Specifications and pricing have been revealed for the updated 2018 Honda Odyssey people mover range, the big news is the addition of the Honda Sensing driver-assist technology on the VTi-L model.
Due to start arriving at dealerships towards the end of December, the refreshed Odyssey range also sees a number of other changes including updated exterior design, refreshed interior and NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) improvements.
The VTi-L Odyssey is the only grade to get the Honda Sensing system, it brings Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
Honda Sensing aims to provide a greater awareness of driving conditions relevant to the vehicle, give warnings to the driver as well as aid the driver in avoiding or mitigating the severity of a collision under certain circumstances.
Disappointingly, the Sensing package is exclusive to the top-spec model, however, Honda is in the process of rectifying this.
“The addition of Honda Sensing on the new Odyssey VTi-L represents another step in our plan to introduce the full suite of intelligent driver-assist features and active safety technologies right across the Honda vehicle range over the next few years,” said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins.
The 2018 Honda Odyssey VTi-L will be the only model available in the people mover segment to offer Road Departure Mitigation technology. This system is designed to alert the driver if it detects the vehicle moving from the lane without an indicator. It can also assist steering and provide braking to help return to the lane or avoid leaving the road.
In terms of visual appearance, the refreshed 2018 Odyssey gets a number of improvements. The entry-level Odyssey VTi now has the ‘aero’ front fascia, which was previously only found on the top-of-the-line VTi-L, and front fog lights with chrome surrounds.
Visual upgrades for the Odyssey VTi-L include Honda’s ‘solid wing face’ design with a new premium aero package which brings enhanced bumper shaping, pronounced aero forms, LED fog lights and dark chrome finish on the upper and lower grilles. Dark chrome finish for the door handles, new design two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels and redesigned rear fascia, badge and tailgate appliqué round out the upgrades.
Interior changes for the VTi-L include larger headrests and additional seat-mounted storage compartments for the second-row captain’s chairs, new trim on the instrument panel and doors, new engine start/stop button and new retractable electric door mirrors.
These upgrades add to standard features such as pull-up sun shades, tri-zone climate control air conditioning, conversation mirror and one-touch remote sliding doors for effortless access to the rear of the vehicle.
The VTi-L model now boasts a braked towing capacity of 1,000kg.
The 2018 model year also sees two new paint colours in Cobalt Blue Pearlescent and Platinum White Pearlescent which replace Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearlescent respectively.
2018 Honda Odyssey pricing (excluding on-road costs)
VTi - $37,990
VTi-L - $47,590
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