ENTRE News – The third generation Honda Freed model went on sale in Japan a few weeks after the new design of this sliding door MPV debuted. Freed, whose looks no longer look cute, is being sold for between 2.508 million yen and 3.4 yen or around IDR 255 million to IDR 349 million. The new Freed is available in two variants: Air, which has a simpler appearance, and Crosstar with a crossover feel.
Customers have a choice between two powertrains, the first using the L15D 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 117 hp at 6,600 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. This DOHC i-VTEC engine is paired with a CVT transmission for front-wheel drive, while an all-wheel drive system is also available as an option.
An alternative powertrain is the e:HEV dual motor system, with a LEB 1.5 liter NA inline four-cylinder petrol engine. This machine produces 105 hp of power in the 6,000 to 6,400 rpm range and 127 Nm of torque in the 4,500 to 5,000 rpm range.
The engine in this hybrid system mainly functions as a generator for the 48-Ah lithium-ion battery, which then drives a front-mounted electric motor with 121 hp of power and 253 Nm of torque to drive the wheels.
At higher speeds, the engine can directly drive the wheels for better efficiency. The hybrid variant is also available with an all-wheel drive system, which involves an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) and a second electric motor via a single-speed electric CVT to drive the rear wheels when required.
Honda stated that the hybrid variant’s fuel consumption reached 25 km per liter according to WLTC testing, while the pure petrol variant recorded 16.2 km per liter, as reported by paultan-org.
In terms of dimensions, the latest generation Honda Freed is slightly larger than the previous model. The length reaches 4,310 mm, the width ranges from 1,695 to 1,720 mm, and the height ranges from 1,755 to 1,780 mm. Even so, the wheelbase remains the same as its predecessor, namely 2,740 mm.
From the design, this MPV looks inspired by the second generation Crossroad with a more boxy design. A flatter bonnet replaces the rakish design of the previous model, while the front features a more upright face.
The front features trapezoidal headlights with separate daytime running lights topped by two dashed lines. At the rear, the latest generation Honda Freed eliminates the two-piece rear light that was previously integrated with the rear door. This component is replaced by a vertically oriented light cluster featuring a large pixel display.
Both Freed variants have similar lighting settings, but the Crosstar variant has unique design touches reflecting SUV-style elements. The Crosstar features a textured “grille” insert and a wider “mouth” that incorporates two air inlets. This version also features black plastic lining around the rear bumper equipped with a skid plate.
The new exterior design also brings significant changes to the interior, with the adoption of a fresh dashboard similar to the latest Honda N-Box model. The once high-mounted instrument cluster has been replaced with a digital display in front of the two-spoke steering wheel.
Crosstar comes with five unique chairs, specifically designed to support outdoor activities. The trunk area includes features such as a modular cargo hold, equipment mounting points, a pegboard and running lights to illuminate the area under the rear door when opened. The first generation Honda Freed was sold in Indonesia since 2009, then it was decided to retire in 2016.