Honda Freed

If you are in need of a compact, but practical MPV that is easy on petrol, has a spacious and practical interior, affordable and easy to navigate, there is one that combines these seemingly contradicting features – it’s the Honda Freed Hybrid.

Despite its compact and highly practical length of just 4265 mm, the Freed has room for seven passengers and some cargo. Design of the interior is smart, elegant and it definitely stands out from the crowd, while dual power sliding doors make entering and exiting in tight spaces a breeze.

The biggest surprise comes from the hybrid powerplant. It combines a 1.5 i-VTEC petrol and an electric motor. The engine gives 101 kW (135 bhp) and 134 Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds instant torque delivery and more power for surprisingly zippy acceleration, especially from a standstill..

The power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, whose two clutches ensure lightning-fast and very smooth shifts.

As expected from a vehicle designed to seat seven people, the Freed Hybrid is pretty safe with features such as six airbags, traction control, cruise control and hill start assist.