2010 Honda Freed Test Drive & Full Review

Honda decided to venture into the lucrative B-segment, compact MPV segment, seeing how popular Nissan Grand Livina and Toyota Avanza have been. The number two Japanese automaker launched the Honda Freed as a “premium 4 seater + ideas” rather than as a competitively-priced conventional seven-seater. Honda Malaysia's marketing strategy means that the Freed is positioned to attract customers who find the Grand Livina and Avanza too utilitarian, and higher-end MPVs such as Mazda5, Honda Stream and Toyota Wish too expensive.

But costing RM 12K and RM 36K more than the most expensive Grand Livina and Avanza variants respectively, the Freed fails to convince in more areas than one. Particularly disappointing for a Honda are the sub-par cabin materials and a surprising lack of grab handles and arm rests, made worse by heightened expectations which accompany the word “premium”.

The Freed does offer some interesting ideas such as the “walk-through” cabin layout and electrically-powered rear sliding doors, and there is a reasonable amount of space for seven considering the compact dimensions. Handling is one of the Freed's strong points, too, and running costs should be well-contained in the longer term.

Ultimately, however, we cannot see the logic in paying a price premium for a compact MPV that, instead of proving class-leading, has fallen below expectations, if not competition, in a number of areas. The Freed would mainly appeal to Honda fans, though we see little reason in recommending it if you are not one of them. Read the Honda Freed full review.