Honda's MUV ready for some hard yakka

Priced from $19,990, Honda's new MUV has arrived in Australia.

The new MUV, or multi utility vehicle, is named Big Red and is powered by a single-cylinder liquid-cooled four-stroke 675cc four-valve engine that drives the wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.

Honda's new MUV will rival vehicles such as the Kawasaki Mule, Kymco UXV 500 and Yamaha Rhino 700, promising to trump its opposition with "innovations developed by the same company that invented the ATV, and technologies that blend Honda's vast automobile expertise with new ideas designed to revolutionise the class".

And what exactly are these technologies that will revolutionise the class? Mainly engine tech, to improve ease of use and reliability.

For instance Big Red's fuel injection system has been developed to deliver improved fuel economy and "crisp" throttle response with better cold starting and smoother idling thanks to its 'Idle Air Control Valve'. The engine also features a liquid-cooled oil cooler for improved thermal dynamics.

A dash-mounted drive selector makes use of a torque convertor much like a family car, with a trio of hydraulic clutches. It has three forward gears and reverse with several drive modes. Honda explains that these include "2WD with open rear differential for sensitive terrain and lawns, 4WD with rear differential lock for rough conditions and 4WD with all-wheel differential lock, when you need that something extra to get home".

Honda's Big Red MUV features disc brakes at all four corners, fully independent front and rear suspension, a tilting bed with 227kg load capacity, and rubber-mounted seats with adjustable back rests.

The Honda MUV can tow up to 554kg with its heavy-duty receiver-style hitch and has LED brake lights and multi-reflector headlights for night work.