Spencer Platt/Getty Images The 2014 Honda Odyssey.

Introduced on Tuesday, March 26: 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite

2013 New York Auto Show

What is it? It’s the first minivan that comes with an onboard vacuum cleaner. The vacuum includes a replacement filter, two attachments and a canister that fits neatly in the trunk compartment. The hose extends to the front seat to get the hard-to-reach places. No quarters required.

Is it real? Yes. Honda brought Fruit Loops and Cheetos to show off the vacuum’s capabilities. The rest of the minivan looks much like the current model, except for a few minor updates and upgrades to its onboard entertainment system, Honda Link.

What they said: The HondaVAC was developed with the vacuum manufacturer Shop-Vac after an engineer’s daughter made the suggestion to her father. “The cycle is eight minutes long in accessory mode, slightly above carwash time,” said Tami Giammarco, the senior engineer in charge of the interior design. “The HondaVAC is the feature we’re most excited about,” she said.

What they didn’t say: That Honda is aiming for the next generation of minivan mothers, and a few fathers. Instead, they invited Rosie Pope, who is the host of the reality TV show “Pregnant in Heels,” to get the point across at the media event Tuesday evening. “Can we all focus on the fact that it has a vacuum cleaner?” she said. “It’s mind-blowing. I will no longer have rotten Cheerios on the floor.”

What makes it tick? A 3.5 liter V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission that is found on the current model.

How soon? The Odyssey goes on sale this summer.

How’s it look? The Odyssey gets a slightly more chiseled face and the aluminum treatment on its front fenders and hood. The exterior has been tweaked to include LED taillights. The vacuum cleaner and bag is discreetly tucked away in the interior out of sight.

Article source: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/honda-odyssey-leaves-no-excuse-for-a-messy-car/?partner=rss&emc=rss