New 5th Generation Honda Stepwagon

[HS_LO]

Congrats for being Honda Stepwagon pioneer owners.

Right now from sgcarmart, theres about 10 PI selling Honda Stepwagon, and the prices range from 135k to 146k, any recommendation on these PI or any one to avoid, is it wise to go for the cheapest offer?

[bb1314]

Nice! Keep the list going!

 

Philosurfer you seems to like purple also hor, just curious why you ordered blue har? To stand out from the rest? :p

 

This is the first time I buy from PI, hopefully I'm not so bad luck. I feel worried also until i get the car. Here's some old post that I found for your reference.

 

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/car-buyers-demand-refund-from-dealer-tips-on-how-to-avoid-rogue-car-dealers

 

I bidded for my own COE, as I wanted to control my own COE and have a apple to apple comparison among all the dealers in terms of body price only.

 

I encourage everyone (potential buyers) to do that so that you will be more in control of things.

Just curious hor, what is the price range offered by the PI without COE?

[Blooper77]

I was also pioneer batch of Freed drivers in singapore.

 

At that time only got Freed Taxis....

 

Nowadays more and more Freed seen...

 

[bb1314]

So far any stepwgn seen on the road?

 

Any feedback?

 

Thanks

 

Seems like no one from this forum got the car yet. You can refer to the HK's forumer feedback if you understand cantonese.

 

http://www.discuss.com.hk/viewthread.php?tid=24701942&extra=page%3D1&page=37

[Blooper77]

I am currently using a rack like this on my freed.

 

But i dont think i dare to use this on the Waku Waku gate, it may become misaligned....

 

What u guys think?

[Philosurfer]

HS_LO,

 

I've shared my PI experience in the earlier posts, probably some of the others here can give you more feedback on their own experience. The price difference from various dealers is quite significant so it's best to do some research.

 

bb, our current car is also a blue Honda so the Stepwgn is a spiritual successor. Wife will be driving most of the time and she likes being able to quickly pick out the car in the carpark. There're no MPVs that carry this tone of blue as it's a lot more boy racer type. The Odyssey, Sharan are only available in dark blue. That said, Purple comes a very close second in our colour choice as it's equally unique amongst MPVs.

[Vinljp]

I think we should spread the good stuff of our stepwgn to other mpv thread so as to increase the popularity.

 

I am a practical guy, I do not want to pay more for road tax and petrol.

That's why I choose a 1.5 with the power of a 2.4 if needed with turbo.

 

Most importantly, I want a flat floor configuration and a smart 3rd row seat folding.

The 3rd row seats for Stepwgn is folded level to the floor, which none of the above can do it and this is my biggest consideration !!!

[Philosurfer]

Vinljp,

 

The group of buyers targeting the Stepwgn would be looking at the Toyota Triplets and Biante. End of the day, different features hold different value for buyers. Buying a low volume PI minivan that has unconventional shape will not be everyone's cup of tea. People who are interested will eventually find their way here, read about our experiences and decide for themselves.

 

When I was looking for an MPV to suit my needs, reviewed the conti mid-sized MPV's which all have pretty cramped 3rd rows and in my view do not suit families even with young kids for a 10 yr ownership window. I considered the usual large sized MPVs which are more comfortable but like you, felt that the higher upfront and running costs wasn't the right price/comfort balance for me.

 

I do look forward to getting the vehicle and posting some pics, driving reviews and user experience for the wider community to share in. That will better help future buyers make an informed decision. If Honda didn't lauch this vehicle in May when I was looking around, I would probably be a Toyota Triplet owner now :)

[HS_LO]

Unlike Biante & Esquire, Stepwagon's 2nd row seat for the (2-2-3) layout cannot slide sideways to form a bench to seat 3 persons. This is somewhat limiting in case the boot is fully loaded, only 4 person can seat in the car. Unless opt for the (2-3-3) layout at additional $$$.

[Philosurfer]

Actually, the Biante and Nissan Serena are the only cars which have the flexibility to convert from 7->8 seater.

 

Even though the Toyotas can bring the second row captain seats together, it is far from actually functioning as a real seat. Most important point is that there's no seat belt so I'd not put anyone I care about in that position. Comfort wise is also severely compromised as bum room has to cannibalise from the other 2 seats.

 

Have tried the Biante and 3 pax in the middle row is tight but still ok for shorter distances. Serena isn't sold in Sg but has an innovative sliding center piece that functions like a middle seat.

 

I guess that when choosing between a 7 or 8 seater variant, the buyer should ask himself the frequency at which he'll be travelling with 5 pax + full load of luggage. The vast majority of the time, the 5th person can easily be accomodated by keeping 1 seat up in the 3rd row while still maintaining significant storage capacity. I think this hypothetical case is pretty rare.

 

For all these minivans, comfort level for 1-6 passengers is more than adequate. Passengers 7 and 8 are really the economy class passengers. Even for the full sized MPV's, they're really designed for luxury travel for 6. Just my thoughts :)

[bb1314]

What I like:

1) the internal height - I can really walk from front to back without much difficulty.

2) the look although not the best looking one, but quite acceptable. With the LED it looks like a smiley face. The triplets some the front looks like transformer and that puts me off.

3) comfort of the seat - some conti mpv 3rd row too cramp, 2nd row too upright. Stepwgn just nice.

4) low road tax

5) price - although not as cheap as the best seller vezel. but not too expensive as the odyssey.

6) new model - some mpv have been in the market for long time although face lifted but not much change a bit boring.

7) i like the way 3rd row fold. I can fold with 1 finger.

8) the waku waku door is practical.

 

I do have something that I don't like, that why it take me a while to search high and low if there's any other car that suits our family more (but couldn't find) - From the back I think it looks like a Fiat van, and the spoiler, can be better. Looks like Malaysia car perodua kenari.

 

If the price can lower to 130k++ with the current COE price, I think it will sell like hot cakes. (Dreaming again Lol)

[MQX87511]

1.5l squeeze out 200horses, 260nm of torque.. Civic racerboys will dig this

too bad in real world only squeeze out 148bph instead of 200bhp

[Philosurfer]

Bro, low pressure turbo for responsiveness and fuel efficiency matched with CVT transmission. Market segment targeted isn't boy racer.

 

The 2L high boost pressure engine powering the CTR is probably more yr cup of tea, but doesn't suit an MPV.

[kmttan]

Any bro here went to see Stepwagon over the weekend? I did my round at Ubi and saw one in Hup Long. Asking for $138xxx for 6 big guaranteed COE. Should arrive around Nov/Dec period.

 

Still deciding between Stepwagon and Biante, which cost$1K less. Esquire is $10K more and too much chrome metal in the front to my liking. Biante looks nicer and feel nicer, mainly because of its light color interior. It also have configurable 2nd row. The bad thing is 3rd row cannot be folded down. Road tax 2x more. Stepwagon has a basin at its boot space, and made it looks bigger. It has 2 rear doors, which is kinda useful in tight carparks. Dashboard looks futuristic too.

[Wildaltum]

Hi kmttan, the one you saw is the non Spada version or the Spada version?

 

Also please check that both sides have auto sliding doors. I dont see the logic of paying for just a single auto sliding door at the price we are paying now. 7 years ago, this price is more than the 2.4 Estima premium grade. so dont shortchange yourself as there are a few grades that PIs bring in.

 

I will be getting the car but i am waiting for the COE. Are you getting the 7 seater or the 8 seater? I am looking to get the 8 seater. More seats is better in case i need it especially i drive to Msia often.

 

there are two Toyota Esquires in the used car section going for $138k too.

 

I am driving a Noah now but bought it 7 years ago at $73k brand new. Non auto doors. Till now it is still going strong with a mileage of 190000km already. No major repairs, just need to change engine mount. So yes, $73k can go for no auto doors or one side auot door...but $138k..get both auto doors. If got auto boot even better but too bad, no such option.

[Philosurfer]

Hi kmttan, I saw on Hup Long's fb pages that they had a white G model in showrooms. That model comes with dual power door.

 

There're some other PI's offering pretty attractive prices for the Spada model though there may be some hidden terms and conditions. The Spada does come with side/curtain airbags as standard and some nicer bits of bodykit. From the articles earlier posted in this thread, some difference in wheel bearing design for less body roll during cornering. Going up to the Spada model does make the Stepwgn pricier than the Biante for sure and in the same ballpark as an equivalent specced Esquire. Wish you happy shopping!

 

Wildaltum, nice to hear from an existing noah owner! What sways your consideration between the Stepwgn/Triplets/Biante?

[Wildaltum]

Hi Philosufer

 

The G grade posted in sgcarmart (the white colour) is only one side auto door. The dashboard sliding door buttons, only for one side. Dont know if that is Hup Long's picture.

 

Anyway what swayed me to this and that. Breakdown bleow:

 

Biante:

 

Rear seat is a bench. I really not into bench seats. The flexibilty is not there when you need to carry bulky items.

Centre Row seats can be joined together but really, three people sitting in the middle row is really very squeezy especially if all three are big sized adults.

Very sporty dashboard meters and unique front headlights.

 

Triplets:

 

Before SW came out, I was eyeing the triplets since I am driving one for the past 7 yrs with totally no problem. So engine reliabilty is there. If only the new triplets eight seater center seat can be folded up like my current ride, then it can be a seven seater or can be a eight seater, I dont have to keep sliding the center row seats to access the thrid row. My current ride has no auto doors, so Triplets has auto doors and if centre seat can be propped up, it will be a PERFECT ride.

Can get sunroof option.

If get 7 seater, then the centre seats can slide all the way back to third row...big big legroom!!!

One action flip up seats for last row...very convenient. But it is 50:50 split seats..means if one seat is flipped up, can only sit one person.

 

Stepwagon:

 

Then come this SW, spoil my decision...hahaha...1.5L (turbo or not I am not bothered) but it saves road tax, not to forget after 10 years, road tax will increase 10% yearly up to max of 50% from 15yr onwards.

Waku Waku doors, means if I get 8 seater, third row can still enter and exit from the back without having the need to slide the centre row seats. This is the only MPV that can be opened form inside from the third row.

Third row got additional USB port

Front row seats got small back pockets and come with eating trays...lol...i like.

No suroof - good to have but not a must to have

The armrests can hang plastic bags on the front row seats at the knobs. If get 7 seaters then the center row seats armrests can also hang plastic bags.

Third row seats fold flat into the floor..means i have to take things out from the boot well before I can fold the seats into the floor...troublesome...i wish it will just flip up like the Triplets.

Row seats is split 40:60 seats..can sit two pax at the third row while one seat is kept into the groud.

 

How...my mind is still undecided....jialat..but SW is new, wait for the price to moderate first.

[kmttan]

Hi Philosufer

 

The G grade posted in sgcarmart (the white colour) is only one side auto door. The dashboard sliding door buttons, only for one side. Dont know if that is Hup Long's picture.

 

Anyway what swayed me to this and that. Breakdown bleow:

 

Biante:

 

Rear seat is a bench. I really not into bench seats. The flexibilty is not there when you need to carry bulky items.

Centre Row seats can be joined together but really, three people sitting in the middle row is really very squeezy especially if all three are big sized adults.

Very sporty dashboard meters and unique front headlights.

 

Triplets:

 

Before SW came out, I was eyeing the triplets since I am driving one for the past 7 yrs with totally no problem. So engine reliabilty is there. If only the new triplets eight seater center seat can be folded up like my current ride, then it can be a seven seater or can be a eight seater, I dont have to keep sliding the center row seats to access the thrid row. My current ride has no auto doors, so Triplets has auto doors and if centre seat can be propped up, it will be a PERFECT ride.

Can get sunroof option.

If get 7 seater, then the centre seats can slide all the way back to third row...big big legroom!!!

One action flip up seats for last row...very convenient. But it is 50:50 split seats..means if one seat is flipped up, can only sit one person.

 

Stepwagon:

 

Then come this SW, spoil my decision...hahaha...1.5L (turbo or not I am not bothered) but it saves road tax, not to forget after 10 years, road tax will increase 10% yearly up to max of 50% from 15yr onwards.

Waku Waku doors, means if I get 8 seater, third row can still enter and exit from the back without having the need to slide the centre row seats. This is the only MPV that can be opened form inside from the third row.

Third row got additional USB port

Front row seats got small back pockets and come with eating trays...lol...i like.

No suroof - good to have but not a must to have

The armrests can hang plastic bags on the front row seats at the knobs. If get 7 seaters then the center row seats armrests can also hang plastic bags.

Third row seats fold flat into the floor..means i have to take things out from the boot well before I can fold the seats into the floor...troublesome...i wish it will just flip up like the Triplets.

Row seats is split 40:60 seats..can sit two pax at the third row while one seat is kept into the groud.

 

How...my mind is still undecided....jialat..but SW is new, wait for the price to moderate first.

 

Very well thought out. I didn't know that SW has eight-seater option. I will certainly want 8-seater. Which PI has 8-seater one? Looking at your analysis, I thought SW is the winner. The only downside is that we must remove the boot before keeping a chair, which may not be a big deal. Even for triplets, if there is a need to flip up the third row for bulky item, we still need to clear those staff.

Edited September 7, 2015 by kmttan