I made the switch in March from a secondhand 2017 Mazda 3 Hatchback to a Honda Freed 2023, a compact MPV, and I do not think that I will ever go back to a regular sedan.
So, what’s so good about it?
Design and Features
The Honda Freed 2023 has a sleek and modern design, with a new facelift and refined interiors. Okay, sleek may be a little stretched, but if you compare it to other bigger MPVs, the Freed is pretty sleek.
There are two variants, the S7 and the E7. Both are powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that delivers about 130 bhp and 155 Nm of torque. Now, if you are downgrading from Category B cars, you will need some time to get used to the slower pickup speed. But if your concern is with the confidence of overtaking cars, it performs very well and the acceleration is smooth. Perhaps this is due to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient performance.
The exterior of the Honda Freed 2023 features adjustable LED headlights, automatic corner headlights, power-adjustable exterior rearview mirrors, alloy wheels, and outside rearview mirror turn indicators. One downside in the mirrors department is that the side mirrors do not fold automatically when you lock them. You need to toggle a switch manually. It is not a deal-breaker for me. I had an incident where my previous car’s side mirrors were stuck and could not open due to the heat from the sun. So, it took a while. Ever since that incident, I either park under the shade or leave the side mirrors open. I bet many of you didn’t know this issue.
One thing I love about the Honda Freed 2023 is the windows. They are so wide that you could see your future at one glance. If your second row passengers need some privacy, there are also built-in blinds that can be pulled up to block prying eyes.
The interior of the Honda Freed 2023 is elegant and spacious, with fabric upholstery. The steering wheel is a bit dated, wrapped in leather that feels like hard plastic. On the bright side, it has a touchscreen display audio with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
There are aplenty of cup holders, a retractable tray, two glove compartments – one in front of the passenger seat and the other in front of the driver’s seat. What’s even more amazing is that on the sides of the driver and passenger’s seat, there’s an arm rest, where there are hooks for you to hang your takeaways!
Round the back, the Honda Freed 2023 has a crazy small default boot space, but can be expanded to about 881 litres by folding the third-row seats up on the sides. This is perfect if you need a big car boot or just have it because you never know when you need it. Of course, this is also if you don’t always ferry seven people around.
Safety and Technology
The Honda Freed 2023 is equipped with some basic safety features like the anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist (BA), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), and emergency stop signal (ESS).
Additionally, the Honda Freed 2023 has a rearview camera, parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and six airbags for extra protection. It also has a handle on each side of the second-row seats that allows the elderly to hold while boarding the car – a thoughtful design that I appreciate. It did prove useful. Tried and tested.
Fuel consumption
On paper, the Honda Freed 2023 consumes about 5.9 litres per 100 km. I have yet to experience it. I’m still at about 11 litres per 100 km. But bear in mind that I’m still at my first 1,000 km and have only pumped petrol twice since March. So, let’s see, and I will update down the road. Pun intended.
Price and Availability
The Honda Freed 2023 is priced between S$160,999 and S$164,999 in Singapore as of 12 April 2023. It is available in eight colors: White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Agate Brown Pearl, Premium Amber Metallic, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, and Premium Crystal Blue Metallic.
If you are looking for an excellent salesperson for a chat, I will recommend Doreen Chua from Kah Motors. It does not have to be the Honda Freed 2023 per se, but I do love to see more of them on the road. By the way, this is not a paid advertorial.
Verdict
Anyways, the Honda Freed 2023 is a versatile and practical MPV that can cater to different needs and preferences. It is ideal for families who value space, comfort, and safety, as well as for drivers who enjoy a smooth and responsive ride. I will also highly recommend it to families with aging parents. They will love it more than they love you.
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