuster.
Eight-passenger: A 60:40-split tumble seat in the second row
creates a bench seat that comfortably seats three adults and makes the
Freed the only minivan in the 1.5-liter class to offer eight-passenger
capacity.
Five-passenger: Seating for five passengers in two rows with
ample cargo space, thanks to its low- and flat-floor layout.
The third row features 50:50-split seats that can be easily flipped up
to make room for extra cargo. The Freed has enough space to easily stow a
27-inch bicycle*3 without removing tires or handlebars. An easily wipeable
plastic mat that won’t attract pet hair or other debris is also
available.
Interior styling
Layered-design instrument panel highlights
bright and spacious interior styling. Meter placement above the
steering wheel enhances visibility and minimizes eye movement. The
Freed features relaxing and comfortable seats not usually found in
compact-class vehicles. Tilt and telescope steering wheel provides
optimal driving position. With front pillars designed to maximize
visibility, side window sills that descend as they move forward and
oversized quarter windows, the Freed offers confidence-building,
unobstructed field of vision.
Exterior styling
A wedge-shaped fascia melds into the rectangular cabin section to
create the distinctive “triangle & square form” that embodies
the concepts of thrilling dynamic performance and ample interior space.
The front view is characterized by the rich curvature of the hood and
the chrome finish of the oversized grille, giving the vehicle a strong
sense of presence. Combined with the elongated and angular shape of the
headlights, this conveys the impression of chiseled strength. Seen from
the side, the character lines that sweep toward the rear and relaxed
surfaces of the side windows convey movement, while the sculpted surfaces
of the body panels give viewers the feeling that the car could break into a
sprint at any time. From the rear, the protruding fenders fuse with the
rich curvature of the body panels, emphasizing the vehicle’s low
center of gravity and providing a feeling of stability. The finely
sculpted three-lens rear combination lamps create a sense of depth. The
addition of Premium Night Blue Pearl body color brings the number of
available color schemes to seven.
Powertrain
The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine provides full-range power and fuel
efficiency of 16.4km per liter. (Results for front-wheel-drive vehicle in
10-15 mode during fuel efficiency testing by Japan’s Ministry of
Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism.) The torque converter and
continuously variable transmission provide powerful, smooth acceleration
and exhilarating yet comfortable performance under a wide variety of
driving conditions.
Body structure
Optimal balance between forward and rear body rigidity as well as
localized reinforcement of connecting members has resulted in greater
dynamic rigidity. A light yet highly rigid body structure was achieved
using lightweight but strong high-tension steel and larger cross-sectional
areas in structural members, which reduced material thickness and provided
the strength necessary to design large openings for the sliding doors and
tailgate. Quiet operation during idling and acceleration has been
achieved by enhancing structural rigidity throughout the body and chassis,
which reduces noise-producing vibrations in the cabin’s interior.
Also, noise-dampening/absorbing treatments are applied to key areas.
Chassis
A MacPherson strut suspension on the front end provides firm yet
responsive contact with the road. In the rear, an H-shaped torsion beam
suspension provides stability and comfort. Honda’s Electric Power
Steering enables easy maneuverability when parking or cornering, while on
the highway the steering feels solid.
Safety performance
Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body not only
helps protect occupants, but also mitigates the damage incurred by other
vehicles in the event of an accident. Pedestrian-injury mitigation
technology helps protect pedestrians from injury in case of collision.
To help protect against head injuries during side collisions, a side
curtain air bag system is standard on some models and available on all.
Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is a standard
feature on 4WD, Gi Aero and Flex i Aero models and available on all others.
In addition, engine torque control and DBW throttle control allow for
precise control of the vehicle while driving. In addition to ISO FIX
child seat bars, tether anchors are provided in both the left and right
seats of the second row as standard equipment.
Environmental performance
The Freed has been certified by the Japan’s Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport andTourism as having emission levels 75% lower
than those required by 2005 standards. All front-wheel-drive Freed
variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%. All
4-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for
2010 by 5%.
Special - needs vehicles
The Freed features a spacious interior with a low floor as well as
oversized door and tailgate openings, which makes it particularly well
suited for persons with special needs. Available in a
wheelchair-accessible model as well as side lift-up seat and passenger
lift-up seat models, the Freed provides caregivers and care-recipients
outstanding utility. Special-needs Freed vehicles are produced on the same
assembly line as the standard production vehicles, which ensures a steady
supply.
Wheelchair - accessible model
The rear of the wheelchair-accessible variation is lower than the
standard Freed. It’s equipped with an easy-to-pull-out aluminum
wheelchair access ramp with a sure-grip surface and a slope of just 11°.
Used in combination with the wheelchair safety belt, care-providers will
find it a safe and convenient means of enabling smooth ingress and egress
for people in wheelchairs. The design of the second-row captain’s
seats helps provide wheelchair passengers with an unobstructed view and
helps caregivers easily keep track of all their passengers. There is also a
specially designed 3-point ELR seat belt with independent chest and waist
belts for the exclusive use of wheelchair passengers.
Passenger lift - up seat model
Full operation of the passenger lift-up seat, including rotation and
elevation, can be performed using a single passenger seat switch. The seat
is of the same quality and offers the same level of comfort as the standard
seat. It also comes with arm rests and a recliner.
Side lift - up seat model
Full operation of the side lift-up seat, including rotation and
elevation, can be performed using a single switch at the left side of the
second row of seats. As with the passenger lift-up seat, the seat is just
as comfortable and of the same quality as the standard seat. It, too, comes
with arm rests and recliner. Also, this model includes a left-side power
sliding door as standard equipment.
