It’s good to be Jade-d

Singapore — For the better part of its history, Honda has been known for its engines. They have always been naturally-aspirated (that is, not using super/ turbocharging), high-revving and extremely pleasing to hear, at least to anyone with even a little drop of petrol flowing through their veins.

In other words, Honda has, until now, never produced passenger cars with turbo engines. Hearing that it is going down the turbocharging route is a bit like hearing U2 going into country music — it will probably be good, but rife with question marks.

The Jade multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is the first proper Honda for the Singapore market to feature turbocharging. Its 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder unit is part of Honda’s new family of engines for the modern turbo era, the better to stare down Continental rivals.

TURBOCHARGED BANDWAGON

Like Lexus/Toyota, which also launched its first big-scale turbo engine here last year, Honda has done things its own way. Unlike European turbocharged engines that produce plenty of torque from very low in the engine’s rev range, the Jade’s engine feels, ironically, almost non-turbocharged. Thanks to its smooth swell of power, you only realise you’re not driving a normally aspirated car when traffic begins to fall behind, or the speedometer numbers start increasing far quicker than they would in a normally-aspirated Japanese MPV of old.

To be clear, adding a turbo doesn’t make the Jade a fast and furious ride. It’s more steadfast and serious, and easy to drive. Plus, it sounds better than most Japanese engines, with more of a potent-sounding burble than an appliance-like hum. Another plus is that it’s one of the first Hondas here to use start-stop technology, and is truly frugal: Hitting less than 6.5L/100km is easy, if you’re lightfooted on the accelerator.

The only downside is that it’s mated to a continuously variable transmission, so you won’t get the sort of direct, immediate punch one encounters in other turbo engines. Still, this can be construed as being entirely within character for a regular Honda like this.

IF LOOKS COULD KILL

The Jade is also a unique-looking machine. While it’s ostensibly an MPV, it looks sleek and long and isn’t boxy. Honda’s Solid Wing Face is not some expert offensive karate move but refers to its new corporate front-end design language: Sharp headlights and pointy air intakes that are common to new models.

If the Jade’s looks belie its MPV nature, then the driving experience does as well. Other than the new rush of a turbo engine, the Jade is a typical Honda when it comes to handling and ride. Drive sedately and you won’t be disturbed. Up the ante and it rises to the occasion, too. Although it doesn’t handle larger bumps that well, it’s enjoyable, comfortable and even slightly on the sharp side for an MPV.

SPACE ODYSSEY

Strangely, for an MPV, the Jade has six seats. Again, this isn’t new to Honda, which made the six-seat “3+3” FR-V in 2004, but is executed differently.

There are two regular seats for the driver and passenger, plus two foldable seats in the third row. The middle row has two larger, adjustable seats Honda calls “V-Slide Captain’s Seats”.

They’re elevated, to give a better view ahead, and slide diagonally backwards to allow for more legroom. The result is that you can carry two adults in the near-opulence of a big MPV, or four adults with much less space. You can also fold away all the seats to carry cargo, though this does require a bit of seat origami work.

The Jade offers less overall flexibility than a traditional seven-seater, but makes up for it with the spacious second row and it actually might make more sense to those with smaller families or the elderly. Plus, it doesn’t cost as much as a large MPV like the Honda Odyssey.

It’s a concept that might not work for everyone, but the Jade is an attractive package overall: An MPV that’s not boring and does things differently, with a smooth turbo kick. Turbocharging is the big, new story here, but for the Jade, it’s not the only tale to be told. Those who are looking for something unique, Japanese and sporty in an MPV might find it here.

Honda Jade

Engine: 1,496cc, 16V, turbocharged i4, 150hp, 203Nm

Performance: 205kmh, 0-100kmh: 9.3s, 6.4L/100km,

146g/km CO2

Price: S$131,999 with COE

On Sale: Now

PROS: Smooth turbo power, drives well, lots of space

CONS: Internal layout might not suit all