Honda Freed mini-minivan debuts in Japan

Honda revealed its new compact minivan today in Japan called the Freed. On sale today as well, the Freed can carry up to eight passengers within its diminutive dimensions thanks to a low, completely flat floor and some clever packaging. Opt for captains chairs in the second row and you can still ferry seven people between Kyoto and Tokyo in relative comfort. The Freed will also be offered in three versions that accommodate people in wheelchairs with ramps and lift-up seats. Honda's JDM mini-minivan will be offered in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models powered by a 1.5L VTEC four-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic or CVT transmission. It looks like a promising vehicle that Japanese buyers will snap up like 10-cent sushi, and we bet Honda would find a market for the Freed here in the U.S. as well considering the current popularity of fuel-efficient vehicles packing tons of practicality.