4150423-stepwgn_001H

Revealed earlier this year, the 2015 Honda StepWGN has now gone on sale in its home market of Japan. The fifth-generation van is aimed squarely at the likes of the Nissan Serena and Toyota Noah, Voxy and Esquire. In typical Japanese fashion, the StepWGN features quirky, box-like styling and is offered in three trim levels, B, G and G EX. Two sportier Spada trims are also offered - Spada and Spada Cool Spirit.

Aside from its flexible interior layout, an all-new 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC engine under the bonnet makes this the first Honda model to be equipped with the aforementioned mill. Total power output for the new engine is rated at 150 PS at 5,500 rpm and 203 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm.

A sole choice of a CVT gearbox is offered with power being transferred to the front wheels - an all-wheel drive system is offered as an option. All this adds up to a JC08 cycle-verified fuel consumption figure of just 17 km/l, the lead figure in its class, according to Honda.

Elsewhere, the 2015 Honda StepWGN features the trademark "Waku Waku" rear tailgate/doors. Apart from functioning as a regular tailgate, the "Waku Waku" layout boasts a sub-door that opens to the side. Paired with the third-row Magic Seat option with 60:40 split folding function, the sub-door allows for rear passengers to access the last row with greater convenience.

4150423-stepwgn_050H

Said Magic Seat layout can even be stored under the floor for situations where a larger cargo area is required. The rest of the "Northern European-inspired" interior boasts a plethora of cubby holes and storage spaces while the "people-friendly" colour scheme and materials employed ensure a laid-back atmosphere.

On the safety front, the StepWGN features the Honda Sensing safety umbrella - a driver-assistance platform that includes pedestrian detection and collision prevention among other functions. Aside from that, a front passenger airbag that stays inflated for longer periods is presented alongside a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, Hill-Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal. The latter warns vehicles behind of an emergency stop.

Prices for the 2015 Honda StepWGN begin at 2,288,000 yen (RM69,030) for the base B-spec FWD model while the range-topping Spada Cool Spirit with AWD goes for 3,081,400 yen (RM92,967).