The Honda Freed is a compact multi‑purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda. Introduced in Japan in 2008, the Freed is positioned between the Honda Fit/Jazz and the larger Honda Odyssey, offering three‑row seating for up to seven passengers in a short‑wheelbase configuration.
Overview
- Class: Compact MPV
- Body style: 5‑door MPV (3‑row, 5‑seat and 7‑seat layouts)
- Layout: Front‑engine, front‑wheel‑drive
- Related platform: Based on the fourth‑generation Honda Fit/Jazz platform, sharing many mechanical components.
First generation (JCM1; 2008–2016)
- Launch: October 2008 in the Japanese domestic market.
- Dimensions: Length 4 305 mm, width 1 695 mm, height approximately 1 700 mm, wheelbase 2 530 mm.
- Powertrains:
- 1.5 L i‑VTEC inline‑four gasoline engine (approximately 118 hp).
- 1.3 L i‑VTEC inline‑four gasoline engine (approximately 95 hp) offered in some Southeast Asian markets.
- A hybrid version (Freed Hybrid) paired the 1.5 L engine with an electric motor and an e‑CVT, delivering a combined output of roughly 115 hp.
- Transmission: Five‑speed manual or four‑speed automatic (conventional torque converter) for gasoline models; CVT for the hybrid.
- Seating: Configurable 5‑seat (two‑row) or 7‑seat (three‑row) arrangements with fold‑flat rear seats.
Second generation (JCM2; 2016–present)
- Launch: May 2016 in Japan, with subsequent introductions to other markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
- Design updates: Revised front fascia, larger headlights, and a more spacious cabin achieved through minor lengthening and revised interior packaging.
- Powertrains:
- 1.5 L i‑VTEC gasoline engine (approximately 119 hp).
- 1.3 L i‑VTEC gasoline engine (approximately 95 hp) continued in certain export markets.
- Hybrid variant retained, using a 1.5 L engine coupled to an electric motor and CVT.
- Transmission: CVT standard for both gasoline and hybrid models.
- Variants:
- Freed Spike – a sport‑styled version with a blacked‑out grille, distinctive body cladding, and optional larger wheels, marketed primarily in Japan.
- Freed + – a higher‑equipment trim offering additional safety and convenience features.
Markets and Production
- Primary production occurs at Honda’s facilities in Japan and Thailand.
- The Freed is sold predominantly in Japan and several Southeast Asian countries, where compact MPVs are popular for their combination of passenger capacity and urban maneuverability.
- In some markets, the vehicle is marketed under the name “Honda Freed” without significant deviation from the Japanese-spec model, though local safety regulations may affect standard equipment.
Safety and Equipment
- Standard safety equipment across most markets includes dual front airbags, anti‑lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake‑force distribution (EBD), and vehicle stability assist (VSA).
- Higher trims and later model years incorporate additional features such as side‑curtain airbags, Honda Sensing® driver‑assist technologies (including collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control), and rear‑view cameras.
Replacements and Successors
As of the latest available data (2024), Honda continues to offer the Freed in its lineup; no official successor has been announced. The model remains part of Honda’s strategy to provide compact MPV options alongside larger offerings such as the Odyssey.
References
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. official press releases (2008, 2016).
- Vehicle specification sheets released by Honda for the Japanese domestic market.
- Automotive industry publications covering MPV segments in Japan and Southeast Asia.