The ongoing generation of the Freed is a small MPV, which became quite successful thanks to its large interior that is packed into one little body. Well, the all-new 2017 Honda Freed released a few days ago, and it is scheduled to go on sale in the upcoming months. Like before, the car is using the same platform as the Jazz. It is also similar in size to the older model, but its running gear, engines, and design have all changed. The end result is a slightly more modern-looking car with cleaner lines and an even better interior.
So far there are no plans on releasing the car on the European or US markets. The Japanese market will be the first one to receive it. After that, the car should be released in Singapore and Hong Kong. Some reports also suggested that the car may be offered in Australia. However, this is highly unlikely considering how the sales of the previous model went. It is obvious that these markets are looking for something slightly different in this segment.
There is still no word on the pricing of the car. Many say that Honda may increase the price slightly, but this wasn’t confirmed. While they would likely get away with it in Japan, on the other markets the price should stay the same as before. The price tag of the base version should be set to Rp. 273.300.000 in Indonesia which is almost $21,000. When we compare it to the prices of other cars in a segment, we can notice that Honda would need to adjust the cost of this model on other markets since we do get few quite great competitors here.
Design
One of the most striking aspects about the new 2017 Honda Freed is the way it looks. The base look of the car is quite similar to the ongoing model. It is almost identical in length, height, and width. However, all the lines are new, and it makes for a bulkier-looking minivan. The front end ditched the old grille in the favor of Honda’s new V-shaped design which offers a blank slate with air intakes under it, similar to what we are getting with the new Civic.
Also, the headlights are longer and slimmer than before while the bumper also features a small splitter. The sides are sculpted by nice lines which make the car seem wider than it is. At the back, the tailgate has a larger opening, but it does feature a slightly taller load-floor. The sliding rear doors still come as standard which is always nice to see. The only real problem we have with this design are the wheels which are simply too small. This is great for cutting costs, but it does make the car look a bit odd. We agree that it can be changed easily, but we think that Honda needs to offer more here.
2017 Honda Freed Interior
Unfortunately, Honda hasn’t released a thing about the interior of the new Freed. However, we are quite sure that the older dashboard will be gone. In its place, we may see something a bit more similar to the latest Jazz.
This would feature a new instrument cluster with classic analog dials and a more conventional center stack. Features like infotainment system and satellite navigation should be offered as the optional features on entry level trims but standard on more expensive and better-equipped models. The air conditioning will be standard even on the base model.
Engine
For starters, the 2017 Honda Freed will only receive two engines. The base model will get a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated VTEC petrol engine with close to 130 horsepower. This one is combined with a CVT gearbox as the only offering. The optional hybrid that also gets a 1.5-liter engine receives a seven-speed dual clutch automatic which should be faster and more efficient.
Some also suggested that the 1.0-liter turbocharged inline three engine is coming to the lineup, which was just a rumor a few weeks ago, will be released in a few select markets. This unit will provide close to 110 horsepower, but it will offer more torque than either of the other two options. Also, it will get the dual-clutch automatic as standard, so it should be quite efficient. The diesel option is unlikely at this point, but things may change in the near future.
Video
Take a look at the 2015 version of Honda Freed.
