Odyssey sits much close to the ground, giving it a low-slung, even sleek profile not seen in conventional MPVs. Add to that Odyssey's futuristic styling, on the inside and outside, and Honda has one of the best-looking MPV. The mid-life facelift brings mild changes mostly to the exterior, including a new “floating” grille design, more streamlined front and rear bumpers, turn indicator on the side mirrors, and LED lighting for the side mirrors and tail lamps. Thanks to Honda Accord underpinnings and a low centre of gravity, Odyssey drives much like a sedan, unlike many clumsy MPV rivals. Accord is a sharp handler, but being longer and heavier, Odyssey predictably handles less crisply and fluidly. Still, Odyssey easily leads the class in handling dynamics, summoning more grip and composure than rivals ever could. The low-speed ride quality is not as compliant as Honda Accord's, but occupants can still expect a supple ride over most road surfaces. Cruising refinement is good, too, with minimal wind and road noise intrusion. The stylish yet user-friendly dashboard remains, and like for all Honda models, the cabin ergonomics are flawless. Drivers get an eight-way electrically-adjustable seat, although the steering only adjusts for height and not reach. Odyssey is Honda's most expensive model, and the cabin quality reflects that down to the most minute detail. The faultless fit-and-finish, dense materials, and plush leather seats showcase the best of what the Japanese can offer. The impeccable build and material quality ranks Odyssey as the clear class-leader in the quality department. Honda has one of the best, if not the best, reliability record, thus the robust mechanics should stand the test of time with little problems. With 158 bhp at 5500 rpm and 218 Nm at 4500 rpm, the in-line four-cylinder 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine puts in a punchy, refined performance that should prove adequate for most buyers, even when carrying full load. The five-speed automatic gearbox with Sequential Shift shifts smoothly and decisively, too. Odyssey is a full-size MPV that can carry seven in thorough comfort. Despite its low height, all occupants enjoy excellent headroom, thanks to an ultra low floor which aids ingress and egress. The front and middle rows provide excellent legroom, and even the last row comes with good legroom. The last row seats can be folded flat at the touch of a button, and if more loading space is required, the middle row seats can be folded too. The drivetrain may be shared with Honda Accord, but Odyssey's extra weight over the sedan penalises fuel economy. Even so, Odyssey is impressively economical to run by class standards. Honda models are highly reliable, which should lower the servicing and repair costs in the long run. The Honda-badged Odyssey should be able to maintain strong residual values unmatched by rivals. To little surprise, Odyssey has enjoyed much success since its launch, as none of the full-size MPVs selling in Malaysia are able to match its brilliant package. The asking price might be relatively high, but the premium is one we are willing to pay, simply because Odyssey is as stylish and competent as a full-size MPV will ever be. The generous equipment list includes 16" alloy wheels, sunroof, automatic High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, electric side mirrors, leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning, eight-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat, integrated audio system with 6-disc CD changer, 6 speakers, cruise control, steering wheel audio control, reverse sensors and keyless entry. Safety kit includes 10 airbags, ABS + EBD + BA, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and active headrests. Even with Odyssey's not insubstantial weight, the drivetrain is about the most efficient and least polluting to run by class standards. Carrying seven on board will further lower the pollution caused per occupant.