Honda sells a different version of the Odyssey in Japan than it does in the U.S. Although Honda calls it a minivan and it seats the same as the U.S. Odyssey, this car shares more in common with the first generation Odyssey that Honda sold in the U.S. from 1995 to 1998. The Japan Odyssey is shorter in all dimensions, it has four hinged passenger doors, and looks more like a wagon than a minivan.

On sale today, the new Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4l DOHC i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT transmission. It is also equipped with advanced safety technologies, including the new Multi-view Camera System. A special mobility-assistive version equipped with a lift-up front passenger seat will go on sale in November.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Japan only: Honda Odyssey

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Japan only: Honda Odyssey
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

Honda announced that sales in Japan of the all-new Odyssey will begin October 17, 2008. The fully remodeled Odyssey features a low-floor and low center-of-gravity package that enables a low profile roofline and performance beyond ordinary minivans together with a spacious cabin. The new Odyssey is also equipped with advanced safety technologies, including the new Multi-view Camera System. A special mobility-assistive version equipped with a lift-up front passenger seat will go on sale November 13, 2008.

Designed around the concept of emotive quality that will move all who experience it, the new fourth generation Odyssey provides an advanced fusion of the human/machine interface, a liberated feeling for all occupants, and a distinctive presence. So, the all-new Odyssey was developed with the goal of generating strong feelings in every circumstance: riding in it, driving it, and looking at it.

To fulfill customer expectations for excellent fuel economy related to growing awareness of environmental issues, the all-new Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4l DOHC i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT, a combination that enables the vehicle to achieve both superior performance and class leading fuel economy of 13.2km/l.  Moreover, the all-new Odyssey features DBW (drive-by-wire) control and an ECON mode which improves fuel economy by applying collaborative control of the CVT and air conditioner to reduce engine load.