Honda Stepwgn

1997 Honda StepWGN Rear

The first generation Stepwgn originally appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show as the "F-MX" in 1995.

Japanese sales began on 8 May 1996. At that time, most rival Japanese vehicles usually had the engine mounted under the driver's seat, or a cabover type. The Stepwgn used the latter, and was based on the Civic, to keep prices low - starting from ¥1,548,000 and going up to ¥2,368,000.[1] The passenger side was fitted with a sliding door, to allow easier access. To improve profitability, cost reduction measures were used, such as there being only one engine and transmission option; a two-litre inline four and a CVT (continuously variable transmission automatic),[2] and the vehicle design reduced the use of steel panels and parts.

Changes for 1997 included standardizing ABS and dual SRS airbags throughout the range and further addition of a number of convenience features.

Japan models went on sale in August 1997 at Honda's Primo, Verno and Clio networks.[3]

A version of the Stepwgn with pop-up observation tent, designed for outdoor leisure pursuits and made out of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).

The models went on sale in Japan from January 1998, at Honda auto dealers.[4]

The vehicle received a facelift in May 1999. The appearance of the headlights was altered, and the rear license plate position was moved down.

Honda Stepwgn rear

The second generation Honda Stepwgn debuted in April 2001, largely based on the first generation's design.

The second generation Stepwgn used a design that was geared towards families with children. The Stepwgn retained its sliding doors located on one side of the vehicle. The vehicle's seating allows four different seating arrangements: "play mode" (sitting opposite each other), "food mode", "sleep mode" and "cargo mode" (the second row of seats is folded flat). A 2.0L Honda K engine DOHC i-VTEC engine powers the second generation Stepwgn, providing 160 PS (117.7 kW; 157.8 hp), improving both driving performance and fuel economy. Some parts were stiffened in order to further enhance driving performance.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 35th Tokyo Motor Show.[6]

The Stepwgn Almas includes conventional side door lift model or passenger seat lift mechanism

Early models include i-Series 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. Stepwgn Almas models went on sale on 11 June 2001.[7]

In June 2003, Honda significantly modified the design: both the front and rear fascias were altered to fit the look of other Honda vehicles, and the "Spada" series was introduced, available with a 2.4L K24A DOHC i-VTEC, producing 162 PS (119.2 kW; 159.8 hp), and unique fenders.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show in 2003.[8][9]

For the first 6 months of year 2004, sales of the Stepwgn in Japan reached 24,389 units.[10]

Modulo Stepwgn Concept is a concept vehicle based on Stepwgn, with around-vehicle sensors.

Stepwgn Modulo Concept X Final Room is a concept vehicle based on Stepwgn, with around-vehicle sensors.

The vehicles were unveiled in the 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon.[14][15][16]

Changes include:

• addition of G side lift-up seat car and front passenger lift-up seat car models
• G, G S-package, 24Z include power slide door (rear left side) as standard
• G L-package, G LS-package include power slide door (rear right side) as standard
• new setting for smart key system (with 2 keys)
• hydrophilic/heated door mirror+front door wiper glass.

Japan models went on sale in May 2006.[17]

Timing Belt: The 3rd generation uses a chain timing belt as the engine is an interference type. Timing chain is the better approach for interference engines as they last the life of the engine.

The third generation Stepwgn is powered by either a 2.0L K20A engine rated 155 PS (114.0 kW), or a 2.4L K24A engine rated 162 PS (119.2 kW).

The 2.0L model retained a 4 speed automatic transmission, whilst the FWD 2.4L model was fitted with a CVT transmission.

At the month of November 2005, sales of Stepwgn in Japan reached 7,093 units.[18]

In 2012, there were minor changes to the Stepwgn, including a new front grill, a new front bumper, new rear lights and rims. Also, a parking camera was included in all models.

The Modulo Stepwgn is a production vehicle based on the standard Stepwgn.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon.[22]

The Stepwgn Modulo Style is a concept vehicle based on the standard Stepwgn.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon.[23]

For the month of July 2013, sales of the Stepwgn reached 6,715 units.[24]

Honda Stepwgn (facelift)

The Stepwgn got refreshed[26] in September 2017. The Stepwgn Spada Hybrid has a 3 mode powertrain which can switch to being run on EV, Hybrid, or Engine drive mode. It also has a Sport drive mode.[27]

It is equipped with HONDA Sensing and can park on its own perpendicularly and parallel by controlling steering.[28]