The Origins and Evolution of Honda Freed (Part 1)

The Origins and Evolution of Honda Freed (Part 1)
Translated and Edited with Precision | Updated: 2024-11-25

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Understanding Japanese Multivan/Minivan Categories
Before diving into Honda Freed, let’s explore how Japanese Multivan and Minivan categories are classified. Misleading headlines like “StepWGN will outshine Odyssey and GL8” often cause confusion. If that were true, why would Honda produce multiple Multivans instead of a single all-encompassing model?

Japanese Minivans differ from U.S.-style full-size vans like the Nissan NV3500, as they focus on more compact, urban-friendly designs. Most Japanese Minivan offerings come from five major manufacturers: Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, with each segment falling into four main categories:

1. Large Vans

Defined by models equipped with 3.5L V6 engines, these vehicles cater to luxury and commercial needs. Notable examples include:

Toyota Alphard
Nissan Elgrand
Honda’s Elysion (discontinued)
Honda exited this category after discontinuing the V6 Elysion and refocusing on the North American Odyssey, which briefly returned to Japan as the Lagreat but was discontinued after 2004.

2. Mid-Size Vans

These models have engines exceeding 2.0L displacement to cater to middle-class households or small businesses. Examples include:

Toyota Previa
Honda Odyssey
Mazda MPV
Mitsubishi’s Delica D:5 also joined this category, with its 2WD variant placed in the compact van category.

3. Compact Vans

The most competitive segment, aimed at family use, features models like:

Toyota Noah/Voxy
Nissan Serena
Honda StepWGN
Mazda Premacy (Mazda 5)
Compact Vans typically have engines under 2.0L for tax benefits. Honda’s StepWGN is unique, featuring a 1.5L turbocharged engine.

4. Mini Vans

Targeted at young families, these use 1.5L naturally aspirated engines, offering compact dimensions but seating for up to 7 passengers.

Honda Mobilio (2001)
Toyota Sienta (2003)
Kei-cars with sliding doors, like Toyota Tank or Honda N-Box, are technically not Minivans due to their 660cc engine limitation, allowing only 4 passengers.

The Road to Freed: From Capa to Mobilio
Honda Capa: The Precursor to Mobilio

Introduced in 1998, the Capa emphasized vertical space with its 1.65m height, a compact 2,360mm wheelbase, and a boxy design. It targeted city dwellers seeking a balance between passenger and cargo capacity.

Key Features of Capa:

Engine: D15B (98 hp, SOHC, 9.4 compression ratio)
Versions: GA4 (2WD), GA6 (4WD) with Honda’s "dual-pump" AWD system.
Interior: High roof, two-row seating, no manual transmission option.
While the concept aligned with urban needs, sales struggled, leading to its discontinuation in 2002, paving the way for the Mobilio.

Honda Mobilio: A New Compact Minivan

Released in 2001, the Mobilio used the same platform as the first-generation Fit, with a dramatically extended 2,740mm wheelbase. This provided three-row seating for 7 passengers, improving upon the Capa’s two-row layout.

Key Features of Mobilio:

Engines:
L15A i-DSi (90 hp) for early models.
L15A VTEC (110 hp) added in the 2004 facelift.
Variants:
Mobilio Spike (5-seater) introduced in 2002.
Market Focus:
Limited presence in Japan; popular in Southeast Asia.
Despite innovative features like sliding doors and flexible seating, the Mobilio was discontinued in 2008, replaced by the Honda Freed, which we’ll cover in the next installment.