Car news / Honda Begins Sales of New Compact Minivan: the Freed |
06.06.2008
Honda Begins Sales of New Compact Minivan: the FreedCar News /
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.
Freed G (FF)
Freed Flex Aero (FF)
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.
*1
Compact minivan class (engine displacement: 1.5 litter)
< 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
< Space creates freedom – Selecting the best space for each lifestyle >
·
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.
Note:
The vehicle name “Freed” was coined
from the word “freedom”. The name implies “a vehicle Honda pursued with
completely unrestricted thinking unbound by conventional thinking or
standard practices” as well as the combined meaning of “free” and “do”
(to take action).
 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.
*2
Honda calculations
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.
*3
Depending on bicycle model
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 automobile 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.
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