 Stream
is the MPV version of Civic. Wheelbase is stretched to 2720 mm to
accommodate
the third row of seat, so it offers a total of 7 seats like Opel
Zafira.
However, passengers in the third row will find headroom limited by the
streamline roof while the rear suspension protrudes into the cabin and
limited foot room.
Pretty appearance and 10 cup holders aside, the Stream seems less practical and flexible than European rivals like Fiat Multipla, Citroen Xsara Picasso and Opel Zafira. There is not much storage space, no fold tables, no parcel shelf etc. Rear seats can be folded flat but the floor level is too high, limiting cargo volume and making it difficult to load bikes. Compare with Multipla and Picasso, the dashboard looks dull while plastic quality is poor. This is far from Honda’s standard. The same 1668
c.c. sohc VTEC
engine as Civic must work hard (hence noisy) to cope with the extra
weight
of about 200 kg. In contrast, the new i-VTEC 2.0 dohc unit with 154 hp
works best with the car to provide spirited acceleration. Sport-biased
suspension favour handling but sacrifice ride comfort.
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| The above report was last updated on 6 May 2001. All Rights Reserved. |