LIKE the Toyota Passo Sette, the Honda Freed is a mini-MPV powered by a 1.5-litre engine.
But unlike the Toyota, the Freed has been around a bit longer.
The Honda was launched in Japan last May and parallel importers brought it in a few months after. Today, a handful of the Freed can be seen running around as passenger cars as well as taxis.
Both the Passo Sette and the Freed have comparable performance and comparable proportions but some small differences have big implications for handling and interior space.
The Freed is based on the same platform as Honda's popular Jazz hatchback but with the wheelbase extended to 2,795 mm, which is slightly longer than the Passo Sette's 2,750 mm. More importantly, the Freed is taller at 1,715 mm (the Passo is only 1,620 mm).
This means the Freed's third row seats are a little more welcoming to adults than the Passo Sette. Because of Honda's trademark low cabin floor, it is possible for an adult to enjoy a comfortable ride from the last row because of the adequate head and leg room.
Another difference between the Passo Sette and the Freed is that the Honda has sliding rear doors. On some versions, these are electrically powered too.
The Freed has the same punchy 1.5-litre VTEC engine as the Jazz. It offers good low-end torque but like all Honda power plants, is also capable of superb fuel economy.
The model is currently available from VinCar at $63,988. More interestingly, the Freed will also be available as an official import soon. Authorised distributor Kah Motor will display the model from July onwards and like all export models, it will have a five-speed automatic transmission instead of the Japanese domestic version's continuously variable transmission.
