FIRST LOOKS

Honda Malaysia is clearly determined to increase its market share this year and a key to succeeding is to offer fresh new products all the time, besides broadening its line-up of locally-assembled and imported models. Less than a month ago, the Honda subsidiary launched the all-new Odyssey and now comes the new Stream.

Unlike the previous Streams distributed by Honda Malaysia, this latest version comes from Indonesia and not Japan. The Honda plant in Indonesia is designated for the assembly of the Stream for the ASEAN region so as to enjoy the lower tariff rates provided under the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement. Therefore, importing the model from Indonesia instead of Japan enables the retail price to be lower and indeed, Honda Malaysia has taken advantage of this.

Earlier this year, when the government changed the duty structure and increased the duties on MPVs, the Stream’s price range jumped to between RM175,000 – RM185,000 from between RM155,800 – RM165,800. The latest version, not subject to the higher import duties that apply to imports from outside ASEAN and not qualified under AFTA conditions, is priced at RM155,800 for the Stream iV and RM161,800 for the better-equipped Stream iVS. So, in effect, the prices have returned to pre-2004 levels (probably with a bit of special effort by Honda Malaysia as well) and show how AFTA can actually benefit consumers.

The new Stream has a revised front presentation with a new headlight cluster featuring multi-reflector lamp units. There are also new bumpers front and rear and at the rear end, cosmetic changes are evident. The Stream iVS has a more aggressive look with an integral spoiler and extensions of the sills.

As before, the powerplant is the 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine which produces 114.7 kW/156 ps at 6500 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The latest version of this engine, which can also be found in the Civic, Accord and CR-V, has even cleaner exhaust gases and meets the more stringent EURO-4 level of emission standards.

Only an automatic transmission is available, this being the electronically-controlled 5-speed transmission with Sport Shift sequential model that allows the driver to have the option of changing gears manually. The programming has Grade Logic Control, a feature which limits shifting on slopes for better control over the car’s speed and also to make driving smoother.

The chassis is unchanged from before since this is not a generation change, so there is still independent suspension all round. At the front, the wheels are located by a Toe Control Link Strut (MacPherson type) with a stabilizer bar and at the rear is a layout described as a ‘Reactive Link’ double wishbone arrangement, also with a stabilizer.

With its own advanced crash test facility, Honda has been able to design its new models to offer very high standards of occupant and pedestrian protection and the Stream is a good example. Its body construction has G-CON technology which protects cabin integrity by dissipating impact forces. Inside, there are also dual airbags for the front occupants and seatbelts for all seven persons who travel in the Stream.

Active Safety is also of a high standard with ABS for the all-disc brake system. The brake system include electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, which boosts braking power during emergency braking. Incidentally, the Stream has a foot-operated parking brake to save space between the front seats.

The interior of the Stream is a fine example of clever and innovative interior design. The seats can be folded to create various layouts according to needs and it is possible to even carry two bicycles (with front wheels removed). A really unique feature is the folding console between the front seats which can be turned into a storage box for CDs and small items; when not required, it can fold flat against the seat neatly.

With the warm climate here, air-conditioning is very much needed and more so in a MPV like the Stream which is just over 4.5 metres long. In some long vehicles with three rows of seats, the passengers in the last row don’t get enough cool air so their journey is not always pleasant. Those in the Stream will be happy, though, as Honda’s product planners have thoughtfully included a blower on the right side of the third row. The fan speed can also be controlled separately and should there be no one in the third row, the blower can be switched off by the driver.

For the Stream iVS, there is a sportier ambience with red self-illuminating meters and leather trim and upholstery. Both versions have the same audio system which is a 2DIN format and has a MP3 capability so you can have a choice of hundreds of songs downloaded from the internet.

The new Stream comes with a 3-year warranty and 2 years of free scheduled maintenance, along with the special Honda Insurance Package. It can be viewed as all authorized Honda dealers nationwide from today. To find where the nearest dealer to you is located, visit the Honda Malaysia website.