Fifth-Gen Honda Step WGN Debuts With New 2016 Civic Engine, Tailgate System

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: April 23rd, 2015

fifth gen honda step wgn debuts with new 2016 civic engine tailgate system

Honda revealed the fifth-gen Step WGN for the Japanese market Thursday, which not only features a new flexible tailgate, but the same engine planned for the 2016 Civic.

The main draw for the seven-passenger Step WGN is the “Waku Waku” tailgate, which can be lifted up in most circumstances, or can be opened from the side via the tailgate’s sub-door. The sub-door has three levels of opening angles, allowing greater ease of access to cargo for occupants when the kei van is parked in a tight space, such as a shopping center or home garage. Third-row passengers can also use the door to exit without opening the full tailgate when the door is paired with the third-row 60-40 Magic Seat.

Under the hood is the 1.5-liter direct-injection VTEC turbo set to provide power for the 2016 Civic. Horsepower and torque figures were not mentioned at this time, but Honda claims output is “equivalent to that of a 2.4-litre engine even while driving with multiple passengers and on hilly roads.” Power is directed to the front or all four corners via CVT.

[Photo credit: Honda]

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#Civic #Honda #Japan #JapaneseDomesticMarket #JDM #KeiVans #MY2016 #StepWGN #Vtec #WakuWaku

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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KOKing on Apr 23, 2015

FWIW it's a couple classes too big for a kei van. These small vans are popular over there the way CUVs are in the US. One thing they don't seem to do, especially with the subcompact-based ones is add noise insulation along with the big box out back, 'cause riding in the back of these things over ~70kph is deafening.

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Marcelo de Vasconcellos on Apr 24, 2015

I like it! Not considering the CVT and with a dab more of exterior design and more talent in the interior design, I'd be happy to take it home.

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