2016 Honda Odyssey J launched in the UAE, KSA & GCC
Honda launched the new Odyssey in 2011, claiming to gain ground quickly on their main rivals in the past 4 years. But according to their market research, the main reason some people were deterred from buying it was the steep price tag. They hope to change that now with the introduction of the Japanese-made Odyssey J as it comes under a much lower price range. Also, it will be sold alongside the US-made V6-engined Odyssey, making the Middle East the only region to have both models offered in the same market. If you are wondering what the “J” is, it does not stand for Japan, but rather “Joy” as it represents “joy for utility”.
We had a chance to drive the Odyssey EX-V briefly from Dubai to Ras-Al-Khaimah, which is the top model. Main visible exterior upgrades include the sunroof, the 17-inch rims, the aero bodykit and LED headlights and taillights. It is easy to access the vehicle, thanks to its one-touch electric sliding door, which requires just one-sixth the effort when compared to a regular manual sliding door. The floor of the Odyssey is pretty low as well, lowest in its class apparently, making it very easy to step in and out of the vehicle.
Inside, the EX-V gets “Captain Cradle Seats” for the second row, providing simple access to the third row seats. The EX grade gets the normal second row seats, therefore it can seat 8 people, compared to 7 people on the EX-V. Another positive of the cradle seats is its ability to fold completely straight, therefore allowing the passenger to lie down comfortably flat on their back. This is possible, thanks to the third row having the ability to be folded completely flat into the floor, also allowing more luggage space.
Power comes from a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT. This setup produces about 173 hp and 225 Nm of torque.
The Honda Odyssey is currently available in showrooms across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries.
Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the Honda Odyssey buyer guide.
Comments
habib
BORING
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السلام عليكم
4 اسطوانات! ؟
Binoy
Interesting model, but I would be concerned if this model is based on the other Odyssey, then will the smaller engine be capable of pulling the weight of the entire vehicle (not to mention 7 or 8 people inside)?
The CVT is an interesting choice, Honda has gone a different route, for the sake of frugality, the CVT way, rather than try to add more gears, which makes sense and I’ve heard that Honda’s CVT is the best known unit in the market. Honda still have not abandoned the regular shifter, I believe the new Pilot in the US is with a button operated 9 speed transmission (heard its in the top two trim levels, others doing with a standard 6 speed one), hence there is still some hope it seems.
Keen to know more about this model, as price point is a definite advantage in the market! Wonder how much space is behind the third row.