Essential Motoring 101

An exclusive media test drive was held organized by Honda Malaysia for 10 representatives from the local press media. Being a (lucky) media person, I got my first hand experience of the latest baby from Honda’s stables – the all-new Honda Stream. Our ‘test track’ started and ended at Hyatt Saujana Subang, over a 2-day 1-night stay at Swiss-Garden Damai Laut Resort in Lumut, Perak. Only 2 cars were taken for the test where each car carries 5 media persons. Of course, Honda Malaysia guided the journey along the way with marshals at strategic locations.

A smiling little MPV for today’s families

 After the flag-off from Hyatt Saujana, we took the north-bound PLUS highway. I was the first to drive the Stream together with a bunch of seasoned motoring journalists. With everyone weighing at an average of 80 kilos, along with our luggages as well, it would be the ultimate test for the Stream.

Short nose overhang similar to that of a Mitsubishi Lancer GT

A wagon for all seasons

It was a long stretch of road from Subang exit to Batang Berjuntai. I was about to switch on automatic cruise control but to my dismay, the Stream does not come with it. After rummaging through the dashboard and steering wheel, the search was futile. The Stream did not come with cruise control, may due to cost control by Honda.

 

Modulo’s rear spoiler

A face-lifted emblem

I took the same highway on a Cameron Highlands trip and had known earlier that the roads are being upgraded. The highway stretch between Rawang and Tanjong Malim were undergoing major road widening. Reduced to a single-lane drive, traffic was rather heavy. We took a detour at the Behrang exit, looking for a better route for the Stream to take on the rigours of the trunk roads.

 

A practical, no non-sense dash

Another form of simplicity of the Stream

After a short session of teh tarik at a local stall, we resumed journey. At the interim of the excursion, the roads were wide and easy to drive but as we turned into a village, the road starts to twist. One of the veteran journalists took the wheels this time and I was the passenger at the back. The fully-loaded Stream was pushed to the limits on the curves that seem somewhat endless.

Signature gearknob by Honda - it’s dashboard mounted

Narrow and uneven at certain spots, the road was no less interesting to drive. The Stream handles very firmly with the (EPS) Electronic Power Steering, assisting every push and pull of the steering wheel. With a long wheelbase on the Stream, attacking the corners would seem tricky but I was wrong – the car really handled well without any slipping into off-track. The passenger at the rear third seat row was seen dozing away – a sign that the Stream was gentle all through the severe maneuvering. Thanks to the lower center of gravity of the Stream, stability issues are almost non-existent. Of course, the experience of the driver for that moment also played a very important role.

Flat flooring is the norm in today’s cars

The engine roared at high engine cycles of 6000rpm when more power was needed, and it posed no strain on the Stream. The 1.8L i-VTEC power plant was responsive and uses fuel very efficiently although there were much pedal flooring done throughout the journey. At times, when a constant speed is achieved, the word ‘ECO’ appears on the instrument display, where the engine is running in its most economical mode, I presume.

An MPV best for a tee

As the roads start to straighten, more obstacles appeared where mix of heavy and light vehicles running on the same path. The Stream was ever-ready for yet another bout of extreme throttling – overtaking the slow coaches. For such size with a 1.8L engine, and a fully loaded cabin, the Stream did not disappoint us while overtaking other vehicles. The roads were no smoother at all but the Stream, fitted with 15-inch wheels wrapped with Yokohama 206/65 rubbers, was sailing through it effortlessly. The ride can be quite bouncy at times but it was not like piercing our buttocks.

And also takes pride by the seaside

We reached Lumut without feeling much fatigue. The Stream really did give us the awe, considering all the rigid tests it went through without slack.

The next day, we switched to the other Stream that came with Modulo accessories. Sporting a more aggressive outlook, the Stream is combined with side skirts and a spoiler, making the car look lower. We started the journey back to KL after lunch, of course, to check out how does the Stream with Modulo add-ons would fare compared to the standard Stream.

It was even more responsive on the engine when over-taking vehicles. The Stream uses the same powerplant as the earlier car but it seemed to be slightly more powerful with Modulo.

I would consider the Stream when I become a family man

The Honda Stream is meant for transporting families but when it is driven in a sporty manner, the car is still able to head up for the challenge. It is an MPV that drives like a normal sedan car – small yet versatile.