Kuala Lumpur, 22 April 2010 – The much-awaited premium compact MPV (multipurpose vehicle) has finally reached Malaysian shores after it hit the Japanese market with great success on its debut. Proudly presented by Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Honda Malaysia or the Company), the Freed seeks to add greater value to the Malaysian market in this new market segment categorized as premium compact MPV.

Unveiled by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Toru Takahashi, the launch was also witnessed by Yukihiro Aoshima, President Director of Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), Jakarta, Indonesia, where the all-new Freed is manufactured, as well as Isao Ando, Project Leader of the all-new Freed of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

Poised to be a smart choice that is complete with practicality, performance and style, the Freed particularly appeals to professional urbanites with young families.

“A MPV no longer serves functional purposes alone. Car owners, especially young parents today expect a MPV of their choice to be a complete package of practicality, performance and style. The All-New Freed would suit them to a tee.” said Toru Takahashi in his address.

He added, “Driven by its marketing theme of 4 Plus Ideas, the Freed is a premium compact MPV that offers a comfortable ride for 7 passengers. As versatile as it is, the third row of passenger seats can be converted into additional cargo space to meet endless possibilities and needs of its occupants. In fact, the All-New Freed expounds more ideas for owners on how they could make the most out of their ride, be it for a family day out on the beach or a round of golf.”

When expounding on the exterior design, Isao Ando, the Project Leader from Honda R&D Co. Ltd. explained in his speech, “Developed based on the triangle-square form concept, the Freed features an aerodynamic triangle-shaped front, a powerful one-motion silhouette that highlights an energetic sharp character line. The square-shaped cabin maximizes the use of space for greater comfort.”

An urban mover, the premium compact MPV exceeds customers’ expectations with a string of notable and unprecedented features. The Freed incorporates with some of the best-in-class specifications including dual automatic sliding doors, flat floor design and a walk-through cabin; the stylish carrier is clearly distinguished from its peers in the market.

The dual automatic sliding doors are designed for easy access in tight parking lots. The sliding doors are also equipped with anti-pinch sensors that reverse the closing process when an obstacle is detected.

The roomy cabin features a low flat floor design and a high flat roof, a great way to maximize space and headroom for higher comfort level, while the theatrical seating position increases visibility for all passengers.

The ingenious walk-through cabin design makes it easier for passengers to maneuver from the first row to the third row. During a long journey, such convenience and comfort is necessary, especially for the little ones.

The one-step low floor and a grip assist would help the elderly and children step up and down easily.

In terms of practicality, the seats on the third row are foldable for extra loading capacity when needed. A flexible and accommodating ride, the Freed can seat up to 7 people comfortably. For smaller families, the Freed would be a joy ride for 4 people, along with 4 golf bags, or equipments and rations for an outdoor trip, or even 3 pieces of large baggage in the 3rd row. The low tailgate opening makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze.

There is ample storage space, including centre tray, glove compartment, door pockets, backseat hook and seven (7) cup holders spread out conveniently in easy to locate places.  

This stylish and contemporary looking compact MPV houses the renowned 1.5L i-VTEC engine under its hood. Capable of producing 118PS at 6600rpm for maximum power and 146 Nm at 4800rpm for maximum torque, the 4-cylinder,  16 valve SOHC engine is one of the better known technologies in the industry. The i-VTEC engine is known to produce a perfect balance between power and fuel economy.

The engine is also fitted with ecological solutions that include an airflow meter and linear air fuel ratio sensor as part of the Honda’s mission to reduce its product’s impact on the environment. It also meets the EURO 4 emission standards.

The Freed engages a 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT) and a drive-by-wire (DBW) torque control system, which guarantees a smoother ride.

In the safety aspect, it scores 6 stars in the JNCAP crash tests for both the driver and passengers. The proprietary G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) helps disperse the crash impact across the body frame while the advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) gives better crash compatibility with other cars, thus minimizing injury.

Other safety features available are ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electrical Brake-force Distribution), BA (Brake Assist) and Grade Logic Control embedded in the Shift-Hold Control. The latter reduces the shift of extra transmission during cornering.  

Available in Brilliant White, Polished Metal and Crystal Black, the different colors of the Freed exude a universal confidence and vibrancy.

Looking for more cargo space without having to compromise your requirement for style? Sleek and stylish, the Freed is poised to be one of the smartest choices among other compact MPVs available in the market. Test drive the premium compact MPV now at your nearest authorized Honda dealer and you will get practicality, performance and style, all in 1 package.

The sales target is 1600 units in the first year and the on-the-road price with insurance is RM112,980 in Peninsular Malaysia.