Every journey is an experience on the Honda Odyssey

Life is one journey after another — or so I have been told.

Yet, there are roads that we wish we had not traversed, and then there are those that we thank the driving Gods that they allowed us to take. One of these road trips was behind the wheel of the eight-seater Honda Odyssey.

I have learned that all of life’s journeys are defined by the way we take them daily.

Best seats in the ride: The interior space of the Odyssey

Honda recently rolled out the new Odyssey EX with eight-passenger seat capacity, just a year after the Japan-made Odyssey entered the Philippine market. Honda, responding to the needs of the Philippine market, added this variant as a response to the evolving needs of Pinoys.

Oh-So Sleek

From the outside, the Odyssey EX variant retains its elegant and sedan-like stance with its solid streamline exterior design concept. I noticed that the new Odyssey has cool front and rear bumper designs, new prominent grille, and 16-inch alloy wheels. It also features Dual Sliding Doors (Power Sliding for Passenger Side).

This Odyssey seemed a little less daunting than its predecessor, which I had the opportunity to test drive in the past.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — as the saying goes. And Honda must have had this in mind when it introduced this new variant because overall passenger comfort was kept in mind: there was nothing inside the Odyssey EX that I didn’t appreciate — especially the thoughtfulness that obviously went in to planning how both passengers and cargo are accommodated.

What’s new?

The Odyssey EX gets a three-passenger, 60:40-split bench for its second row, and Honda retained its third row magic seats. It is equipped with a fold-flat mechanism, which stores the third row under the floor to provide more cargo room and flexibility. The third row also features three-way split reclining structure, which allows passengers to individually fold or recline their seats in preferred angles for utmost relaxation.

So, inside the new Honda Odyssey the eight passengers (2+3+3 seat configuration), sit comfortably with generous head, elbow and legroom. It can also hold a sizeable amount of load even when all seats are in use. Add to this, the center seats on the second and third rows may also be folded to convert the vehicle to a six-seater with center storage especially for long items.

Hit the Road

I jumped into the driver’s seat to get a handle on the way the Odyssey moves.

As soon as I started the engine, I already liked what I felt and heard. For beginners this variant is fitted with instrument cluster with multi-information display that allowed me to get a good view of all vehicle-related information. Let’s see: there is a seven-inch touch screen display audio that shows trip information, phone connectivity, hands-free telephone (HFT), and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity. The audio and Bluetooth HFT functions can be operated on the steering wheel controls for convenience and safety in different driving situations. Right under the display audio unit is a touch screen automatic air-conditioning system. Ports such as USB and the HDMI are also easily visible.

I loved how the Earth Dreams Technology 2.4 liter DOHC i-VTEC engine roared as I rolled out of the driveway of my home on my way to the Port Area office. 

The weather forecast for the day was rainy due to habagat. And we all know what that means: possibility of flooding and traffic jams galore. But I was not to be fazed as I was seated in the cockpit of the Odyssey.

I left my home early that morning so that I could get a good feel of how the Odyssey moves — minus the traffic. The Odyssey is equipped with the Idle-Stop System, which automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is on complete stop, and restarts once brake pedal is released.

Sometimes I am bothered by this option, so it is always good that I can manually deactivate it if I so wished. And to encourage fuel-efficient driving, Honda’s Eco Assist System — which consists of the ECON mode and an eco-coaching ambient light — is also available.

I knew there was nothing on that gloomy day that could get me down. I guess that is how it for those of us who love to spend our days and nights behind the wheel.

Feeling Passenger

I arrived at the office relaxed and with a smile.

I have to admit that I would never trade a chance to be the driver for being a passenger — but I made sure to try out the Odyssey’s “Captain Cradle Seats” that feature ottoman footrests and long-sliding, articulating backrest seats.  The last row of the Odyssey has three individually reclining leather seats, which can be folded to give more luggage space or to allow the second-row Captain Cradle Seats to be pushed back for super-wide leg space.

Also, the Odyssey’s power sliding doors allowed me to board or alight the vehicle without having to touch the doors. “Coolness,” as kids would say.

Less Traffic?

Change is coming or perhaps it is already here, says the current administration. But for those of us who drive ourselves every day — from our homes, which are far away from where we work — there still seems to be no solution to the traffic woes.

Sure, we know we can’t expect heavy Metro Manila traffic to disappear like magic, buses to finally stick to their lanes, or swerving drivers to have a change of driving heart overnight — but I can dream of traffic-free road conditions, can’t I?

So, while I still got stuck in the usual three-hour traffic jam on EDSA on my way home — I remained calm and happy. After all, being in the cockpit of the eight-seater Honda Odyssey was such a relaxing journey, no matter the chaos around me.

In my mind, I focused on many road trips I could take if I owned an Odyssey: all fun and exciting. I can daydream, can’t I — and daydream I did while I smiled through the traffic on EDSA.

Thanks, Honda Odyssey.