Consumer Demand for Smaller Minivan in North America Should Be High

Honda isn't the only automaker with a minivan in miniature as part of its foreign market lineup. Almost every major player has one. The segment, dubbed mini-MPV in Europe, is one of the most popular, second only behind compact cars.

Not everyone needs or wants a large van, and that means that a small minivan like the Honda Stream could sell well in North America. (Photo: Honda)

But would there be interest in a smaller minivan? With each new North American "minivan" introduction, the "bigger is better" trend continues, disenfranchising consumers that bought into the minivan segment when the vans were actually based on compact cars.

Not everyone needs or wants a large van, or for that matter an SUV, either of which can be expensive to initially purchase and to operate. For this reason some market analysts have deemed interest in a smaller minivan could be strong enough that something similar to the Stream may be successful.

So then why doesn't Honda take a page out of Chrysler Group's history book and attempt a segment-buster of its own? The Japanese brand's Stream mini-MPV seems like a vehicle type needed in startup families and small businesses alike, combining people hauling and cargo capacity into a convenient city-sized conveyance.

Honda's Stream is also one of the best performing on its market. Based off the European and Japanese market Civics (what we get as the Honda Civic SiR hatchback), the Stream has always impressed its buyers.

For 2004, just three years after its introduction, the Stream has been visually updated to keep the car looking sharp and fresh. It features a heavily restyled front end, including a new bumper, air dam, headlights and grille.

The 2004 Stream will hit European showrooms in January, but when and if it will ever make it here is unkown. (Photo: Honda)

The grille is now a broad twin opening with a thick single slat running horizontally, similar to the recently face-lifted North American Civic, only larger. A restyled headlight cluster featuring two sets of projection beam lamps can be found at either side, while a muscular front air dam sits underneath. Around back, the Stream features revised taillights, and rather than the usual integrated reverse lights it features rear fog lamps for improved visibility.

To accompany the exterior updates, Honda has altered the Stream's interior. The second row of seats has been split up, no longer a bench but rather a set of captain's chairs. The third row of seats now tumbles into the floor similar to the brand's full-size Odyssey, allowing for a truly flat cargo area.

Drivers will appreciate the new instrumentation package, featuring black dials highlighted with red needles and lights.

Honda states that the 2004 Stream will arrive in showrooms around Europe this January, but just when and if the Japanese brand decides to bring it to North America is unknown.