Ahead of its time in Malaysia; all-new third-gen 2024 Honda Freed debuts with genius new ways of using cabin space

Shortly after this morning's start with a leaked image, the third-gen 2024 Honda Freed has made its proper debut in Japan earlier today.

Two variants are to begin sales in June 2024, which is the regular Freed Air and the crossover-styled Freed Crosstar. Trim variations see the Freed Air getting either 7-seats (2nd and 3rd row benches) or 6-seats (captain seats for row 2), while the Crosstar can have the latter's 6-seat arrangement or a 5-seater one.

A wheelchair-friendly variant – which makes it easier for people who need mobility assistance to get in and out of the car – is reserved only for the Crosstar.

Replacing the second-generation Freed that's been around since 2016, the all-new Freed comes with a totally redesigned look, with the bulbous shape reminscent of a baby StepWgn. Exterior kit count includes LED lighting, 16-inch bi-coloured wheels, and a couple of new colours: Fjord Mist and Desert Beige.

The Freed's interior has been wholly redesigned, and the keen-eyed will spot shared elements with the Jazz. There's a two-spoke steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster at the back, and a superb new free-standing large infotainment screen with Honda Connect telematics connectivity.

Of course headlining features are in terms of occupant comfort and all-round practicality. The seats have been optimised with a new design that allows easier walking through from the first to the third row, while wrapped in stain-resistant fabric.

Seats at the third row – which folds up and away to maximise boot space – are now made lighter and thinner to make it easier to move them.

It has more space all-around as well: reports say the Freed has 30 mm more distance between the first- and second-rows, translating to more legroom.

Other choice improvements are a larger rear quarter window, and a roof-mounted air-cond blower for three-row models; appearing for the first time in the Freed.

In terms of practicality and space, the Freed Crosstar comes with a two-tiered boot, as well as stainless steel utility side panels for customers to hang small items to, or just use it as to how they see fit.

Meanwhile, there's six new nubs on the tailgate, which allow for hanging of small items like lamps – especially useful when one's out camping, for instance. Hell, why stop at lamps? Put an entire tarp there!

With that said and done, the other big improvement to 2024 Honda Freed is its adoption of the Honda e:HEV hybrid system, which takes over from the Sport Hybrid i-DCD powertrain of its predecessor.

At point of publication no numbers were given just yet, though an educated guess is that it will share it with the Japanese-market Fit e:HEV, which means a 1.5-litre inline-four mill mated to two electric motors for a combined 123 PS.