Tokyo, Japan, May 26, 2005 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of an all-new Step Wagon (Step WGN). Featuring a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, the new Step WGN offers superior comfort and a compact body along with sedan-like handling and maneuverability. Attractive features such as floor panel design, a first for a production passenger minivan, help create a comfortable and inviting interior. The new Step WGN goes on sale May 27 at Honda automobile dealers throughout Japan.

This all-new third generation Step WGN combines the spaciousness of a minivan with the driving performance of a sedan. Based on the concept "Fun-derful Mover," the new Step WGN offers high-value, next-generation utility in a comfortable vehicle that's fun to drive and fun to use.

The new Step WGN is built on Honda's unique low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, and offers the same interior height as the previous model. However, the vehicle's center of gravity is 40mm(1) lower and floor height 60mm lower(1). Reductions in vehicle height of 75mm(1) and in vehicle length of 45mm make the new Step WGN more compact and give it enhanced drivability, yet the interior is spacious and accommodating. The lower center of gravity helps improve maneuverability, resulting in sedan-like handling, stability, and ride comfort. The highly functional packaging of the new Step WGN makes it ideal for a wide variety of everyday activities.

Cabin features such as floor paneling that provides the look and convenience of a hard wood floor; an optional six-panel skylight for soft, natural illumination; and flexible seat configurations contribute to the relaxed, spacious ambience of this high-value next-generation minivan utility vehicle.

source : theautochannel.com

 

Sounds like another perfect car for the Japan market. It doesn't sound like it is planed to be release in the USA though right? Personally, I'm not really a fan of any of these ultra small utility cars like this, or the Element, or the Scion xA/xB. How big is this car exactly? About the smallest I can see is the Rav-4, CRV type utility type cars. Anything smaller is just a fad to me in the USA. These are the types of cars that need to say in Japan where it actually makes sense.

 

The basic idea goes back to the old Mitsubishi Expo LRV and its two twins...the Plymouth Colt Vista and Eagle Summit Wagon.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/U...wall?print=yes

 

Translated :

May of 2005 26th
If the HONDA ' step wagon ' with you say, from the first generation, it is convenient to full flat and seat arrangement, there was the image of the level bearing surface and the mini- van which has the seat back. As a result, appraisal in regard to atmosphere and hold characteristic was not that much high.

But, the seat of the new model step wagon (May 26th announcement * 27 day sale) is born in completely another image and has changed. The second seat the seat back extends also the 55mm, the cushion part and under the crotch the 10mm have made thick thickly in the 15mm and the rear end.

The cushion sinks to the occasion where it sits down in the seat it increases the quantity which is packed substantially in comparison with tip generation, the hold kind of impression of being wrapped has been born. The present step wagon, was the kind of image which the seat and others is turned to the level place, but that is eradicated completely.

The seat to become large even in the eye which you saw, because the big expanding makes the side support part, it has become the form whose surely atmosphere is appealing.

The サイードシート to leap left and right division of sort until recently, you adopt formula. However from the system which pushes down the seat back in rear, being one-touch, before moving, it has modified in the system which folds. By the fact that the seat frame is lightened, to leap, the time operativity it has improved.

As for the new model step wagon basic concept of the seat, to tip generation it reached the point where you can feel the directivity which is different completely.


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source : response.jp

 

Why put wood paneling on the FLOOR? That IMO makes no sense at all. It will need to be protected with floor mats to keep from getting ruined, and that defeats your very purpose for showing it off. Even with clear vinyl floor mats, you still won't have the full effect.

 

The headlights look to much like a Sienna!

 

So you can sand it when you want that "refinished" look

Lame car...

 

So not only do you have to worry about dirt and stains in your interior,but also,splinters and termites Also,wouldn't this be kind of dangerous in a collision?Who wants to have sharp pieces of wood lodging themselves all over their bodies?

 

I don't think that's real wood. If it is, it is highly unlikely, with all that acreage on the floor, that Honda could afford to sell this vehicle in the $20-25,000 range...its presumed price target. More likely it is a plastic or vinyl imitation wood paneling that is specially treated not to crack and splinter in an accident. But I'll say one thing for it.....if it's imitation wood, it's DAMN-good-looking imitation wood , just like on the new Subaru Outback. Some of what passes for "wood paneling" in today's vehicles, looks-wise, is enough to make you disgorge your lunch.