Third-Generation Honda Freed MPV Debuts In Japan

Latest third-gen Honda Freed Air (left) and Freed Crosstar (right) revealed in Japan earlier this week.

Earlier this week, Japanese automakers Honda launched its new third-generation Freed MPV model in its home market of Japan. The small three-row MPV adopts a squared new look largely inspired by the Step WGN MPB, and is available with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain option too.

The new styling is both cleaner and friendlier than the second-generation model it succeeds. Key touches in the base Air variant include new horizontal lines on its profile, larger greenhouse, and uncluttered front and rear fascia – the exterior design clearly isn’t SUV-inspired to say the least.

In terms of styling, the new Freed appears much neater and uncluttered, especially in base Air guise pictured. Critically, it retains its rear dual-sliding doors and sizeable rear hatch opening.

On board, the new Freed air continues to offer the familiar 6-seat layout featuring comfier individual second row seats. New here is the foldable third-row bench, which as been made lighter for easier operation.

For those that want some SUV-like elements, Honda does offer the new third-gen Freed with added rugged styling cues – a la Perodua Axia Style, if you remember that variant. This comes courtesy of a Crosstar trimline, which adds a unique grille, chunkier bumpers, roof rails, and more.

What remains unchanged here is the Freed’s offer of dual-sliding doors at the rear, plus a sizeable rear hatch opening.

In Crosstar guise, the Freed gains crossover SUV-like design touches and additions that exude a more rugged stance.

The Crosstar guise also sees a two-row seating arrangement available, which prioritises boot space above all else.

As for dimensions, the new third-gen Freed sits 4,310 MM long with a 2,740 MM wheelbase, 1,695 MM wide, and 1,755 MM tall. Compared to its predecessor, this third-gen successor sits 45 MM longer, but retains the same wheelbase. This also puts the Freed in between the Jazz and Vezel.

On board, the three-row seating offers space for six, and it features a foldable third-row bench that’s now lighter in weight for easier operation. The SUV-styled Crosstar sees a more conventional two-row seating layout option that prioritises boot space.

Shared across both is the neater new dash design featuring larger new trays and infotainment touchscreen, along with a new digital instrument panel.

Regardless of variant, all see their seats and cabin lined with new stain- and scratch-resistant upholstery. New here is a large  free-standing infotainment mounted front and centre in the dash, a digital instrument panel, enlarged trays in the dash, and rood-mounted rear air-cond vents.

As noted, Honda offers the third-gen Freed in Japan with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain option, which pairs the familiar 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol mill with dual e-motors and a battery, altogether offering enhanced performance and efficiency over its predecessor.

That aside, a regular non-hybrid petrol powertrain choice is available, as does the option between front- (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups. As for its transmission, the new third-gen Freed typically adopts Honda’s CVT automatic hardware.

With their online debuts, the new Honda Freed is set to enter the Japanese market starting June this year.

Locally, Honda Malaysia last offered the Freed in its first-gen form some years back. A second-gen follow up  wasn’t considered as the firm elected to offer the Brio-based BR-V 7-seat crossover instead, which was also dropped recently in favour of the new WR-V crossover model.

Would you fancy this highly practical and now more efficient dual-sliding-doored three-row MPV should Honda Malaysia decide to re-enter this space? What would be a fair price for one? As usual, share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…