Honda launches all new 2011 Odyssey for GCC markets

27 January 2011 - Dubai, UAE –

Honda Motor Co. (Middle East Office) announced the launch of all new Honda Odyssey in GCC markets.

The completely redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey improves on its award-winning¹, class-leading design with a more distinctive style, higher fuel economy and greater interior versatility. Improvements to the fourth-generation Odyssey represent a new Honda vision for the "ultimate in family transportation."

The 2011 Odyssey's enhanced aerodynamic shape with a lower roofline contributes to class-leading highway fuel economy, while the improved interior packaging maintains similar functionality as the previous model. A wider stance creates a more accommodating interior while accenting the exterior's dynamic appearance. Significant improvements for convenience include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design along with a simpler-to-operate, 3rd-row Magic Seat®. The third row provides improved legroom, along with better visibility from the side windows - a functional improvement resulting from the exterior's signature "lightning-bolt" belt line.

Exterior Styling

The 2011 Odyssey dramatically departs from conventional MPV styling with its low and wide stance. Compared to the previous generation, the 2011 Odyssey's slightly lower roofline and wider stance contributes to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics. The “lightning-bolt” belt line further emphasizes the 2011 Odyssey's sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most MPV designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle's secure and stylish persona. The availability of projector beam HID headlights and form-fit fog lights further contributes to a sophisticated and upscale appearance on applicable models.

Interior Styling

The interior of the 2011 Odyssey embraces a "cool and intuitive" theme consistent with its increased levels of technology and family versatility. The dashboard's simple and clean lines accent the depth of the cabin for an open and spacious feeling.

 The Odyssey exemplifies quality from its ergonomically friendly controls and sensible human factors, such as the positioning of grab handles, bins and pockets; intuitive switches and controls.

Interior Versatility and Functionality

To fulfill its mission as the ultimate family vehicle, the 2011 Odyssey interior focuses on providing three rows of comfortable, adult-friendly seating together with a large interior volume and plentiful storage capabilities. Multiple seating configurations can accommodate between one and eight adult passengers simply by adding, folding or removing the modular seats.

Improved body rigidity for 2011 Odyssey has resulted in a quieter cabin at highway cruising speeds with less background noise, which helps make conversations inside the cabin more audible.

Numerous storage pockets and cup holders are included for every passenger. A convenient flip-up trash bag ring extends from behind the center console and can secure a small disposable bag to help keep the inside of the vehicle clean.

The Odyssey's seating, instruments and controls are designed around the driver. For driver comfort, the driver's seat features 10-way power adjustable seating (8-way power adjustable on Odyssey LX). Meters, gauges and displays are easy to locate and read, and the controls for audio system, navigation system and climate control system are within reach and feature large buttons and knobs.

The “3-mode” design feature of the second row seat provides the ability to expand the distance between the seats by up to 40 mm each to increase comfort and enhance third-row access when child seats are being used in the second row. The second-row middle seat has the ability to move forward, which brings child seats within a more convenient reach of the first row. The third mode can transform the middle seat into a large, comfortable armrest with cup holders and a center tray for electronic devices.

The 2011 Odyssey's 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat provides a comfortable seating area and can quickly and conveniently folds down into the floor to accommodate cargo.

New Technology Highlights

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the Odyssey Touring grade. The system features an 8-inch, high-resolution VGA color display and uses GPS technology to provide turn-by-turn guidance to a destination. The 2011 Odyssey navigation system provides voice guidance both in Arabic & English languages and has a wide variety of features and functionality like 60GB hard drive, and the option to import a favorite photograph to use as "wallpaper."

DVD Rear Entertainment System with 16.2-inch Ultra-Wide Display

A state-of-the-art, factory-fitted Rear Entertainment System (RES) with an ultra-wide display is standard on the Odyssey Touring grade. The RES can simultaneously display two different sources of programming side-by-side, such as a video game and a movie. The two programs being played can be easily switched from side to side, so the viewers don't have to change seats. The wireless headphones supplied with this system can be tuned to either input source as desired. The system includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port for attaching high definition players and certain gaming consoles.

"intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID)

The Odyssey EX-L model has an 8-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen with customizable features. Called the i-MID, this screen provides the driver with a variety of information. It can keep the driver updated about such items as the audio system, Bluetooth® Hands Free Telephone information, general vehicle information and the rearview camera image. Personalized wallpaper using a JPEG-format photo can be added via the USB Audio Interface.

Audio System

The Odyssey Touring grade comes equipped with a state-of-the-art 15GB memory Hard Disc Drive (HDD) audio system that can digitally store approx. 175 CDs. And the EX-L grade comes equipped with 2GB flash memory that can digitally store approx. 18 CDs, thus eliminating the need for a 6-CD changer.

Safety

An extensive list of safety equipment comes standard on every Odyssey. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple- threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints. Also, a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is intended to help absorb energy in the event of a collision.

Powertrain

Powering the Odyssey is a robust, yet efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). To conserve fuel when power requirements are low, the VCM technology can allow the engine to operate using only three or four of its six cylinders as conditions permit. A six-speed automatic transmission, standard on the Odyssey Touring, helps it achieve a best-in-class city/highway fuel-economy. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Odyssey LX and EX-L.

Chassis & Body

A long 3,000 mm wheelbase, wide track dimensions, advanced suspension design and features such as VSA with traction control contribute to the Odyssey's excellent overall handling. The Odyssey's hydraulic power-steering automatically increase the power assist at slow speeds, like while parking, and it also automatically reduces the power assist, like while on highway, so that the driver has more feedback.

Standard on the Odyssey LX and EX-L are 17-inch wheels, while 18-inch wheels are standard on the Odyssey Touring. The tires on all models feature low-rolling resistance construction to aid in maximizing fuel economy.

The 2011 Odyssey is extensively redesigned to become more lightweight and rigid allowing for the vehicle's high levels of safety, increased fuel economy, refined handling and a comfortable ride. Aerodynamically, the Odyssey is more efficient with a 5.5-percent reduction in Cd (aerodynamic drag) compared to the previous model.

Colors

The 2011 Odyssey is available in 7 exterior colors:

l  Tafetta White.

l  Alabaster Silver Metallic.

l  Smoky Topaz Metallic.

l  Crystal Black Pearl.

l  Celestial Blue Metallic.

l  Mocha Metallic.

¹Awards

Automobile Magazine 2011: One of the winner of “All Star” awards

Edmunds.com 2010: "Top Recommended" minivan award

U.S. News and World Report 2010: "Best Minivan for the Money"

Automotive Lease Guide 2010: "Best Minivan for the Money"

Kelley Blue Book: One of the ten "Best New Family Vehicles of 2009"

Kelley Blue Book: "2009 Best Resale Value Award" in the van category