New Honda Freed Hybrid Crosstar Goes On Sale in Japan – 2019 Tokyo Motor Show Preview

By Steve & Tamami Laser

Among the new vehicles that Honda plans to display at the Tokyo Motor Show this week is the refreshed Freed compact minivan that just went on sale in Japan.

In addition to a new look inside and out, new Crossstar models join the Freed lineup in Japan. Offered with seating for up to seven passengers, all Freed and Freed+ variants also gain the standard suite of Honda Sensing safety features.

Up front, Freed gains a restyled hood, grille, bumper and trim. Crosstar receives a unique appearance with an exclusive crossover-styled grille, front and rear bumpers, LED fog lights, roof rails, and special alloy wheels.

Freed gas models are powered by a 1.5-liter direct injection DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and high-efficiency CVT. Hybrids feature a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC teamed with Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) and one-motor, 7-speed DCT.

Inside, Freed Crosstar is treated to new woodstyle trim and special digital-pattern upholstery that’s said to be inspired by the great outdoors.

Versatile seating arrangements including available sliding second-row captain’s seats offer the flexibility to carry different size cargo inside the van.

By arranging the seats and using a lightweight high-strength utility board, a flat space large enough for an accessory mattress (offered by Honda Access) can be installed. A portable tent can also be attached to the tailgate for camping.

High-tech multimedia systems from Honda Access include a Gathers Internavi unit with 9-inch touchscreen, 11.6-inch rear seat monitor, and high-grade speaker system. Windshield-mounted Gathers drive recorder with timekeeping recording function and navi-linked ETC 2.0 are also available.

Features and specifications for Japanese market models are subject to change without notice

News sources and photos courtesy of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., and Honda Access Corp.

Story (commentary) © 2019 CarNichiWa.com