The FR-V is Honda's new compact MPV which is characterized by its flexible interior. Through the combination of seats available in 3 + 3 and the distribution of space and conversion of seats, the FR-V has room for six occupants.
With 4285 mm long, the FR-V is only slightly longer than the average of its competitors, longer than the Fiat Multipla, for example, but shorter than the Touran Voskswagen. Similarly, the width of 1,810 mm is 61 mm less than a Multipla, its direct competitor.
The wheelbase of 2.680 mm, 100 mm is higher in the model of the C-segment Honda, the Civic 5-door, although both vehicles have the same length, which illustrates how the dimensions of the cabin of the FR-V have exploited. In fact, the wheelbase is 60 mm longer than the CR-V model incorporating the same platform.
Aesthetically follows the trail of other brand models as the Accord and S2000. At the bottom, highlight the spoiler with a large central opening flanked by fog lamps (standard on Executive Version). Both the bumper and spoiler are integrated to form a distinct edge that clearly draws the passage of wheels.
Among the strengths of the profile also includes large mirrors with integrated turn-as in the Accord, the windows located directly behind the pillar and coming to the line of the doors and chrome door handles.
The roof line, instead of "threaded the vehicle and joining a nearly vertical tailgate, stops at the C-pillar, where the glass tailgate extends to about 45 degrees and continues on the board of the tailgate where taking some light clusters generously sized.
ESTIMATED 4 STAR EURO NCAP
The design of the body structure has a cross section of the front frame and the frame structure of the remaining phased body, in addition to the six rungs and longitudinal parts, which help disperse the loads effectively. Therefore, it is anticipated that the FR-V gets a rating of four stars in EuroNCAP tests of frontal and side impact protection for occupants, four stars in pedestrian protection and four stars in the newly introduced test protection of children.
The widespread use of high strength steel sheet of different strengths for both the frame to the outer panels reduces weight by nearly 70 kg and optimizes security features before impact. The frame with a phased manner, with front and rear sections offer a unique dynamic stiffness in its class. Specifically, reinforcements were placed around the opening of the tailgate and the quarters of the front and rear shock absorbers.
Honda has worked on noise reduction measures, and thus includes double door seals, a panel at the rear inside wall to reduce noise from road, plenty of insulation, greater thickness of the back frame, wide isolation of the headliner, cast in the floor plate and strengthening the base of the front shock absorbers.
SET SIX SEATS
The interior layout features six independent seats in two rows. Both the front and middle seat can slide the rear center back to give passengers more space out wide, while their backrests folding table or can function as places to store items, or provide extra charging of materials. To dispel the baggage claim area should only fold-down rear seats fold into the floor.
We also have a 2 +3 configuration, the third passenger occupies a cargo space than in the FR-V is not affected because the third occupant can ride in the front row. Similarly, traveling with six people, the FR-V is still free trunk space for luggage, while a provision 2 + 3 + 2 jeopardizes the space, and that requires the presence of a third row.
This means that the FR-V can carry three passengers and 1,049 liters (VDA) of luggage, and six passengers, can carry 439 liters (VDA). The FR-V is also easy to configure for different loading possibilities. For example, with three passengers and their bikes: the FR-V bicycles can be loaded in the longitudinal, with three passengers sitting in the front seats. In vehicles of competition should be folding a part of the second row and in an order 2 + 3 + 2, even the third row.
MORE SURVEILLANCE FOR LITTLE ONES
Above all, this provision allows a child to ride in front with his parents, who in most cases is what children want and yet allows parents to keep them under surveillance.
The front middle seat can slide 270 mm (the two front seats are moved outside 230 mm) and set at a total of eleven different positions. Since the middle seat is at its most forward position when the exteriors are in the most backward, the seat can move up to 270 mm behind the front seats. If the passenger is an adult, will have considerable scope to improve its space to the length and width by sliding the seat. However, even with the middle seat moved fully forward, there is still enough leg room, since there is no conventional center console.
The central front seat also can fold - and can be released by pulling a handle behind the seat - to form a wide armrests and comfortable. It can also function as a table, thanks to the tray which includes behind the back.
The middle seat can be split, half of which is folded 180 degrees front and becomes a safe space to store items such as small bags, wallets, cameras, etc.. The back seat is another tray with hollow branches, similar to the backrest. And underneath the seat there is still more room to store items, thanks to a sliding tray with great capacity.
The steering wheel, adjustable in height and depth, allows the driver to find the best position to drive. In addition, the driver's seat is also adjustable in height and the gear lever is mounted on the dashboard-style Civic. The handbrake is located on the dashboard. To operate, just take it down and stretch. To release a button is pressed at its end. The headlights (also the fog) and the wipers operate rotary control.
SECURITY
The front airbags, side airbags for front seat occupants and curtain airbags for front and rear seats are standard on all versions of the FR-V. The front airbags are dual stage. In addition, all six seats have three belts anchor points, the central position incorporated into the front seat and the rear center seat with a double buckle that retracts into the ceiling. The three front seat belts also have pretensioners and load limiters, while the driver is a two phase.
Honda has paid special attention to the safety of children and considering that they prefer to travel in front with his parents, the front center seat, as the two outer rear seats, ISOFIX anchorages available. The width of the center seat allows incorporation perfectly a child seat (standard) 460 mm wide. A baby up to 13 kg, Honda recommends placing it in a baby seat facing backward in the rear row of seats.
For children ages 9 to 18 kg, you can use a car seat facing backward in the second row or both forward-facing rear seats and the front center seat. If children are placed in the front center seat is recommended to move the seat to its rearmost position to avoid any contact with the airbag and to avoid driver distraction.
For children between 4 and 12 years (13 to 36 kg), all seating positions are valid, even if it is one of the front seats, Honda recommends placing the seat back in its rearmost position .
INTERIOR DESIGN
The upper and lower layers of the dashboard are dull dark gray, in contrast to the core layer, which has a glossy black finish. Still in the dashboard, the lower layer contains the glove, a silver center panel with the controls of heating and air conditioning with an inclination of 45 degrees and below, still in the silver zone, a place to keep objects situated between a air outlet and gear knob. Below, a removable ashtray, a lighter and removable cup holders.
Finally, the top surface of the dashboard contains the instrument panel display that controls the serial digital audio, or if it incorporates satellite navigation system (optional on the Executive version), a 7-inch touch screen, and the instrument panel with key indicators. Instrumentation is backlit.
In the bottom center of the dashboard is a removable cup holder that when opened becomes a support for three glasses (500 ml bottles) and above, next to the gear lever, is a hole with a folding lid to keep portfolios , mobile phones etc. Finally, next to the steering column, featured a folding pocket to store loose change and other small items. The middle seat has a tray in its bottom.
The dual climate control and independent in the front seats is standard on all versions of the FR-V, with a system based on the CR-V but with a better way to meet the requirements of a carrier and a larger glazed area. The independent air vent to the right of the center of the dashboard is designed for the center seat occupant. All controls for the climate control is powered by a single touch, and the settings displayed on a digital display. All versions have a fully integrated audio system on the dashboard. The radio single CD player as standard includes four speakers (two in the front doors and two on the sides of the trunk area) and a 30W amplifier for 4 channels.
Executive versions incorporate radio and six CD player, amplifier 40W by 4 channels and six speakers. All versions except the 1.7-liter version, incorporating steering wheel controls for audio control.
ONE GASOLINE AND TWO DIESEL
The mechanical range consisting of two petrol engines of four cylinders: a motor SOHC VTEC 125 hp and 1.7 liter 5-speed manual gearbox, and a DOHC i-VTEC 150 hp and 2.0 liter 6-speed manual gearbox . In the middle of next year they will join the 2.2 liter diesel with 140 hp and Honda already presented in Accrod.
Although many chassis components are unique to the FR-V, including most of the front suspension, steering and much of the rear suspension, the overall design of the suspension is very similar to the design of consolidated CR-V. This translates into a MacPherson strut design with control articulated contact surface, in combination with a steering box mounted high, and the double wishbone with joint strip. The address of the FR-V has a central position which has allowed the length of the bars of the patella in the direction, which increases the control of the interface.
Honda has taken particular care to make the design of the rear suspension is particularly compact to allow the maximum use out into space for luggage.
FR-V models with 2.0 and 2.2 liters are equipped with stability control system and vehicle traction VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) 4-channel Honda exclusive. All FR-V models are equipped with ABS, and for optimum performance with a system of electronic distribution of braking force (EBD) which adjusts the braking force front and back. The FR-V is equipped with ventilated discs in front and rear discs.
Version 1.7-liter engine is equipped with 195/65R15 tires and steel wheels 6.0 JJ x 15 ", while versions 2.0 and 2.2 liter engine equipped with tires 6.5JJ x 16" (alloy Executive Version) shod with 205/55R16 tires.
The FR-V is available in the Spanish market in its petrol versions. The launch of the FR-V diesel is planned for mid 2005. Prices range from EUR 20,700 up to version 1.7 of the 2.0 Executive € 27,800
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