MPV: My Pretty Vehicle

The 2009 model is sleek and has a station-wagon style. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Honda's latest Odyssey arrives to bring new hope to those seeking an MPV (multipurpose vehicle) without the dire image. Like its predecessor, it's pitched as a pseudo wagon, an image boosted by the car's sleek lines.

Honda says this Odyssey is lower than before, yet features more space inside - with 40mm extra legroom and 20mm additional knee room for third-row passengers alone.

It has more useable space, too, for the seats variously fold to house anywhere from two to seven people with corresponding amounts of luggage space.

The two variants are powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine, with more power and a flatter torque curve than the previous model, released in 2004.

As for safety, electronic aids include stability control, Honda's steering assist (which works alongside it) and even crosswind driver assist, which uses the standard sensors to detect motion caused by wind-buffet and help the driver offset it by assisting the steering to suit.

The new MPV market dropped by a quarter last year. Still, Honda hit third overall behind Toyota's Previa and Kia's Carnival.

That this Odyssey promises to be better, safer and sleeker than ever before bodes well for families wanting practical family motoring with a touch of flair. The Odyssey went on sale last week from $46,000.