2007 Honda FR-V: A Hidden Treasure Found in the Scrapyard
The 2000s witnessed a surge in popularity for “tall hatchback” MPVs in Europe, and Japanese manufacturers had their fair share of efficient vehicles designed for space optimization. One such hidden gem that never made it to North America is the Honda FR-V, which I stumbled upon during my recent visit to the scrapyards of Northern England.
What sets the FR-V apart from its competitors is its unique seating arrangement. While most cars have a row of seats in the back, the FR-V surprises with another row of three seats in the front. This six-passenger setup was common in older Detroit sedans, but fitting it into a small car like the FR-V was a challenging feat of engineering. The Fiat Multipla from the same era also featured a similar seating arrangement.
To make the center console, the middle front seat bottom hinges forward, adding a touch of versatility to the cabin. Additionally, the rear seats can be folded up to create more cargo space, even when the seats are in use. It’s a practical feature that adds to the overall functionality of the car.
Known as the Edix in Japan, the FR-V was produced from 2004 to 2011. Its design, although not groundbreaking, still holds up well. However, it didn’t conform to the truck-like shape that eventually dominated the automotive market.
In the UK, the 2007 FR-V offered a choice between a 1.8-liter petrol engine and a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine. The model I found was equipped with the latter, delivering a respectable 138 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque.
One notable feature of the FR-V is its six-speed manual gearshift, which is positioned on the dashboard. This unusual placement harkens back to the Honda N600, where a floor shifter was not possible due to the middle seat. As column-shift manuals had fallen out of favor by the 2000s, this unconventional setup made perfect sense.
While researching the FR-V, I stumbled upon some entertaining Japanese television commercials that showcased the car’s features in a lively and frantic manner. It seems that Honda’s marketing team knew how to capture attention.
In terms of ratings, Sid the Rectangular dog gave the FR-V a three-bone rating. It may not be the highest accolade, but it indicates that the car has some redeeming qualities.
After a long day at the scrapyards, it’s time to kick back and enjoy some Beanie Burgers and Fizz Buckets. And let’s not forget to share some gherkins with Sid the Rectangular Dog – after all, he deserves a treat for his contribution to the FR-V discovery.
Unfortunately, the FR-V’s journey was cut short when Top Gear broke the news of its cancellation. It seems that despite its unique features and practicality, the FR-V couldn’t compete with other models in the market.
In conclusion, the 2007 Honda FR-V is a hidden treasure found in the scrapyards of Northern England. Its innovative seating arrangement, practicality, and respectable performance make it a noteworthy contender in the MPV segment. Though it may not have achieved widespread success, the FR-V remains an interesting piece of automotive history worth appreciating.