2016 Honda Freed mini MPV launched in Japan from 1.88 million Yen

Available as a 5-, 6- or 7-seater.

The 2016 Honda Freed was launched in Japan over the weekend with prices ranging from 1.88 million Yen to 2.7 million Yen (INR 12.32 lakhs to INR 17.7 lakhs). The 2016 Freed is available in two variants namely Freed (with 3-row seating) and Freed+ (with 2-row seating). Additionally, a wheelchair-friendly variant is also available.

Honda claims that the 2016 Freed has the largest cabin in the compact minivan segment, and that with the Freed's ultra-low floor, users can stow tall objects in the car, and also fold the seats and use them as a bed if needed.

Honda has opted for a full-digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen entertainment system, column-mounted gearlever, and optional wood-grain finish for the dashboard. Customers can also choose between three seat colors - Mocha, Beige and Black.

Coming to the powertrain, the 2016 Honda Freed is available with 1.5-liter direct-injection DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a CVT, which claims 19 km/l in the Japanese JC08 driving cycle. Additionally, the 2016 Freed is also available with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC hybrid engine paired to the i-DCD (7-speed dual-clutch transmission) which returns a claimed best-in-class 27.2 km/l. Both powertrains are available in front-wheel drive or 4WD layouts.

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Features on-board the 2016 Freed include the Honda Sensing driver assistance system, Smart Entry with guiding light, Internavi system with smartphone support and Traffic Signal Prediction System, aside from the raft of safety features that include ABS, EBD, ESP and airbags.