Honda Philippines Plans to Topple Innova with 2016 Odyssey EX

MANILA: Toyota Motors are sure enjoying their top spot among automobile manufacturers, but we all know that the competitors are planning hard to change that. A similar plan of action to remove their prized MPV model, Innova can be seen in the Philippine market. Their Japanese competitors recently launched the Honda Odyssey EX, in respect to its never seen before 8-seater avatar. Although the MPV type vehicles aren’t as popular in the Philippines due to the absence of larger families as in neighboring regions such as Indonesia, it is surely a great place to test it against the mighty Toyota Innova. But the fun just doesn’t end with the extra passenger space as the vehicle is also offered at prices that might put Datsun to shame.

The 2016 Odyssey made its presence in the country last year, where it saw a design update and has now been enhanced to fit in more occupants. Exterior changes aren’t many but enough to ensure a fresh feel on the vehicle. The front now looks more streamlined, with a signature chrome face with a black colored mesh underneath. The sleek headlamps also looks pretty much like the Honda City, with its tapers ending in a chrome accent for the shoulder lines that run right upto the D-Pillar. The 5-spoke 16-inch alloys wheels also look great with their wide-spoke design. The best part about the vehicle is the addition of electronically sliding back doors that allow for easy entry and exit for the rear passengers. Coming to the 2016 Odyssey EX’s interiors the comfort is amazing and engineers at Honda Philippines have marvelously carved out space. The front cabin has been equipped with bucket seats, while the second row has Ottoman seats for more comfort. The third row has the traditional bench seat that can easily fit 3 passengers making the new vehicle large enough for 8-people.

The comfort features have also been updated on the Honda Odyssey EX as it now comes with an automatic climate control and cooling vents for the rear seats right up to the third row. The engine unfortunately is the same 2.4-litre i-VTEC Earth Dreams mill that is now provided with CVT with shift paddles. However, the presence of a unique Idle-Stop System that improves its fuel-efficiency by systematically switching the engine on and off when the vehicle comes to a standstill. But the real shocker is its unbelievably low price that starts at PhP 1,948,000, which is insanely affordable for a manufacturer like Honda Motors. Although the regular variant couldn’t really grab the Innova’s sales, the 8-seater variant for the New Odyssey EX will certainly grab a lot of customer attention.

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