Honda's 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite Minivan Features In-Car Vacuum System
Honda has rolled out its 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, showing off a variety of features that range from safety upgrades over previous models to its HondaVAC in-car vacuum. Perhaps one of the best features that can be included in a family van, where kids will no doubt produce their fair share of crumbs and other debris, the HondaVAC is the first vacuum system to be integrated into a vehicle.
The HondaVAC system – partly developed by Shop-Vac – comes standard in the 2014 Odyssey, and features user-replaceable filters and a canister bag, as well as various nozzles to vacuum the van's nooks and crannies. The nozzles are stored in the driver's side bulkhead, while the vacuum itself has a hose that can reach all areas within the van. HondaVAC is completely integrated into the vehicle, and can run for however long necessary as long as the van is turned on. When shut off, HondaVac can be used for 8 minutes.
UPDATE: We've gotten our own hands on the HondaVac as well as the rest of the 2014 Odyssey at the New York International Auto Show 2013! Have a peek at our quick experience here:
In addition, the 2014 Odyssey features a variety of design changes and improvements, with Honda calling the exterior styling "more sophisticated", with a sculpted hood, bolder grille, aluminum front fenders, and integrated chrome-trimmed fog lights located lower in the front fascia than before. There's Smart Entry, HD Radio, integrated texting functionality, and HondaLink with Aha Mobile Interface.
In addition, the minivan's structure has been upgraded in hopes of getting high marks on the IIHS popular front-crash test, which could earn it a Top Safety Pick+ award. The van features Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning, among other safety features. Honda's Vice President of Marketing Operations Michael Accavitti had this to say: "The Odyssey is already the leader in its segment, and for 2014, Honda has made the modern family hauler even better. Honda is once again showcasing its reputation for innovation with HondaVAC, and its ability to provide true value to our customers."
[via Honda News]
