Honda SMX

Honda S-MX

Also called	smex
Production	1996 - 2002
Successor	Honda FR-V
Body style(s)	compact MPV
Layout	FF/AWD
Engine(s)	2.0 L (1972cc) B20B DOHC non-vtec 128BHP Straight-4
Transmission(s)	4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	3,950 mm (155.5 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in))
Height	1,765 mm (69.5 in)
Curb weight	1,390 kg (3,100 lb)
Related	Honda Civic Honda Stepwgn

The Honda SMX (Japanese: ホンダ・S-MX, sometimes written as S-MX) is a mini van released in 1997. It features a B20B engine and front wheel drive for the RH1 chassis, and 4WD for the RH2 chassis, all with a 4 speed automatic gear box. The SMX takes the larger Honda Stepwgn and shortens the wheelbase to provide a more youthful appearance, similar to efforts from Scion xB and the Nissan Almera Tino.

The Honda SMX is the original leader of the Japanese minivans. First manufactured in 1996 the SMX or S-MX (Street Movement Xtra) come in a basic version or Base and the more popular Lowdown version. The latter took off immediately throughout Japan. The SMX is basically a CRV but with a different shell, it shares the same engine and running gear as the CRV. The SMX also shares a lot of parts with the Accord and Prelude.

The Honda SMX along with the Nissan Cube and the Toyota BB are set to take off in the UK in the next couple of years. With the increasing rise in fuel costs and larger vehicles being slammed with higher road tax prices the Japanese import scene is looking towards smaller more economical vehicles to import.

The single back door of the SMX enables back seat passengers to disembark directly on to the pavement.

All the seating folds down flat to make a double bed. The 2 litre engine gives approximately 35 miles to the gallon around town and 40 on a long run.