- Refined and fuel-efficient 2.4-litre petrol engine
- Competent dynamics
- Comfortable front seats
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Four-cylinder engine lacks low-rev torque
- Steering lacks feel
Honda RB3.I Odyssey (2009-11)
Overview
Released in April 2009, the Honda RB3 Series I (RB3.I) Odyssey was a seven seat people mover. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the Odyssey was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The RB3 Odyssey range consisted of an unnamed, entry-level variant and a ‘Luxury’ variant.
K24A8 engine
The 2.4-litre K24A8 engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) which optimised intake valve timing in response to engine load. Furthermore, the five-speed automatic transmission featured with Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold – which could adjust the shift schedule according to whether the vehicle was on an ascent or descent – and a sequential shift function.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the RB1 Odyssey , the RB3 Odyssey was 30 mm longer (at 4810 mm), the same width (1800 mm) and 5 mm lower (1545 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2830 mm). Furthermore, the Odyssey had double wishbone front suspension with A-shaped lower arms and ‘compact reactive link’ double wishbone rear suspension.
Steering
The RB3 Odyssey introduced a ‘Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering’ system which was coordinated with the electronic stability control to detect instability and automatically initiate steering inputs to assist the driver to steer in the correct direction.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey, Odyssey Luxury |
2.4-litre petrol I4 | 5sp auto | 132 kW at 6500 rpm | 218 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the RB3.I Odyssey included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features: Odyssey and Odyssey Luxury
Standard features for the RB3.I Odyssey included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, 60/40 split and folding second row seats, retractable third row seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Luxury variant added 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, three-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, power retracting third-row seats and wood grain interior paneling.
April 2011: Odyssey update
In April 2011, the Odyssey underwent a minor update, with standard features were enhanced to include Bluetooth connectivity and reverse parking sensors. The Luxury variant was also fitted with satellite navigation (with SUNA live traffic updates), a reversing camera, DVD player and integrated Bluetooth and USB connectivity; inside, the wood grain paneling was replaced with metallic highlights.
Brochure
Related links
Honda RB3.II Odyssey (2011-13)
Overview
Released in December 2011, the RB3 Series II (RB3.II) Odyssey introduced subtle styling updates and additional standard features. Mechanically, the RB3.II Odyssey was unchanged, although there was an ‘Ecological Drive Assist Program’ and steering wheel gearshift paddles. Visually, the RB3.II Odyssey could be identified by its revised grille and headlights, LED tail-lights and chrome license plate garnish and door handles.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey, Odyssey Luxury |
2.4-litre petrol I4 | 5sp auto | 132 kW at 6500 rpm | 218 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Features
Compared to its RB3.I predecessor, standard features for the RB3.II Odyssey were extended included to include a satellite navigation system (with SUNA live traffic updates and SD card map updates), a reversing camera, DVD player and integrated Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Related links
