Minivan is a passenger car of increased capacity. Usually they are equipped with three rows of seats. Their body is noticeably higher and larger than that of a passenger car. The number of passengers that can carry a minivan is eight. Today, these cars are equipped with an attractive design and a decent set of options. They are chosen by large families and those who need large volumes of luggage compartment. A striking representative of cars of this class are Honda Shuttle minivans and other models of this manufacturer.
A brief excursion into history
The first cars with a similar capacity were invented at the beginning of the First World War. The father of minivans is the Alfa 40/60 HP Aerodinamica, developed by the Italian company ALFA. The first official minivan is the American Stout Scarab.
The most famous model with a similar body was the Italian Fiat Multipla. It is believed he was ahead of his time. Mass buyers were not ready to purchase such machines in the 50–70s of the twentieth century.
The real heyday of minivans occurred in the 80–90s. In pursuit of the buyer, large manufacturers are embarking on the production of minivans. Renault Espace, Dodge Caravan, Chevrolet Astro, Volkswagen Caravelle (T3), Toyota Model F, Honda Shuttle appear.
Honda Shuttle
Honda Shuttle is a minivan-class car with three rows of passenger seats, designed for the American consumer based on the European model Honda Odyssey. A distinctive feature of the machine is an unusual transformation of the cabin. At Honda Shuttle, the second and third rows of seats fold down, which forms a huge luggage space behind the first row.
Front wheel drive car. It was completed with two types of engines. The first - a volume of 2.2 liters. The second - 2.3 liters. The transmission is automatic. It is equipped with air conditioning and an additional option in the form of cruise control.
Due to the elongated body and the front struts located at an angle of 45 degrees, the car has excellent aerodynamic properties.
No matter how good this model is, it was not popular with customers. In 1997, the manufacturer decided to reduce the number of manufactured models in Europe. A little later, production ceased altogether. It happened in 1999. His successor was the minivan Stream, which entered the European market.
Honda Civic Shuttle
In 1987, Honda engineers created a new minivan based on the Civic model. Compared to previous versions, the Civic Shuttle has become larger and received an all-wheel drive system. Fog lights, an electric sunroof, a cassette player, an audio system, a kenguryatnik appeared on the car.
The model is equipped with different motors. There is a volume of 1.3 liters with a capacity of 83 l / s and 1.5 l, giving 100 l / s. The main working unit was 1.6 l, issuing 120 l / s.
The main distinguishing feature of the Honda Civic Shuttle from other models was its off-road qualities. When developing the gearbox, another low gear was created, which is used as a replacement for the lowering row in the transmission.
Until now, the Honda-Civic-Shuttle is selling with frenzied popularity, because it combines dynamics, versatility, practicality and excellent technical characteristics.
Honda Fit Shuttle
Continuing the development of minivans, Honda in 2011 launches the Fit Shuttle line, created on the basis of the most popular Honda Fit hatchback. The machine is equipped with a working unit of 1.5 liters and a hybrid - 1.3 liters. Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive cars are produced.
Fit Shuttle is characterized by increased efficiency, large luggage compartment, ergonomics and excellent behavior on the road.
The car behaves well when driving along city streets. Meets the highest safety requirements. It is equipped with airbag sets, ABS, ESP.
The company did not stop with the release of these models. Under the Honda logo, many more cars are produced worthy of the attention of buyers.