Honda's new six-seater C segment MPV - the FR-V

Apart from launching the Chevrolet Nubira estate, the Zammit Group last month launched a totally new Honda model, the FR-V, a six-seater (3 + 3) C segment MPV.

Honda recognised that family communication, and in particular parent-child communication, is important and the seating layout is intended to lend itself to easy passenger interaction.

The FR-V breaks with the typically utilitarian look of the C segment MPV, offering sporty, dynamic styling. Combined with a choice of three engines including Honda's acclaimed 2.2-litre diesel, a wide track, a chassis engineered to minimise body roll, excellent ride comfort and class-leading manoeuvrability with a small turning circle (11.14 m), Honda's newest range is set to bring a new level of expectation to C-MPV customers.

There will be three model grades: SE (all engines), Sport and Executive (2.0- and 2.2-litre engines only).

The entry level 1.7SE, costing Lm10,800, comes with eight airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, electric windows and door mirrors, alarm, power steering, central locking and six functional individual seats - the rear three fold neatly into the floor with little effort needed.

The engine is a 1,668 cc single overhead camshaft (SOHC) unit producing a power output of 125 bhp at 6,300 rpm and 154 Nm of torque (pulling power) at 4,800 rpm.

Combined fuel consumption is 7.5 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 179 g/km. Top speed is 182 km/h and acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is in 12.3 seconds.

The Honda FR-V is 4,285 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,610 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm.

Speaking at the launch, Catherine Javosky of Honda UK said Honda intends to use the expertise gained from its knowledge of the minivan sector in Japan to add value to the European market.

The FR-V has over 430 litres of cargo space, all seats are movable and it benefits from a high seating position.

Orders of the FR-V are currently being taken for early February delivery, with diesel versions becoming available later in the year.