Honda Odyssey Luxury 2012 Review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

Honda's Odyssey needs no introduction. It's the people mover you want when you don't want a people mover, courtesy of the fact it drives more like a car than any of its competitors.

How much?

Odyssey comes in two flavours. The Luxury as its name suggests is the more expensive of the two at $44,920 (but with sales the way they are we reckon you could probably bargain them down).

What are competitors?

Noteable competitors include the Kia Carnival, Chrysler's Grand Voyager, Hyundai iMax and of course the Toyota Tarago. Apart from the very van like iMax, they are all more expensive.

What's under the bonnet?

A 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine with 132kW of power and 218Nm of torque. It's hooked up to a five-speed automatic with paddle shifts.

How does it go?

Not bad. Lacks low down torque, but the tranny does a good job of harnessing the engine's output. Of course the more people you have aboard, the bigger dent it is going to put in this.

Is it economical?

Takes standard unleaded. With a 60-litre tank fuel consumption is rated at 8.9 litres/100km (we were getting 9.0).

Is it green?

Not bad. Scores 3.5 out 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius sets the benchmark with 5).

Is it safe?

Fitted with front, side and curtain airbags Odyssey scores four out of five stars for safety. Not bad but not as safe as it could be and more importantly should be.

Is it comfortable?

Comfort is one of the car's fortes. It's like a loungeroom in there.

What's it like to drive?

Snack to drive. The reversing camera is a bonus not just in terms of safety but also for making parking easier. At 4.8 metres however you have to be aware of its length and factor this into your cornering calculations.

Is it value for money?

Odyssey comes with a satellite navigation featuring USB connectivity with iPod integration, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, live traffic updates, SD card map updates, rear reversing camera and a DVD player as standard.

Would we buy one?

It would be very tempting if we were in the market for a seven-seater. It does what it does very well and is going to he heaps cheaper to run than a four wheel drive wagon  but lacks luggage space when all seven seats are in use. Wish they'd stop fooling with the styling which now carries too many embellishments.