The refreshed 2018 Honda Odyssey VTi-L has copped a significant active safety upgrade and the ability to tow up to 1000kg.

THE REFRESHED HONDA ODYSSEY VTi-L, the best-selling Odyssey, has had Honda Sensing added to its standard features list and the ability to tow a braked 1000kg. It will arrive here towards the end of this month. This includes:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

“The addition of Honda Sensing on the new Odyssey VTi-L represents another step in our plan to introduce the full suite of intelligent driver-assist features and active safety technologies right across the Honda vehicle range over the next few years,” said Honda Australia Director, Stephen Collins.

“So, while it will take some time before the Honda Sensing system is standardised across all models and all grades, we are committed to supporting the safe and comfortable driving of our customers with Honda’s driver-assist technologies.”

Beyond active safety features, the updated Odyssey gets improved NVH while the VTi now features the same front end (‘aero’ front grille) previously fitted to the VTi-L. It also gets chrome surrounds for the new front fog lights. The VTi-L continues with its line-up differentiation via a curvier front-end, LED fog lights and a dark chrome finish on the upper and lower grilles and the door handles.

Inside the VTi-L, the second-row captain’s chairs are now fitted with larger headrests and additional seat-mounted storage compartments.

“With the Odyssey range, every little design feature has been thought of to make for a more joyful ride, not just for the driver, but for every passenger as well,” Mr Collins said.

“From the luxury of the second-row captain’s chairs, pull-up sun shades and tri-zone climate control air conditioning, to the conversation mirror and one-touch remote sliding doors for effortless access to the rear cabin, the needs of every family member has been accounted for in the Odyssey.”

Two new paint colours have been introduced as part of this model update on Odyssey, with Cobalt Blue Pearlescent and Platinum White Pearlescent replacing Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearlescent respectively. The new paint colours are available on both Odyssey variants (VTi and VTi-L).

Pricing for the refreshed 2018 Odyssey VTi is $37,990+ORC, while the Odyssey VTi-L is now available for $47,590+ORC.

However, despite the nominal increases, the Odyssey range offers a more extensive, customer-focused equipment list than ever before and at a more competitive price point even than when it launched in 2014.

“The Honda Odyssey continues to be the No.1 choice for private buyers, outperforming all other models in the People Mover segment over the past four years and currently commanding a 35 per cent share of the private market,” Mr Collins said.

“When you factor in the additional technology, safety and comfort features in the refreshed Odyssey range, as well as the improved useability and Honda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, it remains an unbeatable value-for-money proposition for families.”