Japan is a country of contradictions: everything is small, the streets, the houses, the urban spaces, ... except for the cars! The Japanese like to own big, spacious cars to transport as many friends as few as possible.
The Japanese reasoning is that by getting a big car, they can leave with other people for a small weekend trip.
But not a lot of Japanese citizens take weekends off, so bottom line is that they drive their big cars around more empty than filled up.
The manufacturers however strike this sensitive cord and continue selling a lot of these vehicles.
Honda created a while ago (April 2005) the AirWave, a "station wagon" that offers between 4 and 7 seats with a large glass roof that allows the passengers to enjoy the clear blue sky that is always present in the ads in the magazines or on the television. The theme that inspired this car were the "Big Spaces" with the roomy interior and the incredible view on the sky, which gives the AirWave the impression that it's driving with its head in the clouds.
There are several versions with different specifications and angines, but we'll focus on the 1.5l VTEC:
Engine Code : L15A
Engine Type : 1.5L VTEC 16 Valves SOHC
Engine Capacity : 1496cc
Bore x Stroke : 73.0 mm x 89.4 mm
Compression Ratio : 10.4:1
Max Horsepower : 110 ps/5800 rpm
Max Torque : 143 Nm/4800 rpm
Transmission Type : CVT Auto (with 7 Speed Steer-Shift for “L” grade)
Fuel Consumption (Japan 10-15 Mode) : 18.0 km/L (FWD)
Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) : 4350 mm x 1695 mm x 1505 mm
Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) : 1930 mm x 1390 mm x 1250 mm
Wheelbase / Ground Clearance : 2550 mm / 150 mm
Track (Front / Rear) : 1465 mm / 1465 mm
Min. Turning Radius : 5.1m (FWD)
Kerb Weight : 1160 – 1190 kg (FWD)
Tyre Specification : 195/55R15 84V.
The AirWave is a very appealing car, and, even in Europe, it would be the perfect vehicle for large families. It has a nice sporty design too, and professionals could turn this AirWave into a real racing beast.
Posted on 07/10/05 By G-A.G
