Honda FR-V compact MPV
Facelift with a new 1.8 engine

MT,
6 October 2006.

New for 2007, the Honda FR-V compact MPV (compact minivan, monospace) gets a facelift with technical enhancements and new options.

From early 2007, Honda’s FR-V will be available with the 140PS 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which was launched in the 5-door Civic earlier this year. It replaces both the 1.7 and 2.0-litre petrol engines that were previously available.

The 1.8-litre engine offers the latest VTEC technology that reduces pumping losses by delaying intake valve closure and holding the throttle valve wide open during low-load driving conditions.

This puts the new  i-VTEC engine in the 1.8-litre league in terms of fuel consumption, while its 140PS output (77.7PS per 1000cc) brings it closer to the performance of a 2.0-litre powered car developing a very correct specific output of 75hp per 1000cc.

On the diesel side, the 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine now has a particulate filter available as an option.

Externally, 2007 FR-V models get a new dark chrome finish to the grille, while the headlights, door handles, rear combination light and lower licence plate trim have also been tweaked.

Inside, the wood has gone – the fascia panel now sports an improved metal with carbon-like finish. The seats and doors, meanwhile, have a new greyish-blue soft touch fabric (grey leather seats together with beige soft touch fabric continue on EX grade models). An additional boot light provides added convenience.

The new FR-V is now even more versatile thanks to a number of improvements. The front middle seat tray, revealed by flipping forward the front half of the seat squab, now features two compartments and cup holders with lids. And the front seat headrests and back seat armrests have both been enhanced.

When the three rear seats fold individually, flat into the floor, maximum space is achieved without having to remove and then store bulky seats. They can also be folded one-handed, by reaching in from the boot and unfastening a single latch.

To add to the space combinations, the back of the central front seat also folds down to allow extra-long items to be carried, or to form a table.

The FR-V is now also provided with an auxiliary jack for an iPod or similar audio storage device.