Honda Stepwgn

The Honda Stepwgn (stylised as STEPWGN) is a mid-sized MPV produced by Honda since 1996. It is designed with a higher cabin, in contrast to the Odyssey and also the Stream respectively. Additionally, it can accommodate eight people, instead of seven in the Odyssey and Stream. In standard form the car has one door on the driver's side but two doors on the passenger's side.

Honda Stepwgn
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1996–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size MPV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

First generation (1996–2001)

First generation (RF1/2)
Overview
Production	1996–2001
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door minivan
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L (122.0 cu in) B20B 125 PS (91.9 kW) I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,855 mm (112 in)
Length	4,705 mm (185 in)
Width	1,695 mm (67 in)
Height	1,815 mm (71 in)
Curb weight	1,410–1,645 kg (3,109–3,627 lb)

F-MX (1995)

1997 Honda StepWGN Rear

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

Initial release (1996–)

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.

1997 update

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]

Stepwgn field deck (1998-)

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]

1999 update

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

Second generation (2001–2005)

Second generation (RF3/4/5/6/7/8)
Overview
Production	2001–2005
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door minivan
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L (122.0 cu in) K20A 160 PS (117.7 kW) I4 2.4 L (146.5 cu in) K24A 162 PS (119.2 kW) I4 [5]
Transmission	4-speed automatic (2.0L) 5-speed automatic (2.4L)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,855 mm (112 in)
Length	4,705 mm (185 in)
Width	1,695 mm (67 in)
Height	1,815 mm (71 in)
Curb weight	1,490–1,620 kg (3,285–3,571 lb)

Initial release

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]

Stepwgn, Stepwgn Almas (2001-)

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]

2003 update

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]

Production

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

Third generation (2005–2009)

Third generation (RG)
Overview
Production	2005–2009
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L (122.0 cu in) K20A 155 PS (114.0 kW) I4[11] 2.4 L (146.5 cu in) 162 PS (119.2 kW) K24A I4[12]
Transmission	4-speed automatic (2.0L) 5-speed automatic (2.4L 4WD) CVT (2.4L FWD)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,855 mm (112 in)
Length	4,630 mm (182 in)
Width	1,695 mm (67 in)
Height	1,770 mm (70 in)
Curb weight	1,540–1,660 kg (3,395–3,660 lb)

2005-2007 Honda StepWGN

The third generation Honda Stepwgn saw a completely new design.

Honda announced the third generation Stepwgn on 26 May 2005. Unlike the previous generations, which only featured sliding doors on one side, the third generation featured sliding doors on both sides, in order to compete with other minivans such as the Nissan Serena and Toyota Estima. Although the size of the car was shrunk, interior accommodation space remained unchanged thanks to a new low-platform chassis which also improved the handling of the vehicle. The overall length had also been shortened, although the platform retains the Civic-based design and employs a thin plastic fuel tank in order to provide a low floor. The Stepwgn was available with a double wishbone-type suspension with an FF axle or a de-Dion style suspension (4WD models).

Japan models went on sale in May 2005 at Honda automobile dealers.[13]

2006 Tokyo Auto Salon concept (2006)

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]

2006 update

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.

Engines

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).

Transmissions

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

Production

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

Fourth generation (2009–2015)

Fourth generation (RK)
Overview
Production	2009–2015
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L (122 cu in) R20A 150 PS (110.3 kW) I4[19]
Transmission	5-speed automatic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,855 mm (112 in)
Length	4,690 mm (185 in)
Width	1,695 mm (67 in)
Height	1,815 mm (71 in)
Curb weight	1,580–1,750 kg (3,483–3,858 lb)

2009 Honda StepWGN

The fourth generation Honda Stepwgn is a full redesign of the model. The new model increased in height and length, but remained the same width, when compared to the previous generation. The Stepwgn Spada model returned, keeping its unique grille and headlamp design. The Stepwgn is available in seven trim levels: G, G L Package, L, Li, Spada S, Spada Z and Spada Zi. The 2.4-litre engine was dropped from the lineup, with only a 2.0-litre petrol option currently available. The Stepwgn is available with either front- or four-wheel-drive across the range.[20]

Japan models went on sale in October 2009. Early models include Step WGN, Step WGN special-needs vehicle. Step WGN Spada and Step WGN Spada special-needs vehicle were added on 23 October 2009.[21]

Facelift

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.

Modulo Stepwgn (2010-)

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

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

Stepwgn Modulo Style (2013)

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

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

Production

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

Fifth generation (2015–)

Fifth generation (RP)
Overview
Production	2015–present
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,890 mm (114 in)
Length	4,690 mm (185 in)
Width	1,695 mm (67 in)
Height	1,840–1,855 mm (72–73 in)
Curb weight	1,630–1,770 kg (3,594–3,902 lb)

The fifth generation Honda Stepwgn was introduced in April 2015. With an all-new 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC Turbo engine, the fifth generation Stepwgn features a functional cabin space, as well as an innovative tailgate mechanism called the Waku Waku Gate ("Waku Waku" meaning "exciting" in Japanese). The Waku Waku gate is a unique propulsion as the rear doors either function as a wide tailgate that opens up or a sub-door that opens to the side.[25] It can be used to get out of the third row seat smoothly and to easily store small cargo without folding.

Facelift

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 ran 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]

References

1. "HONDA STEPWAGON catalog - reviews, pics, specs and prices | Goo-net Exchange". Archived from the original on 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2012-12-28.
2. "Detailed specs review of 1997 Honda Stepwgn Whitey offered since mid-year 1997 for Japan". www.automobile-catalog.com.
3. "Honda's StepWGN (Step Wagon) Goes Through a Minor Model Change".
4. "Honda Launches Step WGN Field Deck with Pop-Up Roof".
5. "Detailed specs review of 2003 Honda Stepwgn Spada 24T offered since mid-year 2003 for Japan". www.automobile-catalog.com.
6. "Honda Automobile / Motorcycle Booth at the 35th Tokyo Motor Show".
7. "Honda Announces Full Model Changes for "STEP WGN" and "STEP WGN ALMAS"".
8. "37th Tokyo Motor Show 2003 - Production Vehicles".
9. "Honda Announces Automobiles and Motorcycles to be Displayed at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show".
10. "Honda Achieves Record Global Auto Production for First Six Months of 2004".
11. "Detailed specs review of 2005 Honda Stepwgn B offered since mid-year 2005 for Japan". www.automobile-catalog.com.
12. "Detailed specs review of 2005 Honda Stepwgn 24Z offered since mid-year 2005 for Japan". www.automobile-catalog.com.
13. "Honda Introduces All-New Step Wagon".
14. "【東京オートサロン06】写真蔵…ホンダ ステップワゴン コンセプト". レスポンス（Response.jp）.
15. "【東京オートサロン06】ケータイ世代へ…ステップワゴン×ファイナル ホーム". レスポンス（Response.jp）.
16. "【東京オートサロン06】ホンダブースにアシモが…". レスポンス（Response.jp）.
17. "ホンダ ステップワゴン をマイナーチェンジで装備充実". レスポンス（Response.jp）.
18. Honda Increases Production in North America due to Strong Sales
19. "Detailed specs review of 2009 Honda Stepwgn G offered since October 2009 for Japan". www.automobile-catalog.com.
20. "Honda StepWGN available in Japan". Taume News. 2009-10-10. Archived from the original on 2009-10-12. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
21. Honda Announces the All-new Step WGN
22. Honda to show Insight Sports Modulo Concept, more at Tokyo Auto Salon
23. Overview of Honda Exhibit at TOKYO AUTO SALON 2013 with NAPAC
24. Honda Sets All-Time Monthly Production Record for Automobile Production in Asia
25. "All-New Step WGN MPV Debuts Honda's New 148HP 1.5L VTEC Turbo Engine". April 23, 2015.
26. "Honda ステップ ワゴン 公式情報ページ". Honda公式ホームページ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-09-30.
27. "Honda ステップ ワゴン 公式情報ページ". Honda公式ホームページ.
28. "Honda ステップ ワゴン 公式情報ページ". Honda公式ホームページ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-09-30.

External links

• Honda pages: Hong Kong, Japan
• Honda Stepwagon Owners Club is a large English speaking club with members from all over the world. Offering discussion and support for all model variations and years.