The Honda StepWgn is now available through official channels, and it makes a strong case for those looking for a spacious and practical family MPV.
The Honda StepWgn must have one of the most oddly-spelt names in the automotive industry. The name is actually pronounced ‘Step Wagon’, but somehow Honda has deemed it fit to spell it out like a vowel-deprived teenage texter from the early 2000s.
Strange spelling aside, the StepWgn is otherwise a rather standard family MPV. It is now available from Honda’s official distributor here, Kah Motor, after years of being sold solely as a parallel-imported model. About time really, for the StepWgn is an MPV that’s really worth taking a serious look at.
Familiar Face
The current generation StepWgn was launched in 2022, and parallel importers have been selling them here for at least that long, so it is not an unfamiliar car on our roads actually.
The official version looks no different from the parallel-imported cars, and the StepWgn is literally a box on wheels. The angular styling is conservative and doesn’t particularly stand out, but it’s clear that this is a car that’s more function than form.
The clean lines hide the car’s bulk well though, because the StepWgn doesn’t look as big as its dimensions suggest. It measures in at a sizeable 4,829mm long and 1,846mm tall, which poses a slight problem in smaller carparks. But it’s something you’ll only realise once you drive it, because the styling and dimensions can feel a bit deceptive with regards to the car’s size.
Kah Motor has decided to bring in only the Spada variant of the StepWgn, which is supposedly the premium trim, and features sporty 17-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. For the uninitiated, back in Japan the StepWgn also has the base Air trim level that looks somewhat more basic, but given our market demands, it’s probably a wise decision to offer just the higher-spec model.
All That Space
Step inside the StepWgn and you’ll be instantly amazed by the amount of space you’ll get. The car is reasonably tall, but the seat is at regular height instead of raised up high like many other MPVs. That means you get an astonishing amount of headroom, enough to accommodate an afro-haired NBA player with room to spare.
For us normal-sized folks though, it makes you feel rather small, as you get dwarfed by the enormous amount of space. But the seating position does make access easier, as you don’t have to climb onboard. Instead, you simply step in and sit down like you would in a regular car.
At the back, which is where it matters for an MPV, the StepWgn impresses too. While it is not quite a luxury MPV, the second row features a pair of individual seats that come with armrests and even adjustable footrests.
They have to be deployed manually however, but it’s no cause for complaint as you won’t even find these on some of the StepWgn’s segment rivals.
The third row is equally commodious, and the generous headroom, along with the large windows, means that occupants confined back there won’t feel at all claustrophobic. There are also useful stuff like cupholders and USB charging ports which ensure that rear passengers don’t feel like third-class citizens.
Practicality Is Ace
It’s not just people that can enjoy all that space, for the StepWgn offers lots of room for cargo too. There’s a decent amount of boot space with a deep recess when all the seats are up, although Honda does not state a specific figure for the car’s load capacity.
However, the StepWgn also features one of the niftiest folding third row seats of any MPV out there. Pull the lever and the seats fold right down into said recess and form a completely flat floor. It’s a simple one-handed action that will be appreciated by those who have to load items when their hands are otherwise occupied.
That sort of practical thinking is evident all throughout the cabin too. Up in front, there is a small pop-up hook on the dashboard that can hold bags weighing up to 3kg. There are also large storage spaces down on the centre console to accommodate various items, although they are open rather than covered.
Finally, the back of the front seats feature USB-C charging ports and fold-out tables, and there are dedicated controls on the roof for the rear air con, all of which serve to further enhance the experience for those riding in the back.
That said, there are some small niggles though, but they mostly concern the one in the driver’s seat. The push-button gear selector system feels a bit unintuitive to use, and can be a bit troublesome when performing three-point turns.
As well, the aftermarket 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, while perfectly functional, comes across as a bit downmarket for an officially imported car. It could also do with a 360-degree camera, which would aid greatly with parking given the car’s size and dimensions.
Smooth and Comfortable Pace
On the move, the first thing that strikes you about the StepWgn is how smoothly it accelerates. It is not fast obviously, but the 2.0-litre hybrid drivetrain produces a decent 184bhp and 175Nm of torque. Apply a gentle throttle and the car builds up speed in an unruffled manner, settling into a comfortable cruise that is befitting of a good family MPV.
It combines that with great refinement, with its excellent noise insulation at speed, and a well-sorted ride quality that smooths out most bumps easily.
Of course, it is not the last word in dynamic driving, with noticeable body roll and a relatively lifeless steering that’s not the quickest, but then again, that basically applies to most large MPVs anyway.
Efficiency-wise, Honda claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5 litres per 100km, which seems decent enough for a car of its size. Over my three day test drive though, I got around 6.3 litres per 100km, which is still okay for the most part, but one would expect slightly better from a hybrid powertrain.
A Worthy Case
It’s easy to see why Kah Motor is eager to introduce the StepWgn to its lineup, for it faces strong competition in the form of the popular Nissan Serena e-Power, as well as the recently-launched Toyota Noah Hybrid, another formerly parallel imported model now available through official channels.
At $238,999 with COE (at the time of writing), the StepWgn is competitively priced too, and puts it right about on par with its key rivals. It boasts plenty of strengths, namely its generous space, impressive practicality, and excellent all-round comfort. If you’re looking for an MPV to drive your family around, the Step Wgn makes for a very worthy choice indeed.
Technical Specifications
Honda StepWgn Hybrid 2.0 Spada
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line 4
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel-Drive
Power: 184 bhp (Combined)
Torque: 175 Nm
Gearbox: e-CVT
0-100km/h: 9.7 Seconds
Top Speed: 160 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 litres
Fuel Economy: 5.0 litres/100km (claimed)
Price: S$238,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Article and photos by: Ben Chia (@benchiacars)
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!
