Honda Freed Spike Goes on Sale in Japan

Japanese carmaker Honda announced today it will begin selling the new Freed Spike compact multi-wagon on its home market on July 9, 2010. Described by Honda as "a compact vehicle loaded with possibilities," the Freed Spike comes with a monthly sales target of 2,500 units.

The name "Freed Spike" designation combines "free" and "do" ("Freed") with "spike" to characterize the vehicle's toughness, functionality and playful athletic spirit, Honda says.

The vehicle comes with reversible, dual-height floor panels, configurable rear seats and a foldaway table, among others. Exterior highlights include gun metal-colored front grille and headlights and a lower bumper.

Inside, the Freed Spike comes with a black interior color scheme, burnished titanium panels, blue illumination of the meters and illuminated rings in the drink holders. A backup support mirror that offers yellow guidance lines on the mirror's projected upright image to help the driver confirm the position of the vehicle and its distance from other objects, is available on certain models.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter i-VTEC that offers a fuel economy of 6.1 l/100km.

Safety wise, the vehicle comes packed with Advanced Compatibility Engineering, pedestrian-injury mitigation technology, front seat i-side airbag system, side curtain airbag system and Vehicle Stability Assist.

“With styling that conveys tough and versatile individuality, the Freed Spike helps users express their playful spirit and individual characteristics,” a company statement reads. “The Freed Spike features a compact body size for nimble maneuvering, a spacious and high-utility cabin and a cargo area ideal for an extensive range of uses.”