Honda has taken the third generation Odyssey beyond its people mover origins and developed an aggressively styled, multi-purpose wagon with low roofline, dynamic on-road performance and sure-footed handling. The new Odyssey retains its flexibility – seating up to seven passengers in comfort – while achieving a low centre of gravity for superior handling and luxury car levels of ride comfort.

Inside, the Odyssey is more spacious than ever thanks to clever layout of the fuel tank, rear suspension and exhaust system. The floor to ceiling height has increased by 5 mm, despite the new Odyssey – at 1550 mm – being lowered to sit just 25 mm taller than Honda’s Jazz compact.

Two variants are available – Odyssey and Odyssey Luxury. Both have a smooth, compact 2.4-litre 118kW DOHC i-VTEC LEV engine within the Odyssey’s short nose which provides 218 Nm torque. It meets EURO04 LEV emissions standards.

For the first time, a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift is paired with an Odyssey 4-cylinder engine. Grade Logic control ensures smoother gear selection and acceleration, while the sequential shift function allows the driver to exploit the Odyssey’s sporty characteristics.

Already considered the most car-like of its class, the new Odyssey takes its handling capabilities to new levels. The revised four-wheel double wishbone suspension is tuned to balance steering stability and ride comfort. Compact reactive link rear suspension also minimises intrusion into the cabin for greater cargo and passenger space.

Honda’s linear Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering and a low centre of gravity also contribute to Odyssey’s smooth, responsive handling. VGR regulates steering effort while providing precise, predictable control.

Active safety features include dual stage i-SRS front airbags, side airbags with Occupant Position Detection Sensors (OPDS), while Odyssey Luxury gains additional curtain airbags, covering three rows. All Odyssey variants are equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters and front buckle pretensioners. Four wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard safety features.

In traditional Odyssey style, the seating is designed for maximum comfort and usability across all three rows. All rows have individual air vents and the Odyssey’s interior flexibility means it can be transformed from seven seats to a huge cargo space and numerous configurations in between.

The 50/50 split third row features an easy-to-use manual mechanism to fold flat into the floor or a one-step power retractable function on the Odyssey Luxury. Passenger and rear cargo space access is even easier thanks to the Odyssey’s low ride height and wide door openings.

Honda has chosen a high-tech, futuristic dash design to complement the Odyssey’s radical styling. It uses blue illumination, titanium- and woodgrain-look finishes, a wrap-around dash and deep-set instrument display to create a cockpit-style environment for the driver. Audio and cruise controls are steering wheel-mounted for ease of use.

A comfortable driving position is easy to achieve with a ratchet-style seat height adjustment and tilt-adjustable steering, while the Odyssey Luxury has 8-way driver’s seat power adjustment and heated front seats. The Luxury variant also has sunroof, leather interior, six-CD stacker, auto-on/off headlights and alloy wheels.

Honda Australia Director Lindsay Smalley said the 2004 Odyssey’s radical new direction would alter expectations of people movers and their capabilities.

“We believe the new Odyssey will radically redefine the people mover segment – it will appeal to both the traditional people mover buyer as well as those currently driving wagons to meet their very active lifestyle,” he said.

Honda has priced the new Odyssey at $38,790 and the Odyssey Luxury at $45,290. The Odyssey range is now available at Honda dealerships around Australia.

SALES & MARKETING

People movers have traditionally suffered from an image of necessary practicality – the car you buy when personal preference and driving enjoyment are sacrificed for family needs.

Thanks to their van-like shape and poor on-road dynamics, people movers are more likely to be purchased purely to service a growing family.

With each generation of Odyssey, Honda has addressed this issue with sedan-like ride and handling, aerodynamic styling and luxury features – attributes that have helped Odyssey become Australia’s most awarded Honda.

This theme is pushed further with the new Odyssey. A low centre of gravity, low ground clearance and aggressive styling means the Odyssey appears and performs even more like a passenger car rather than a traditional people mover.

As such, Honda expects the new Odyssey to appeal to two different buyer groups. The core buyers are likely to belong to a group Honda calls “Versatile Families”.

Buyers in this group typically have up to three children and enjoy an active life with their family and beyond, and as such, require a vehicle that complements every aspect of their lives. Versatile Families appreciate style, quality and luxury and, therefore, their vehicle choice reflects their aspirations and reinforces their busy, rich and active lifestyle.

The Odyssey’s space and extra seats are viewed as an added bonus – they’re not considered a necessity.

Of the Versatile Families, a higher proportion of drivers are likely to be women.

Honda believes the new Odyssey’s characteristics will also make it appealing to buyers dubbed “Active Practical Couples”.

This group typically consists of young couples about to start a family. They lead active lives, including plenty of travel, camping, hobbies and sports. As a result, they require accommodation to transport sporting and camping equipment as well as their friends and pets, however, don’t want to be burdened by the bulk of a large 4WD.

Honda anticipates there will be a higher proportion of male drivers in this group. Meanwhile, due to the nature of the model, Odyssey is likely to attract a 60 per cent female, 40 per cent male buyer split.

Honda Australia Product Planning Manager Justin Orr said the Odyssey’s unconventional concept will create new segment benchmarks.

“Its sporty dynamics, low, wide stance and futuristic styling set Odyssey apart from any people mover or wagon that’s gone before,” he said.

“We see the Odyssey as a possible competitor to traditional and sporty-type wagons with the added advantage of a seven-seat capacity and massive interior flexibility.”

Honda Australia has set a target of 150 units per month, with majority of sales likely to come from the Luxury variant.

MAIN FEATURES

Odyssey

• 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 118 kW @ 5500 rpm and 218 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
• 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and Grade Logic.
• All-new platform with low centre of gravity design.
• 7-seat cabin layout with headrests in every seating position.
• Four-wheel double wishbone suspension.
• Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system.
• Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
• Four-wheel disc brakes – 300mm ventilated front discs and 305mm rear discs.
• 16 x 6.5JJ wheels.
• Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) – EURO04.
• Fuel economy of 9.4l/100km combined (ADR81/01).
• Dual stage front i-SRS airbags.
• Side SRS airbags with Occupant Position Detection Sensors (OPDS).
• Front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters
• Front buckle pretensioners.
• Pedestrian safety features, including: impact-absorbing wiper pivots, bonnet, bonnet hinges, guards and front bumper.
• Climate control air-conditioning with manual second-row outlet.
• Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls.
• Futuristic instrument panel with blue backlit dials.
• Fold down centre console table.
• Adjustable front armrests.
• Driver and passenger vanity mirrors.
• Titanium-look inner door handles.
• Sunglasses holder.
• Foot operated parking brake.
• Remote central locking.
• 60/40 split second-row seating.
• Retractable 50/50 split third-row seat with integrated headrests.
• Expandable map pockets in 2nd row passenger doors.
• 2nd row passenger door pockets.
• Power windows with auto up/down driver’s window.
• Body-coloured power mirrors.
• Chrome exterior door handles.
• Five child seat anchorage points.
• Immobiliser.
• Security alarm.
• Single in-dash CD tuner with steering wheel controls.
• Four speakers.
• In glass antenna.
• Eight cup holders.

Odyssey Luxury

As Odyssey, plus:

• Side curtain SRS airbags.
• Electric sunroof.
• Auto-on/off light sensitive headlights.
• 16 x 6.5JJ alloy wheels.
• Power retractable third row of seats.
• Leather interior trim.
• Power adjustable driver’s seat.
• Two-stage heated front seats.
• Leather steering wheel with woodgrain-look trim.
• Illuminated vanity mirrors.
• Lidded 2nd row passenger door pockets.
• 6-CD stacker under front passenger seat.

WHAT’S NEW

Odyssey

• 2.4-litre 118kW DOHC i-VTEC engine.
• 5-speed sequential shift automatic transmission mated to Odyssey four-cylinder engine for the first time.
• Side SRS airbags with OPDS.
• Aggressive styling.
• All-new platform with low floor and low centre of gravity.
• Increased interior height and length.
• Increased body rigidity.
• Improved NVH.
• Retuned double wishbone suspension.
• Blue-metallic coloured front headlights.
• Futuristic blue-back lit dashboard instrumentation.
• Ergonomically shaped shift lever.
• Low, flat luggage space with no intrusions.
• Increased storage space including recessed panels and expandable map pockets in passenger doors.
• Power outlet in front row centre console table.
• Sunglasses holder.
• Security alarm.

Odyssey Luxury

As Odyssey, plus:

• Curtain SRS airbags covering all three rows.
• Electric sunroof.
• Auto-on/off light sensitive headlights.
• Power retractable third row.
• Power adjustable driver’s seat.
• Dual stage heated front seats.
• Leather steering wheel with woodgrain-look trim.
• Lidded 2nd row passenger door pockets.

TECHNICAL

BODY

The new 2004 Odyssey defies expectations. It provides a spacious and comfortable environment for seven passengers, despite its low roofline.

Honda uses an ingenious low-floor platform and low overall height to provide interior accommodation that belies the Odyssey’s external appearance. In fact, the 04 Odyssey has a roofline on par with Honda’s Jazz compact.

The Odyssey’s lower dimensions also play a role in its on-road performance. A low centre of gravity contributes to a feeling of stability and secure handling, while high build quality and a strong body construction enhance Odyssey’s dynamic performance.

Strong framework provides high rigidity which, combined with effective use of lightweight materials and exhaustive attention to aerodynamics and NVH, contributes to superior stability, fuel economy and quietness. Honda has also pursued high standards of quality, right down to the noise the doors make when shutting.

The Odyssey’s light-weight, highly rigid body improves handling and ride comfort. Honda sought improvements in static rigidity – such as bending and torsional rigidity – and also pursued extra dynamic rigidity.

At the front, the “closed-section” bulkhead and addition of a cross-member in the upper dashboard area increase handling responsiveness and steering linearity.

The rear tailgate opening has been strengthened with an additional quarter member and reinforced joint gussets.

The adoption of high strength, high tensile steel plate for all major body frame components contributes to a weight saving of 16kg compared with conventional materials.

Dimensions
The Odyssey’s overall height is 80mm lower than the previous model and – while it can be parked in standard multi-level car parks – the Odyssey also gains 5mm extra headroom.

A more compact engine allows a shorter nose and overall length is down 65mm while the Odyssey’s interior is 50mm longer. The three-row, seven-seat cabin layout optimises passenger ride comfort.

Dimensions (mm)	Old Odyssey	New Odyssey	Difference
Length	4845	4780	- 65
Width	1800	1800	same
Height	1630	1550	- 80
Wheelbase	2830	2830	same
Ground clearance	130	119	- 11
Floor to ceiling	1215	1220 (Jazz 1280)	+ 5
Interior length	2740	2790	+ 50
Interior width	1529	1535	+ 6
Weight (base model)	1593	1610	+ 17

Ease of entry
In keeping with the original Odyssey concept, the new model offers superior ease of entry and exit thanks to its low floor, wide opening doors and seat height.

Three-stage door opening is easier when entering or exiting and handling luggage. Both the front and rear doors have three-stage door opening angles. Stages one and two enable smooth ingress and egress in confined car parks. Fully opening the rear doors make it easier to set up child seats or load and unload large items.

NVH
Honda has achieved cabin quietness by pursuing NVH to the finest level of detail.

Vibration and noise from the engine and exhaust system have been reduced at the source and vibration transfer from the engine or road surface to the cabin has been suppressed.

Honda has designed the Odyssey with luxury car levels of quietness. Noise entry routes were analysed and noise suppression materials appropriately located to reduce entry of noise into the cabin. Optimal location of high-performance sound insulation and noise suppression materials – mainly under the floor and in the roof – substantially reduces weight and improves quietness.

Styling
Using the low, sleek form of a black panther as a design concept, Honda has created the Odyssey to represent refined urban design down to the smallest detail. Its unique styling sits low to the ground and appears muscular, thanks to its frontal treatment, solid surfaces and flared front guards. A distinctive contour that extends from the headlights to the rear flanks adds to the Odyssey’s muscular appearance.

The Odyssey’s chrome-plated floating grille with honeycomb surround, blue metallic coloured slim-profile headlights and front bumper are integrated for a bold look. The distinctively flared front guards emphasise the Odyssey’s wide stance and strength.

From its low, short nose to its roof end, the Odyssey has a smooth silhouette. Combined with a solid lower body, the long, sleek cabin has a low centre of gravity giving it style, strength and spatial comfort.

The simple one-surface roofline, sleek sides and tailgate blend smoothly with three-dimensional design rear combination lights. The Honda badge is embedded into the tailgate while the rear combination lights consist of a grain-finished inner lens that is then layered with an even-surfaced, clear outer lens to give a sense of depth. The twin exhaust adds a sporty touch.

Aerodynamics
The Odyssey’s superior aerodynamic performance contributes to its on-road performance, fuel economy and quietness. Its low height, low-floor platform and smooth body lines deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance. The optimisation of front pillar and door mirror shapes aid the smooth passage of wind-flow to the rear, substantially reducing wind noise.

Flat plastic resin fuel tank
The fuel tank has been flattened without interfering with other components thanks to the moulding flexibility of plastic resin material. Strength has been increased by connecting the upper and lower tank surfaces with stoppers in four locations, and although the tank retains its 65 litre capacity, it is only 150mm high. This has contributed significantly to the lowering of the second-row seats and a lower centre of gravity.

Auto-on/off headlights (Luxury only)
The Odyssey Luxury is equipped with auto-on/off headlights, which automatically switches on the parking lights or headlights as required via a sensor mounted on the dashboard. The headlights can be set in auto-on mode or turned on manually.

The headlights will automatically go out when the ignition is off or when switched off manually or when the sensor detects there is enough ambient light.

INTERIOR
The Odyssey combines a luxurious interior with a functional, futuristic cockpit and a comfortable and versatile passenger space.

Visibility and ease of operation were central themes for the cockpit design. Controls are concentrated in the centre panel, with the dashboard spreading out to either side. Blending woodgrain- and titanium-look paneling from the dashboard to the doors gives a unified, luxurious look all the way to the rear.

The Odyssey Luxury gains leather seat and door trim, as well as a leather steering wheel with woodgrain trim. Woodgrain trim also extends to the doors and the centre console table.

Gear Shift
For safety and ease of use, designers have located the shift lever close to the steering wheel. Its location allows easy reach to and from the steering wheel, without obstructing the driver’s movements.

The gear shift has a comfortable, ergonomic design and a ball-shaped metallic slider, while a shorter shift stroke is added for ease of driving. LED illumination makes the shift position easier to see at night.

Dash
The Odyssey’s wrap-around, two-tone dashboard extends either side of the titanium-effect centre panel to the sides. Titanium-look paneling for the upper dash and wood-grain paneling for the lower dash adds a sense of prestige.

In the Odyssey Luxury, the woodgrain and titanium-look paneling continues to the door linings and pockets across all three rows. Woodgrain also adorns the centre console table and steering wheel.

Central to the Odyssey’s interior is a three-dimensional, three-dial layout built around a large speedometer. The display features blue translucent illumination combined with light emitted from an acrylic optical waveguide located on the dial surface. The effect creates a distinctive, easy-to-read display with great depth and contrast.

Honda has lengthened the dash display’s focal distance for improved visibility. Other effects include lights that illuminate and extinguish in stages as doors are opened/closed and in combination with the ignition. There is also an instantaneous fuel economy and outside temperature display.

From the driver’s seat
Multi-adjustable front seats with supportive cushioning and tilt-adjustable steering make it easy for the driver to find a comfortable driving position. Easy-to-read and visually aesthetic dials, a functional, easy-to-manipulate centre panel and an in-dash gear shift add up to the ultimate driving environment.

Climate Control Air Conditioning
The Odyssey’s climate control system is designed for the comfort of all seven passengers – whether seated in the front or rear.

Front passengers can set the cabin temperature using a temperature dial in the dashboard and activate the rear controls with a rear on/off switch, while rear passengers can manually select fan settings via a roof-mounted control panel. Second and third row passengers can also direct airflow from ceiling vents.

SEATING

Nearly all seating and cargo arrangements can be accomplished with ease without removing the head rests. By adjusting the seats, the Odyssey’s interior can be quickly transformed from a comfortable seven-seat cabin to a massive luggage area.

Front seats
Springs have been positioned within the seat cushion so the body naturally gravitates toward the rear of the seat, holding the body firmly in the seat. By locating the springs to support the upper pelvis helps minimise discomfort on long journeys. While the seat sides are firm enough to go unnoticed when moving in and out of the seat, they are flared more widely to achieve the right balance of ease of access and hold. Both driver and passenger seats have fold down armrests.

A ratchet-type driver’s seat height adjustment lever allows easy height adjustment, while the Odyssey Luxury is equipped with an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with height, tilt, forward/rear slide and reclining functions.

Second row
The second-row seats have a double fold-down mechanism, allowing them to be stowed flush. With no head rest removal required, the seats are easily folded down in a simple one-person operation. The seats also slide 320mm, making entry to the third-row seats easier.

Operation sequence:

• Lift up the front edge of the seat cushion
• Push the seat cushion forward to sit flush with the front seatbacks
• Collapse the head rest
• Collapse the 2nd row seat-back forward

Third row
The second-row seats have a 60:40 split while the third row has a new 50:50 collapsible split, offering wider arrangement options.

The Odyssey’s third row folds neatly into the floor. Under-floor storage of the third-row seat was a popular feature in previous Odyssey models, and now with the new model, the seats can be retracted and restored in a few simple steps. With the third row folded away, opening out cargo boards attached to the back of the second-row seats makes an even larger, flat space.

Third row manual operation
Storing seats:

• Collapse head rests forward.
• Using levers mounted on the seatbacks, fold seats forward.
• Using the lever mounted underneath the seat and strap located on the right seatback, pull seats backward and lower into the floor-well.
• Action is complete once the seat is enclosed within the storage space – a flat cargo space appears.

• Lift the seat out of the storage space using the handle provided, push the seat fully forward.
• Manually raise the seat backs via the seatback levers. Lock them into position.
• The operation is completed by manually raising the head rests.

The Odyssey Luxury has a power retractable third row which folds away in one easy step.

Electric operation and action
Storing seats:

• Collapse head rests forward and press retraction switch (depress until action complete).
• Action is complete once it is completely enclosed in the storage space. A flat cargo space appears.

• Press the restore switch when the seats are retracted (depress until action complete).
• Once it has returned to about 40 degrees the seat cushions and seat backs will separate and invert. Lock into the seating position.
• The operation is completed by manually raising the head rests.

The power under-floor third-row seat storage will only operate when the switch is being depressed while the vehicle is in Park and the tailgate is open. When retracting and restoring seats an alarm buzzer will sound if the seats aren’t locked.

Cargo space and storage
Storage space is plentiful. At the front, the Odyssey features a large illuminated glovebox, a lidded storage bin located above the centre panel and a centre console table with lidded compartments and two cupholders. The table surface is dimpled to minimise objects sliding around and the front doors have deep storage pockets.

In the second row, each passenger door has two compartments – an expandable map pocket at the bottom of the door and a recessed compartment at the top. This top compartment is equipped with a sliding lid on Odyssey Luxury. The Odyssey front passenger seatback has a map pockets, while Odyssey Luxury has seatback pockets on both passenger and driver’s seats.

At the rear, the Odyssey’s compact rear suspension, flattened fuel tank and flat twin mufflers has allowed a lower and wider luggage space with no intrusions – ground clearance is 11mm lower than the previous model making it easier to load bulky items.

By minimising the intrusion of wheel arches, Honda has expanded the available loading space. With the second row folded and the third row seats collapsed beneath the floor, the Odyssey has a maximum cargo space of 1056 litres.

Conveniently located storage compartments are fitted above the wheel arches to service third-row passengers. On the left is a lidded container with a cup holder. It contains a removable divider if a larger space is required, while the right side passenger has a cupholder and uncovered container.

A power source is located in the centre console table, directly in front of the second row seats.

Odyssey Luxury
The Odyssey Luxury has all the convenience of the seven-seat Odyssey interior with the added features of leather seats and door trims. The driver and front passenger seats also have the comfort of two-stage heating.

The steering wheel is covered in genuine leather with woodgrain cutouts at the top and bottom.

Audio
The Odyssey features a high-quality audio system with single in-dash CD tuner. The Luxury variant gains a six-CD stacker – mounted beneath the front seat – in addition to the single CD tuner. Both variants are equipped with four speakers.

SAFETY

In keeping with world-class safety standards, the new Odyssey has been engineered to provide a high level of safety for occupants, other road users and pedestrians in the event of an impact.

G-Force Control Technology Honda’s unique passive safety package – G-Force Control – has evolved to balance passenger safety with the reduction of impact on the other vehicle.

With every new model, Honda carries out its own extensive real-world crash safety research, including car-to-car crash testing performed at Honda's indoor omnidirectional crash test facility.

As well as improving passive safety, Honda’s research has also reduced impact on the other vehicle with the design and development of a crash- compatible body.

Honda has developed the Odyssey’s safety performance to withstand collisions from any direction while reducing occupant injury and providing a passenger survival space.

Honda has applied its G-Force Control Technology to clear the highest standards in two types of crash situation – the full wrap frontal collision where reducing occupant injury level is an issue – and the front offset crash where ensuring survival space is an issue.

Honda has achieved a crash safety performance that protects vehicle occupants in a 55km/h full-frontal collision and a 64km/h front offset collision. The Odyssey has also cleared 55km/h side collision and 50km/h rear collision tests.

Honda has moved beyond fixed barrier crash testing to set its own car-to-car crash testing targets in the pursuit of real-world collision safety.

The goal was passenger protection in a frontal crash with an up to two-tonne-class passenger vehicle, with impact speed of 50km/h each and 50 per cent front offset, based on statistical analysis of accidents. Stage One focused on ensuring collision safety for the occupants.

In real-world crash situations, a variety of conditions occur that cause one of the two vehicles to suffer more damage than the other. These include misalignment, where impact-absorbing materials fail to make contact due to body frame differences and variations in weight and body hardness.

Honda has researched crash-compatible body technology capable of withstanding collisions with vehicles of differing size, structure and hardness. This involves repeated crash testing with a variety of other vehicle types. The results have not only enhanced self-protection performance, but have also helped reduce excessive impact on the other vehicle.

Research results assuming car-to-car collision:
1) Weight differences cause the lighter vehicle to be pushed back.
2) Body frame differences cause misalignment of impact absorbing materials.
3) Body hardness differences mean that the softer vehicle is more likely to be damaged.

G-Force Control Technology Stage Two – Crash Compatible Body

In developing a crash compatible body, Honda has delivered both enhanced self-protection performance and reduced aggressive impact on the other vehicle.

The Odyssey’s innovative crash-compatible body allows a safer coexistence between vehicles.

In order to balance the essentially contradictory elements of enhancing self-protection performance while reducing aggressive impact on the other vehicle involved in an accident, it is vital for the engine compartment to efficiently disperse and absorb collision energy.

Honda has focused its energies on three safety themes:
1. Preventing misalignment or failure to make contact with the impact-absorbing materials of the other vehicle.
2. Distribution of collision impact.
3. Efficient energy absorption.

Highly efficient energy absorption by the engine compartment in the new Odyssey has enabled it to pass the crash test targets.

The Odyssey’s crash-compatible body boasts impact-absorbing materials preventing frame misalignment and a highly efficient energy-absorbing structure. The Odyssey’s frame is also designed to absorb impact over a wide area.

In a frontal collision, energy is dispersed and absorbed via an upper frame and lower member and further dispersed to the front pillars and floor. The lower member prevents misalignment, and, when combined with the upper frame, absorbs collision energy over a wider area. This allows efficient absorption of collision energy and substantially reduces cabin deformation, despite the Odyssey’s short nose design.

In addition to its crash-compatible body, the Odyssey’s floor frame has a load dispersal structure that efficiently disperses energy. Widespread use of high tensile steel plate for the body framework delivers a highly effective energy-absorbing structure in collisions from any direction.

The engine bay is also designed for efficient energy absorption to reduce cabin deformation and excessive impact on the other vehicle.

Pedestrian Safety Features
Honda is an industry leader in the area of pedestrian safety technology. Since the launch of HR-V in 1999, Honda has steadily introduced impact-absorbing body structures to reduce pedestrian head and leg injuries in many of its new models.

Honda continues to develop new pedestrian-friendly technologies with its primary focus on protecting the head – which is most at risk of life-threatening injury – and the legs. Impact-absorbing materials have been adopted in the bonnet, bonnet hinges, wiper pivots, front fender and bumpers.

Pedestrian safety features:

• Impact-absorbing wiper pivots (Wiper pivots have been made readily collapsible to absorb impact on collision).

• Impact-absorbing bonnet (Space allocated between the engine and the bonnet to absorb impact on collision).
• Impact-absorbing structure for bonnet hinges (the bonnet mounting pins are now readily collapsible to absorb impact on collision).
• Impact-absorbing bumper (the bumper beam is now a two-stage structure to absorb impact on collision).
• Impact-absorbing guards (guards are now readily collapsible to absorb impact on collision.)

Driver seat and front passenger seat i-SRS airbag system
The Odyssey is equipped with programmes capable of accurately detecting the level of G-force impact and operating accordingly. An inflator with a two stage deployment system controls airbag force. The system also determines whether to trigger simultaneous inflation or to activate the time-delayed second stage inflation according to the severity of the impact.

SRS side airbag system with OPDS
A side collision detection sensor is located on either side and in the middle of the vehicle to enable optimal deployment timing. An Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) sensor is also fitted in the front passenger seat to control airbag inflation after detecting the passenger’s build and posture.

Curtain Airbags – Odyssey Luxury
All three rows of seats are equipped with the side curtain airbag system to protect the head and neck of occupants of varying builds – from children to adults – during a side collision, and particularly from head contact with the side pillars.

A low temperature gas inflator (total compression gas type) is used for rapid deployment over the whole side window area. This rapid deployment speed has enabled the bag to be made thicker for more effective impact absorption, significantly reducing injury to the head area at time of impact. Impact sensors are located on either side of each row of seats and in the middle of the vehicle. This permits optimum inflation timing of the side curtain airbags and i-SRS side airbag system in the first row, depending on the type of side impact.

Interior protects head area impact
The cabin interior features an impact-absorbing structure for the roof sides and in each pillar to mitigate impact on occupant heads during a collision.

Front-row seats
In designing the front-row seats, Honda has taken into consideration the head and body are subject to different forces during a rear-end collision, with greater stress exerted on the neck. The Odyssey’s seat backs have been designed to have the body sink into them in a collision, while headrest position and angle have been optimised to reduce trauma on the neck area.

The front-row seats are also fitted with three-point, load limiter-equipped, pretensioner ELR seatbelts and buckle pretensioners for improved occupant restraint in both the pelvic and chest regions.

Seatbelt reminder
The driver’s seat is equipped with a seat belt reminder that encourages wearing the seat belt with a warning light and alarm when the belt is not engaged.

Other safety features

• Second-row seats – three-point ELR/ALR (child-restraint mounting mechanism) seat belts (two-point manual for central seat).
• Third-row seats: three-point ELR seat belts.

CHASSIS

Honda has pursued superior chassis balance, combining sure-footed handling, smooth ride and a low centre of gravity to deliver a new level of handling stability, ride comfort and performance.

Ride comfort and sporty handling are often mutually exclusive features. Honda engineers aimed to deliver both at the highest possible level. The central element of the Odyssey’s performance is its low centre of gravity, low floor platform and low overall height. The next step was optimised suspension geometry – Honda has reduced pitch angle during cornering by optimising the relationship between front and rear roll centre height and virtual arm length.

Engineers also improved response and stability by constantly controlling a front-down roll attitude. Then, by pursuing the finest details right down to changing bush type, capacity and hardness and increasing rigidity of the locating points, Honda has achieved the handling stability and ride comfort of a luxury car.

Suspension
As well as providing a superior balance of handling and ride comfort, the compact-designed rear suspension makes for outstanding space efficiency, enabling lower third–row seats and a low floor while also allowing efficient placement of the flat plastic resin fuel tank.

Front suspension
At the front, new double-wishbone suspension design provides superior straight-line stability and ride comfort.

The new Odyssey has an A-shaped lower-arm and large diameter compliance bush, which balances stability and ride comfort. An anti-dive angle has also been added. This suppresses attitude changes when accelerating or braking and also enables a lower spring rate for increased ride comfort.

Handling stability is refined by preventing the inside front wheel from assuming a toe-in attitude to counteract yaw movement during high-speed cornering or braking.

Reactive link double-wishbone rear suspension
The Odyssey’s compact reactive link double wishbone rear suspension plays an instrumental part in achieving the low floor platform. It boasts a balance of space efficiency and superior drive performance. Optimising arm location and making the hub bearing into a single unit have improved camber rigidity. Increasing rigidity of the anchor points has also enhanced responsiveness and stability and enabled a lower spring rate for superior ride comfort.

Linear steering with Variable Steering Gear Ratio (VGR)
Honda has adopted Variable Steering Gear Ratio (VGR). It senses the amount of steering torque generated between the tyre and the road as the steering wheel is turned.

While maintaining the same three turns lock-to-lock, Honda has increased wheel turn angle and substantially reduced the Odyssey’s minimum turn radius. This ensures smooth and steady handling at high speeds or when changing lanes and provides more assistance at low speed. The adoption of variable force control valves has produced a more linear handling sensation while a variable capacity power steering pump contributes to fuel economy.

Wheels & brakes
The Odyssey is equipped with 300mm ventilated front disc brakes with 305mm disc brakes at the rear. Increased rigidity of the front brake has improved braking performance. The Odyssey’s pedal ratio has also been optimised with a link-type brake pedal.

Both Odyssey models have 16” wheels, with the Odyssey Luxury gaining 10-spoke alloys.

Chassis NVH
To reduce suspension vibration entering the cabin, Honda has reduced weight and increased rigidity of the rear knuckles, rear cross beam and wheels.

POWERTRAIN

The Odyssey uses a similar engine to its CR-V and Accord VTi stablemates. Both engines achieve high torque in the low-speed range and high fuel economy as well as low emissions.

2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC LEV engine
The Odyssey’s 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC LEV engine was adopted to provide ample power with seven passengers on board and enable spirited performance.

The DOHC i-VTEC engine combines Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC), which optimises intake valve timing in response to engine load. This ensures the Odyssey delivers 118 kW @ 5500 rpm and 218 Nm @ 4500 rpm.

The Odyssey achieves fuel economy of 9.4-litres per 100km combined (ADR 81/01).

Compact engine design
Thanks to its compact engine design, the new Odyssey has a shorter nose and increased cabin space and handling. Honda was able to maintain the Odyssey’s compact engine dimensions by locating auxiliary engine parts on the same plane, adopting a serpentine auxiliary drive system driven by a single belt, silent cam chain and high rigidity lower block.

Low Emission Vehicle
The new Odyssey is classified a EURO04 Low Emission Vehicle, which means it meets standards due for introduction in 2010.

Combustion gases are cleaner through high precision control of the air-fuel ratio using an air-assisted injector, linear A/F sensor and secondary O2 sensor.

The adoption of a rear-port exhaust system with low heat mass exhaust pipe has reduced combustion gas heat loss, while clean emission performance has been achieved by maximising cleaning via a high density catalytic converter.

NVH
The Odyssey uses a double vibration-resistant structure consisting of sub-frame floating supports and centre of gravity engine mounts to absorb engine vibration.

Honda has significantly reduced engine NVH by cutting engine weight and increasing rigidity, primarily with the use of aluminium engine mounts. Vibration was reduced thanks to higher density stainless steel mesh for the exhaust manifold, adoption of a secondary balancer and making the engine block and transmission case more rigid.

Exhaust
The new Odyssey features a thin compact chamber and flat twin mufflers. While the chamber and main mufflers were located sub-floor in previous models, the chamber is now a flat, twin-type and is located under the centre floor area. This assists floor lowering but also improves exhaust efficiency and contributes to achieving higher output and less noise.

TRANSMISSION
The 2004 Odyssey has a new, improved five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift function, available for the first time on Odyssey 4-cylinder.

The Odyssey’s transmission is highly efficient, compact and compatible with ratios complementing the 2.4-litre engine’s characteristics.

Clutch pressure direct control and new Grade Logic control have been adopted to achieve a smooth linear response with significant reductions in shift shock.

When driving in a sporty manner on winding roads, Grade Logic Control prevents unnecessary gear changes due to on-off accelerator pedal use by the driver and offers ample engine braking and sharp acceleration.

The Odyssey transmission also has a feature dubbed “Winding Control” that widens the driving range of third and fourth gears during on-off acceleration. When the driver returns to normal driving, the transmission reverts to normal mode in around five seconds.

The addition of a sequential shift function allows the driver to shift gears manually.