Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release in Japan 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 lower and floor height 60mm lower. Reductions in vehicle height of 75mm 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.
Major Features of the All-New Step WGN
< Packaging and utility >
’ Spacious, easy-to-drive, and with sedan-like dynamic performance, the new Step WGN is based on Honda’s innovative low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform. This design maintains the Step WGN’s ceiling height of 1,350 mm while lowering vehicle height by 75 mm. A compact engine compartment allows for an even shorter-nose front end, maintaining the Step WGN’s cabin length at a generous 2,800 mm while reducing overall vehicle length by 45 mm. The result is a spacious interior in a compact, easy-to-maneuver body.
’ Floor height at the second seat row is 390 mm, highest in the minivan class. While increasing leg room for second-row passengers, the one-step floor also makes it easy for children and older passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.
’ The second- and third-row seats can also be stowed to create a 1,675 mm-long cargo space with a generous 1,541 l luggage capacity (figures are for tumble seat-equipped vehicles).
’ Two large-capacity covered storage compartments have been added to the upper instrument panel, and the glove compartment is nearly twice as large as in the previous model. There is abundant space in all three seat rows for storing personal belongings and small items.
’ Many features have been optimized for improved visibility and to reduce blind spots: the low and unobtrusive meter panel; low, flat windshield wipers; large triangular vent windows; the specially shaped front pillar cross-section and third-row headrests; and specially positioned door mirrors. — Nissan's new Serena minivan.
’ The tilting/telescoping steering column, which for allows a driver-optimized steering position, is standard on all types.
’ Even with a longer wheelbase and wider tires, all versions of the new Step WGN boast the smallest turning radius in the minivan class: 5.3 m.
< Styling >
Exterior Styling
The sleek aerodynamic upper body narrows toward the rear, while the rectangular lower body trims the airflow. The Dynamic Character Line sets off these two areas for an especially distinctive appearance.
’ From the side, the short nose and long wheelbase convey the spaciousness of the cabin, while the deep, gradually widening Dynamic Character Line symbolizes the Step WGN’s dynamic performance.
’ The square shape of the rear reflects the spaciousness of the Step WGN’s cabin, and the wide combination taillights emphasize the wide-stance, low-center-of-gravity design of the automobile.
’ Front and rear lower skirts, tailgate spoiler, and dark chrome headlight sub-reflectors’options for the sporty models’further accent the Step WGN’s low center of gravity and premium appearance.
Interior Styling
’ The interior of the all-new Step WGN is spacious, inviting, and relaxed’providing all the comfort and amenities of one’s own living room at home.
’ For the first time in a production passenger minivan, optional floor paneling for the second- and third-row seats is available in either Natural or Brown to complement the interior color schemes’a unique feature that makes the Step WGN even more comfortable and inviting. — Honda's Airwave compact station wagon.
< Powertrain >
Engine
’ The economical and environmentally friendly DOHC i-VTEC engine combines Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC), which optimizes intake valve timing in response to engine load. The 2.0 lDOHC i-VTEC engine provides smooth acceleration from low speeds, and the 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine provides high-torque output at any engine speed.
The 2.0 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 114 kW (155 PS) power rating with 188 N’m (19.2 kg’m) of torque.
The 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 119 kW (162 PS) power rating with 218 N’m (22.2 kg’m) of torque.
Transmission
’ The 24Z FF’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) delivers smooth, seamless acceleration, and the torque converter assures powerful starts; together they generate highly responsive power at all rpm ranges. The steering wheel-mounted paddle shift features 7-speed mode for a manual-shift feel.
< Chassis and Body >
’ The new low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, including a newly designed rear suspension and fuel tank, reduces the roll tendency often observed in minivans with high centers of gravity. Optimized suspension settings and high-rigidity mounts allow for highly stable handling as well as superior ride comfort.
’ The reduced front and rear overhangs, newly designed suspension, and lower center of gravity all help reduce the moment of inertia, and the Step WGN’s aerodynamic characteristics have also been improved. As a result, freeway cruising stability and resistance to the effects of crosswinds have both significantly increased.
’ Increased rigidity throughout the body and highly rigid support of the sliding doors and tailgate are important factors in the Step WGN’s sedan-like handling stability and ride comfort. — Honda Zest minicar launch.
’ A secondary balancer suppresses engine vibration and, in combination with acoustic insulation, helps reduce engine noise. Optimized acoustic materials reduce road noise to create a quiet cabin in which conversation can be enjoyed in any seat.
< Advanced Features >
’ The new Step WGN is equipped with the Intelligent Highway Cruise Control (IHCC) vehicle speed and distance control system.
’ The Honda HDD InterNavi System with Progressive Commander features an 8-inch-wide display positioned for easy visibility to minimize the need for the driver to shift his or her line of sight.
< Safety Performance >
’ The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system’which includes the Antilock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and sideslip control’works in combination with the DBW electronic throttle control that optimizes engine torque to achieve precision handling.
’ The Collision Mitigation System (CMS) uses a millimeter-wave radar to calculate the distance between the Step WGN and the vehicle ahead.
’ The Step WGN is also designed to mitigate injury in the event of impact with pedestrians, particularly to their head and legs, through the use of impact-absorbing structures.
’ In addition to front-seat i-side air bags, a side curtain airbag system protects all three rows of seats.
