If you do not drive one, your neighbour probably does. Or you probably sat in one the last time you booked a Grab ride.

The Freed’s appeal has always been remarkably straightforward. It is compact, efficient, ridiculously practical, and does not try to be anything it is not. In many ways, that is exactly why it works so well.

So, when Honda launched this new generation Freed Hybrid, there was no need for drastic reinvention. Instead, the focus was on refinement, efficiency, and a little extra charm, all while staying true to the formula that has made the Freed a favourite.  

Fulfilling A Boxy Purpose  

No one buys an MPV for its styling, and Honda knows it. That is why, instead of trying to hide its shape, the new Honda Freed Hybrid fully embraces its boxiness.  

In profile, it looks like a well-rounded Tupperware on wheels, with proportions that scream practicality first, everything else second. But that doesn’t mean the designers didn’t try.

The headlights flank a blacked-out glossy strip across the front, and the taillights have a stacked cube pattern embedded within. Small quirks, but it gives the car some charm.

The cabin is the same story. Honda’s designers have done a fantastic job balancing cost-conscious practicality with usability. The dashboard layout is clean, symmetrical, and pleasantly minimalistic. Most importantly, Honda has resisted the temptation to digitise everything.

The driver’s display is a huge step up from before, with a vibrant, easy-to-read digital display taken from the Honda Jazz Crosstar that proves you do not need massive screens to feel modern.  

Physical buttons are still present and accounted for, including proper dials for temperature and fan speed. The controls are precisely laid out, with excellent tactile feedback, making them effortless to use while driving.  

The Freed’s Greatest Strengths  

If there is one thing the Freed has always done better than most, it is maximising space. This new model continues to lead its segment in passenger comfort and versatility.  

The powered sliding doors make ingress and egress effortless, especially for elderly passengers or young children. The second-row seats retain their 60:40 split, meaning the middle passenger gets a properly moulded seat, rather than a half-hearted excuse of a cushion.  

The third row remains easy to access, thanks to the tumble-forward seats.

While legroom and shoulder room are adequate, headroom is where the Freed excels. Even taller passengers will find plenty of space above, making it one of the most comfortable small MPVs on the market.

Storage is another strong suit. There are spaces in every nook and cranny of this car, and there are USB-C charging ports integrated into the front seats, so second-row passengers never have to fight for a charging cable.  

Surprisingly Engaging Too

If there was one major weakness in the previous-generation Freed, it was the drivetrain. It was functional, but in a segment full of hybrids and turbocharged alternatives, outdated.  

Power now comes from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, paired with two electric motors, producing 130bhp and 253Nm of instant torque from a standstill. The instant torque from the electric motors gives the Freed a sense of urgency that its predecessor simply did not have.  

Accelerating from a standstill feels effortless even with a full posse of passengers, and when cruising at expressway speeds, the hybrid system works seamlessly in the background, providing electric assistance whenever needed.

Honda’s e-CVT transmission has been significantly improved. Even under hard acceleration, it never feels too loud or strained, making long drives far more comfortable.  

The suspension setup is soft enough to absorb bumps effortlessly, but firm enough to maintain composure even with a full load. The steering is light but not overly vague, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

While it is not designed for spirited driving, it handles corners with confidence, resisting body roll better than expected for an MPV of this size.  

Braking is another strong point. The brake pedal is weighted nicely, providing smooth and predictable stopping power.

For those new to MPVs, the Freed is incredibly easy to drive. And with Honda Sensing driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, highway driving is effortless and stress-free.  

Honda claims 19.6km/litre for efficiency, and in real-world conditions, the Freed exceeded that. That translates to a range of over 800km on a full tank.

The MPV That Just Works

The Honda Freed has always been one of the most practical, sensible, and universally appealing MPVs on the market. This new model takes everything that made it great, refines the details, and adds modern efficiency into the mix.  

It is charming without being flashy, spacious without being bulky, and efficient without sacrificing usability.

It may not be the flashiest car on the road, but for the vast majority of buyers, that is precisely why it works so well.  

Technical Specifications

Honda Freed Hybrid

Engine: 1,498cc in-line 4 i-VTEC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 130bhp (combined)
Torque: 253Nm
Gearbox: E-CVT (A)
0-100km/h: Unknown
Fuel Economy: 19.6km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$158,999 (HS7) / S$164,999 (HE7) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Kah Motor

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Available in two variants, the HE7 and HS7, this compact MPV blends functionality with a modern, human-centric design philosophy that Honda has long championed.

With its sleek new look and redefined features, the Freed e:HEV carries a bold yet approachable concept of being the “Smile Just Right Mover.” 

Nicholas Wong, CEO of Kah Motor, aptly summed up the essence of this latest launch: “The Freed e:HEV is designed to enhance your everyday life, providing a driving experience that resonates with both practicality and joy.”

Despite its compact size, the Freed comfortably seats seven in a 2-3-2 configuration. Step inside, and you’re greeted with a bright and airy cabin thanks to clever design tweaks like a noiseless dashboard and a single front pillar for improved forward visibility.

The interior also boasts thoughtful touches like Honda Smart Entry with push-start functionality, an 11-inch Display Audio system that supports both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and even enlarged built-in sunshades.

The Freed’s e:HEV two-motor hybrid system pairs a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission.

This configuration allows seamless transitions across three drive modes: EV Drive for pure electric propulsion, Hybrid Drive for urban flexibility, and Engine Drive for confident highway cruising. 

With a fuel economy of 5.1L/100km and CO2 emissions at just 115g/km, the Freed delivers fuel savings without compromising on Honda’s signature fun-to-drive ethos.

The Freed is equipped with Honda Sensing, an advanced suite of safety features that includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Starting at $161,099 for the HS7 variant and $166,099 for the HE7 after early bird discounts, the Freed represents excellent value in Singapore’s competitive automotive market. 

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Every time I approach a mini-MPV, regardless of make and model, I can’t help but have one crucial thought in my head. Can this thing fit seven people in comfort?

Being an owner of a full-sized MPV, I always have my doubts about smaller MPVs and their ability to deliver on their promises. Unfortunately, my scepticism is valid. For example, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is well-made and pretty nifty. But let’s be honest; it’s no 7-seater.

Honda, though, has created a car that ensures its MPV does what it says it would. The new Freed, now sold by official distributors Kah Motors, offers enough space for more than five and comes packaged with an efficient 1.5-litre power unit.

Based on the smaller Honda Jazz, the Freed is taller and more handsome from the front.

Slim headlamps and a stout nose give it a modern and clean face, but since this is a face-lift, the rear still sports the chunky curved shaped tail lamps, which don’t match the sleek front end.

Performance-wise, this is no Civic Type R. Far from it. The 130 bhp 1.5 naturally-aspirated unit is adequate, at best. It does the job but nothing more than that.

For a car nut like me that would like some extra oomph occasionally, that’s a letdown. But for the general family man, it’ll do.

Anyway, who am I kidding? Most owners these days care more about fuel efficiency than they do about full potency. So in that aspect, the claimed figures of 16.9 km per litre of fuel should please most (we managed about 14 km/l).

Back to our crucial question. Does it fit seven comfortably? Well, yes, it does. The third row will seat two rather nicely, and the five seats up front are comfortable too. The cabin also feels airy and spacious due to the Freed’s high ceiling and flat floor; the sliding doors also add a touch of convenience when accessing the rear seats.

What I wasn’t quite fond of, though, was how Honda designed the third row to be stowed away. Similar to the Toyota Alphard and Fortuner, the seats are ‘halved’ and folded against the sides of the vehicle, eating into the rear boot space. The Toyota Sienta trumps the Freed in this area with a flat-folding third row that cleverly tucks under the second row.

As a package, the Honda has modern entertainment features like Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. In addition, the interior fittings look smart and are well put together.

If you’re a Honda fan (like I am), have a budget of about $160k and need seven seats, you won’t go wrong with this entry-level MPV as a solution for your family duties.

Technical Specifications

Honda Freed

Engine: 1,498cc in-line 4 i-VTEC

Power: 129 bhp

Torque: 155Nm

Gearbox: CVT (A)

0-100km/h: Unknown

Top Speed: Unknown

Fuel Economy: 16.9km/L (claimed)

Price: S$71,999 (S7) / S$74,999 (E7), both without COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Kah Motor

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)

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