Honda Freed MPV

The Honda Freed MPV is a three-row minivan known for its spacious and comfortable interior. It comes in two versions the Freed Air, which has a simple and practical design, and the Freed Crosstar, which features a more rugged look with elements like a distinct grille, bumper designs, and roof rails. The vehicle measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,755 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,740 mm. It offers seating configurations for six or five passengers, with the Crosstar version featuring a unique two-level trunk. The Freed is equipped with modern features such as a larger free-standing infotainment display, a smaller digital instrument cluster, and roof-mounted climate vents for rear passengers. It is available with petrol and hybrid powertrains, both with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options, making it a versatile choice for family needs.

The Honda Freed MPV is a compelling option for those seeking a spacious, comfortable, and practical family vehicle, although it has not been officially announced for the Indian market. From what we can gather, the Freed excels in comfort, particularly with its more comfortable seats compared to competitors like the Maruti Ertiga. The vehicles design, inspired by the larger Step WGN, offers a striking appearance, especially in the rugged Crosstar version. However, the lack of a sunroof and the unique design elements, such as sliding doors, might not align with every buyers preferences. Overall, if Honda decides to launch the Freed in India, it would be a strong contender in the MPV segment, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and modern features.

Honda has announced the start of sales for the all-new Freed in Japan, with a target of selling 6,500 units per month. The new Freed features a grand concept of “Smile: Just Right Mover,” focusing on supporting people’s everyday lives. It includes advanced packaging design, a horizontal and noiseless dashboard, and a bright cabin with clear forward visibility. The vehicle also offers wheelchair-accessible variants with features like an electric winch and rear heater ducts.

The 2024 Honda Freed has been revealed with two distinct styling packages: the standard Freed and the more rugged Freed Crosstar. The Freed Crosstar features a different grille, bumper design, faux brushed aluminium inserts, and unique alloy wheels. Both versions offer petrol and hybrid powertrain options, including Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology. The interior boasts a large free-standing infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, and roof-mounted climate vents for rear passengers. I think the Crosstar version could be a hit with those looking for a bit of ruggedness in their MPV.

The 2024 Honda Freed is notable for its low cargo floor height, making it easy to load and unload cargo. This feature is particularly useful for wheelchair accessibility, with options like a retractable parapet and a front passenger seat that swings out for easier access. The Freed also offers all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain options, making it a versatile choice for various needs. I think this focus on accessibility sets the Freed apart from other MPVs.

Despite its potential, Honda is currently not planning to launch the Freed in India, focusing instead on models like the City, Amaze, and the upcoming Elevate SUV. The company has other priorities in the Indian market, including the introduction of the new Amaze and an Elevate EV in the future. This means Indian consumers will have to look elsewhere for a compact MPV with the Freeds features.

Honda has completely overhauled the Freed MPV for 2024, with the new model set to launch in Japan next month. The Freed shares underpinnings with the Honda City sedan sold in India and was previously evaluated for the Indian market in 2012 as a rival to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. However, Honda chose to launch the Mobilio instead. The new Freed features a three-row cabin, a long list of creature comforts, and advanced powertrain options including a 1.5-litre petrol engine and Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology. I believe this could have been a strong contender in the Indian MPV market if it had been launched here.

While the Honda Freed has not been officially priced or launched in India, we can estimate based on its expected pricing in other markets. If it were to be priced similarly to its competitors, we could expect an ex-showroom price in the range of Rs. 9 lakh to Rs. 13 lakh, depending on the trim and features. On-road prices would likely be higher, ranging from Rs. 10.5 lakh to Rs. 15.5 lakh, including taxes, registration, and other costs. This pricing would position the Freed competitively against other MPVs like the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Rumion, making it an attractive option for those looking for a premium yet affordable family vehicle.

The mileage of the Honda Freed in India would be a crucial factor for potential buyers. The vehicle is available in petrol and hybrid versions, with the hybrid option likely to offer better fuel efficiency. Based on international data, the hybrid version could deliver a mileage of around 18-22 kml, while the petrol version might offer around 12-15 kml. These figures would make the Freed a reasonable choice for those concerned about running costs, especially for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.