Honda Freed: a Fit-based JDM microvan (merged)

[coolmazda5]

2009 JDM Honda Freed? Jazz/Fit goes big...

Not intending to repost/crosspost/whatever around sections, but I think these news are interesting for the Mazda5 fellahs. On this one 8 people should actually "fit"

Turns out that all those rumors surrounding the Freed were actually true as we found out that Honda will officially take the wraps off the all-new Jazz / Fit based minivan next Thursday, on May 29, 2008. Earlier reports suggested that the Freed will be able to accommodate eight passengers in three rows of seats, but well have to wait and see. As for the engine range, dont expect any surprises as the Freed will most probably be offered with the same units found in the new Jazz Fit. Sales of the Freed will begin in Japan shortly after its public unveiling

 

[dreamym5]

09 Fit (US) is bigger inside, has stronger engine, with better MPG.. than previous 07-08 model it replaces..

freed...may be next gen Fit here in US..?

 

[coolmazda5]

^^ Dunno, I think Honda should bring the Stream instead, it is more appealing. From this one the front is nice, but the back, no good.

Also, I think 8 people is way too many, 6 is enough

 

[offset_98]

call me crazy, I sorta like the back. You sure don't lose any available space since you don't have a taper-off like on my wife's CX-7.

 

[starlightmica]

1.5L engine, dual power sliding doors, optional 2nd and 3rd row benches to seat 8, flat loading floor thanks to creative placement of the gas tank, and now on sale in Japan.

Makes the Mazda5 look large by comparison, but I'd hate to stomp on the accelerator with 7 passengers on board.


EDIT: Honda Freed web site

 

[coolmazda5]

Makes the Mazda5 look large by comparison, but I'd hate to stomp on the accelerator with 7 passengers on board.

1.5L engine? Yikes, it should also come with some pedals for each passenger to aid the car going uphill

 

[jeebusm3]

lolz. our fit was pretty slow with 5 people in it. I cannot imagine more weight.

 

[jandree22]

"Freed"?! WTF kind of car name is that?

 

[coolmazda5]

^^ It was about to be called "Freedom", but it didn't "Fit" (evil)

Sorry, bad Friday joke, carry on (yawn)

 

[fam]

It always bad joke Friday around here.

 

[07MZ5SA]

I doubt Honda will bring it to NA.

It's a replacement for Mobilio which was not intended for global sales.

 

[fam]

I would debate it if it had more HP, what it has frankly isnt enough to feel safe.

 

[mrbwa1]

1.5L engine? Yikes, it should also come with some pedals for each passenger to aid the car going uphill

Hey now! My Toyota ECHO has a 1.5L engine. Of course weighing 2000 lbs helps. That this is probably faster 0-60 then the MZ5. I do have to attest that I basically has 2 speeds: Leisurely Cruise and Flight of the Bumble Bees (Mainly sound and fury with somewhat brisk acceleration). On the flip side, 30+ MPG city and 38+ MPG HWY is pretty nice (just wish I have the 5 speed because it's more like 40-ish city and 45+ HWY)

I don't think a Fit-based microvan would do too well here, as the JDM city-cars just don't cut it in the good 'ol US of A. Something about needing to cruise across Montana... all of it... at 120 MPH to make it across in a day is in our blood. Honestly, I think stuff like the Nissa Cube makes an attractive 2nd car for a smaller family. My ECHO is perfect for me and even the 1 baby for now, just not our long trip vehicle. And hey, If diesel prices would ever come in line, I'd be willing to drive a 1.3L turbodiesel city car for my commuting duties, as it's mainly city driving anyway. Heck, I'm holding out for plug-in electric, seeing how I never drive over 30 miles round-trip in my car.

 

[coolmazda5]

^^ , there is nothing against the engine, the problem is the type of car and the # of people that Honda wants to haul with it. But I shouldn't complain, Mazda in Europe offers a 1.8L engine on its Mazda5...

Man, people love their ECHOs (or echoes? )....

That reminds me, talking about owning 2 of the same cars, my wife was bugging me about that until one day we went to visit her friends and, when the garage opens, 2 friggin' ECHOs were parked in there, one for her and one for him. They say they spend as much in gas (or less) in both cars as the neighbor next door with its GMC Yukon (2thumbs), LOL

Damn, off-topic (wrong)

 

[07MZ5SA]

Looks like Freed does not have magic seats like Fit/Jazz.

 

[coolmazda5]

call me crazy, I sorta like the back. You sure don't lose any available space since you don't have a taper-off like on my wife's CX-7.

That is true, although the I like the "butt" of the CX-7, looks kind of sexy (naughty)

 

[coolmazda5]

Honda Freed mini-minivan debuts in Japan

Honda revealed its new compact minivan today in Japan called the Freed. On sale today as well, the Freed can carry up to eight passengers within its diminutive dimensions thanks to a low, completely flat floor and some clever packaging. Opt for captains chairs in the second row and you can still ferry seven people between Kyoto and Tokyo in relative comfort. The Freed will also be offered in three versions that accommodate people in wheelchairs with ramps and lift-up seats. Honda's JDM mini-minivan will be offered in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models powered by a 1.5L VTEC four-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic or CVT transmission. It looks like a promising vehicle that Japanese buyers will snap up like 10-cent sushi, and we bet Honda would find a market for the Freed here in the U.S. as well considering the current popularity of fuel-efficient vehicles packing tons of practicality.

Source:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/honda-freed-mini-minivan-debuts-in-japan/

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-honda-freed/

 

[raspykart]

Freed = all ROOM and no ZOOM IMO.

 

[coolmazda5]

^^ maybe a little with the Mugen?

Just days after Honda revealed their new 8 passenger Freed model for the Japanese market, in-house tuning firm, Mugen, has already got a styling package and modest performance upgrades ready to go. Starting with the exterior, the typical add-ons include front and rear fascias, grille, side skirts, rear roof spoiler. Mechanically, suspension gets lowered and stiffened, choice of silver or black chrome wheels 16-inch wheels, sport muffler, high-flow air filter and upgraded brake rotors and pads with stock caliper.

- Worldcarfans

 

[dreamym5]

i am so buying this *if* this is available in US..(shady)