 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Honda S-MX" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(August 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Honda S-MX | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Model code | RH1/2 |
| Production | 1996–2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact MPV |
| Body style | 3+1-doorhatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Related | Honda StepWGN (first generation) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1972 ccB20BDOHCI4 |
| Transmission | 4-speedautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm (98.4 in) |
| Length | 3,950 mm (155.5 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) 1,765 mm (69.5 in) (4WD) 1,735 mm (68.3 in) (Lowdown) |
| Curb weight | 1,390 kg (3,060 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Honda Mobilio Spike Honda Edix |
TheHonda S-MX[1] (Japanese:ホンダ・S-MX) is acompact MPV produced byHonda, sold between 1996 and 2002.
The S-MX was based on the S-MX Concept model first exhibited at the31st Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, and was similar in appearance to the largerHonda Stepwgn, shortened substantially in length and height. Whereas the Stepwgn had three rows of seating to accommodate eight passengers the smaller S-MX has two rows of seating for four or five passengers. In order to maximize space for passengers the S-MX uses a frontbench seat and a column shifter for the four-speed automatic transmission (the only available transmission).
The S-MX was powered by a 1,972 cc (2.0 L) version of Honda'sB-series engine featuringdouble overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder; it did not use Honda'sVTEC system. Peak power output was 130 PS (96 kW) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque was 18.7 kg⋅m (183 N⋅m; 135 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm. This engine was shared with theHonda CR-V andHonda Stepwgn. Similar to the CR-V and Stepwgn, the S-MX was available withfront-wheel-drive or optionalfour-wheel-drive.[2] As part of a September 1999 facelift, the engine was upgraded to produce 140 PS (103 kW) and 19.0 kg⋅m (186 N⋅m; 137 lb⋅ft) at the same engine speeds.
As was customary of minivans of the time the S-MX features only one (conventional) rear door on the passenger (left) side of the vehicle. Ostensibly this feature was for the safety of passengers, to prevent them from stepping out into traffic. All chassis codes start with RH1 for theBase model andLowdown (Lowdown is also printed on the chassis plate). All 4WD models have chassis codes starting with RH2.
The S-MX went on sale on November 22, 1996, as the fourth product of 'Creative Mover' series, which were Honda's automobiles with the aim of 'Lifestyle Enhancing Vehicles' that expand the users' lifestyles with more fun and richness.[3]
The vehicle was available in three different trims:
The S-MX came in a plethora of color options: SupersonicBlue Pearl, Taffeta White, NighthawkBlack Pearl, Ruby Red Pearl, TropicJade Pearl, Satin SilverMetallic, LightningSilver Metallic, Tahitian Green Pearl, and Passion Orange Metallic.[4][5]
The S-MX was slightly restyled in September 1999. Another minor change took place in December the following year. The late 2000 change also introduced a new trim,Custom Basic[6] with a front bench seat. This new trim was lower-priced and eliminated several of the once-standard features such as a CD player, electric mirrors and tinted rear windows for privacy.[7] Improvements were made to the styling with re-modeled headlights and front bumper.
Two special editions were introduced:
Aero Style - This included: More aggressive front lip, rear lip, spoiler and side skirts. larger alloy wheels, silver dashboard trim and leather interior.
Casual Style - This included: Wooden effect dashboard, black seats, different alloy wheels
Production of the S-MX ended in 2002, and the vehicle was replaced by theHonda Mobilio Spike at the same time. Many used examples wereexported to other countries, with theUK,Australia,New Zealand andCanada being the most popular destinations.
