A new member has been added to the JDM Honda Freed family of compact minivans in Japan. Called the Freed Spike, the new model is being pitched by Honda as a "compact multi-wagon" for people with "active lifestyles". We remind you that the Freed is based on Honda's Jazz / Fit architecture. It was introduced in Japan in 2008 and is offered in five-, seven- and eight-seat versions, all of which feature sliding rear doors.
The new Freed Spike is available exclusively with two rows of seats for five passengers that can be arranged in several different configurations. Honda has added new dual-height floor panels in the cargo area and some additional storage areas on the side panels.
Visual changes on the outside include a redesigned front end with newly shaped headlamps, grille and bumper designs, while the third side window has been replaced by a rather crude-looking plastic panel. The partial tail lamp covers and the new alloy wheels round off the exterior upgrades.
Powertain options have been carried over from the standard Freed. The Spike is offered with a 1.5-liter petrol engine in FWD (with a CVT) or AWD (with a 5-speed automatic transmission) configurations.
