The 2000s were a prosperous era for “tall hatchback” MPVs in Europe, with Japanese manufacturers introducing space-efficient vehicles to compete against popular models from Renault, Citroën, and Hyundai. One such vehicle that never made it to North America was the Honda FR-V, featuring a unique six-passenger seating layout. In this article, we will explore the distinctive features of the FR-V and its brief lifespan in the market.
The seating arrangement of the FR-V is highlighted by rows of three seats in both the front and back, a design reminiscent of old Detroit sedans but adapted to a smaller car platform. The middle front seat can be folded to create a center console, while the rear seats can be folded up to provide additional cargo space. Despite its unconventional design, the FR-V offers decent cargo capacity even with all seats in use.
Originally known as the Edix in Japan, the FR-V was in production from 2004 to 2011 and was available in the UK with a choice of a 1.8-liter petrol engine or 2.2-liter turbodiesel. The turbodiesel variant, with 138 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, provided a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The car features a unique six-speed manual gearshift mounted on the dash, a design influenced by older Honda models like the N600.
The FR-V’s design may not have been as popular as the traditional truck shapes that dominated the market, but it offered a practical and versatile option for families and commuters. The UK market appreciated the FR-V for its efficiency and unique seating layout. Despite some positive reviews and an engaging marketing campaign, the FR-V was eventually discontinued, with the news first breaking on the popular show Top Gear.
In conclusion, the Honda FR-V represents a unique chapter in the history of compact MPVs, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and distinctive design. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as its competitors, the FR-V remains a noteworthy model for its innovative seating arrangement and thoughtful engineering. By exploring forgotten gems like the FR-V, we gain insight into the diverse landscape of automotive design and technology in the early 2000s.