Honda Stream

Overview:

Honda stream is a compact MPV which was first manufactured in year 2000 by the Japanese car maker Honda. The second generation Honda Stream launched in November 2007, was the one that entered Malaysian market and was further given a face-lift with the RSZ label. With an advanced and refined 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine, this MPV provides practical dynamics with Honda's drive pleasure, comfort coupled with a good mileage to cut the fuel cost. The exterior of this MPV looks dynamic with its chrome floating garnish grille. The aerodynamic structure gives a sporty look to the vehicle. With the introduction of RSZ styling, Honda Stream has been designed like a sports coupe with low center of gravity to improve handling and performance.

Stepping inside the Honda Stream RSZ, one can easily find this compact MPV loaded with features to provide the best of comfort with the use of Honda's cutting edge technology. This 7-seater vehicle has flexible seats which can be folded to create more luggage space. Like other Honda vehicles, Stream is also equipped with safety features like Dual SRS airbags, Honda's G-Force Control technology, Anti-lock Braking System and much more for a worry free drive. With all the dashing features, this MPV is not only attracting families but also young individuals as the car offers the right mix of performance and space.

When it comes to performance, Stream's i-VTEC motor churns out an impressive 140 PS of power at 6300 rpm delivering a maximum torque of 174 Nm at 4300 rpm. The 5 speed automatic with paddle shift transmission frees the driver from shifting the gears. With a fuel capacity of 55 litres, this vehicle is suitable for long drives or a family holiday. Cruise control feature is also provided in this MPV and this ensures the safety and worry free drive for all the passengers. All high end features are included in Honda Stream RSZ to make sure that it provides the best ride to its passengers.

Mileage and Fuel economy

The gasoline engine of Honda Stream RSZ is capable of giving good mileage. The 1.8-litre, i-VTEC engine delivers an overall mileage of 10.2 km/l. This fuel efficient vehicle serves good on both, city roads and highways.

Power:

Honda Stream RSZ comes with a powerful 1.8-litre, i-VTEC engine with 4 cylinders, 16 valves which generates a maximum power of 140 PS @ 6300 rpm and high torque of 174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. The Honda Stream RSZ using the Drive-By-Wire system enhances the power output giving you the confidence of driving it like a sports sedan.

Acceleration & Pickup:

The 1.8-litre engine of this MPV has an excellent acceleration and takes only 11.3 seconds to cross the 100 kmph mark with a top speed of 191 km/hr. For a MPV these figures are quite impressive considering the length of the car along with its weight.

 

Exterior:

The exterior of Honda Stream RSZ is good enough to attract the onlookers. The honeycomb front grille, newly designed bumper and the side skirts enhance the looks of this MPV. The smoked tail lights give a complimenting look to the aerodynamic tailgate spoiler. With stream LED brake light, the driver of the vehicle coming from behind can get a good visibility. The indicators on the ORVM equally distribute the light when activated. The new fog lamps are designed to provide a clear visibility during foggy weather and also enhance the vehicle's looks. The ORVM of this vehicle comes in the body color. The exterior body is light weight but strong as it is made of expanded high tensile steel and has fused steel plates of assorted thickness to provide a stronger body frame.

Exterior Measurements:

This stylish MPV comes with some good dimensions to flaunt. Where the length is at 4,570 mm, the width stands at 1,695 mm. The height of this vehicle is 1,545 mm and the ground clearance is of 150 mm with the wheelbase of 2,740 mm.

Interior:

The interior of Honda Stream RSZ has ample space to afford all its said 7 passengers including the driver. The instrument panel with two big meters are positioned perfectly for easy viewing. The center panel is angled towards the driver to provide the easy visibility of meter to the driver. The internal configuration of the instrument panel is designed in a compact manner to provide more legroom for the driver. The part of dashboard on passenger's side is made of soft materials to provide comfort, legroom and security. The instruments have given a finishing of metal rims to give a modern look to the vehicle. The interior lights are red in color which gives a sporty feel to the MPV. This vehicle comes with seat height adjuster and a telescope tilt steering wheel to give comfort to the driver in terms of position and visibility. The seat mechanisms are also designed for easy and quick operation. The second row seat has walk in, easy to use slide mechanism which allows the third row passengers to enter into the vehicle without any difficulty. The second and third row seats can be folded to get more luggage space. Some storage is provided in the cockpit for front, second and third row passengers in different shape and volume to store petty things.

Interior Comfort:

Honda Stream RSZ has comfortable seats for all its passengers and can provide great comfort at long drives. The audio is controlled with steering wheel, 2 DIN audio with USB port, speakers, front seat back pockets, armrest for first and second row seats, accessory sockets, vanity mirror with lid, map light and trunk light, power retractable door mirror are other features of provided in this variant. The 60:40 split fold at second row and 50:50 split fold in third row provides extra luggage space in this vehicle. The stylish metal look of the cup holders add grace to the interior of this vehicle.

Interior Measurements:

Even when this vehicle is made to accommodate 7 passengers, it made no compromise in providing ample space for all of them. There are storages in the cockpit to keep small things. For big luggages, this variant has a spacious boot with two separate compartments. Both of these compartments are separately lidded for more versatility to suit the variety of uses.

Engine and Performance:

Honda Stream RSZ is powered by 1.8L i-VTEC, 4 cylinders, 16 valves engine with Drive by Wire (DBW) . This engine churns out an impressive power of 140 PS @ 6,300 rpm with a maximum torque of 174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. This engine has 5 speed Automatic transmission with Paddle Shift to deliver a comfortable ride within city or on highways.

Stereo and Accessories:

Honda Stream RSZ comes with a 2 Din Audio CD/MP3 player with four speakers. Features like USB support are included in the Stream. However, other audio accessories such as AUX support, Bluetooth are found missing. Honda Stream does not possess one of the best audio systems in its category but the equipped audio package does an average job.

Wheels:

Honda Stream RSZ comes with a standard 17 inch alloy wheels measuring at 205/55 R17 for a firmer grip on road. The wheel size has been kept wide offering better performance and also to enhance the overall aesthetics of this compact MPV.

Braking and Handling:

To provide a safe and secure drive, Honda Stream RSZ MPV comes with ventilated disc type brakes on front wheels and drum breaks on rear wheels. McPherson Strut suspension system in the front and Reactive Link double Wishbone type rear suspension ensures better handling, even at higher speeds. Built on a sports coupe design, the low centre of gravity on the Stream RSZ provides confidence on cornering and even on straight roads.

Safety and Security:

The Honda Stream RSZ is designed to provide a secure and fun ride. Keeping in mind the safety point, the vehicle sports standard Honda safety features which make it a very safe vehicle to drive in any weather and on any road. With Dual SRS airbags, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) the safety is ensured on this MPV. Intelligent Highway Cruise Control system controls the speed and the distance of the car ahead to avoid any collision. Honda's own G-Con or G-Force Control technology ensures that in case of vehicle collision, the impact energy is controlled and the injuries are reduced for its passengers. This vehicle comes with 7 Three-point ELR seat belts which prevents the passengers to surge forward and limit the excessive pressure on the chest. Child safety lock at rear doors are provided in this car. This lock is manually operated. Parking sensors, ultrasonic sensors and high mount stop light are also parts of safety features of this vehicle. As key features of Honda for the safety of its cars, the brand provides immobiliser and security alarm to prevent thefts.

Pros

Loaded Honda safety features.
Folding seats to provide extra luggage space.
Fun to drive thanks to its sporty architecture

Cons

Audio system lacks certain features
Poor NVH level.