(2) Transaxle
Two types of four-speed electronically controlled automatic transaxle (4EC-AT) as well as two 5-speed manual transaxle are available. The smoothness of shifting gears on front-wheel-drive vehicles has been greatly enhanced by the newly developed 4EC-AT automatic transaxle. It is equipped with such functions as Feedback Control and Learning Control, which provide the class top level quality of shift.

(3) 4-wheel-drive system
The R-4 version of the S-wagon, which is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine, features a full-time, viscous LSD equipped 4-wheel-drive system. The S-4 version of the S-wagon, which is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine, and the LS sedan have a rotary blade coupling type real-time 4-wheel-drive system in which the front wheels are normally used for drive but drive transfers also to the rear wheels if the rotation rates of the front and rear wheels diverge.

(4) Body
The body of the new Familia boasts improved rigidity overall as well as better local rigidity at the suspension mounting points. This makes it possible to extract the full performance capability of the suspension while reducing vibration and noise for a more comfortable ride.

(5) Chassis
The height of the suspension's front and rear roll centers has been optimized for improved cornering precision, enhanced stability when driving in a straight line, and better steering responsiveness. Also, on the four-wheel- drive models, newly developed dampers with low-velocity control valves help maintain operating stability when negotiating winding roads and absorb input from the road surface for a more comfortable ride.

(2)Passive safety

	A highly rigid and safe MAGMA body The highly rigid and safe MAGMA body consists of front and rear crumple zones that effectively absorb and disperse the energy from front or rear collisions along with a rigid cabin with a triple H structure that protects the passenger compartment during side impacts and rollovers. This body has met Japan's new Side Safety Collision Standards and satisfies the requirements of the latest European Collision Standards (offset front collision, side collision) slated to be introduced this fall.
	Side impact bar and rear door catchpin Side impact bars have been placed inside the front and rear doors and catchpins located on rear doors to minimize intrusion into the passenger compartment during a collision from the side.
	SRS airbags for the driver's seat and the front passenger seat The SRS airbag system for the driver's seat and front passenger seat is available for all models. (It is standard on all models except for the passenger seat on the ES sedan, where it is an option.)
	SRS side airbags with head protection function An SRS side airbag system with head protection function is available for the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. (It is an option for all models except the ES sedan.) The airbag inflates to protect the side of the upper body and head, preventing severe injury from contact with the side window or B pillar during a side collision. In addition, the side air bag is placed on the door side of the seat back surface, so it is always in the best position for passenger safety regardless of seat position.
	Seatbelts with load limiters Front seats feature a three-point ELR seatbelt with load limiter. (Equipped on the driver's seat for all models and on the passenger seat for models with the SRS airbag system.) Should an excessive load be applied to the seatbelt while in use, the load limiters come into effect to loosen the belt, reducing excessive strain on the occupant's chest.
	Rear seatbelt with child seat attachment function The three-point seatbelt on the outside rear seats has been fitted with a child seat attachment function. This enables seatbelt slack to be eliminated, securely holding the child seat.
	Shock-absorbent interior The shock-absorbent interior absorbs impact should any part of a passenger's body strike the vehicle's interior. Shock-absorbent material has been placed on the instrument panel and around the front door trim. Also, a ribbed structure has been used for the rear surface of the A pillar and B pillar trim.
	Power window with automatic reversal function The power window on the driver's seat features an automatic reversal function. When it detects that a hand or other object has been struck during autoclose, the window is automatically lowered 200 mm.

6. Other main features

	Automatic air conditioning is standard on the R and R-4 S-wagon models and on the GS and RX sedans. Manual air conditioning is standard on the S and S-4 S-wagons and the JS and LS sedans (optional on the ES sedan).
	Anti-UV ray glass is used in the front doors of the S- wagons and in the front and rear doors and rear window of the sedans (all S-wagon models and all sedan models except the ES).
	Dark tinted glass is used on the rear doors, rear quarter windows, and rear window of the S-wagons (standard on the R and R-4 and optional on the S and S- 4).
	The power glass sunroof with tilt function is optional (R and R-4 models of the S-wagon and RX models of the sedan).
	TThe All-In-One AV Navigation System with VICS-compatible navigation system, AM/FM electronic tuner, cassette deck and CD deck is available as an option (all S-wagons and GS and RX sedans).
	The full-logic cassette deck with AM/FM electronic tuner is optional on the all S-wagon and JS and LS sedans. The AM/FM electronic tuner is standard on the LS and GS sedans and optional on the ES and JS sedans.
	The NARDI-manufactured leather-covered steering wheel with built-in airbag is available as an option (R and R-4 wagons and RX sedan).

More variation for a wide range of customers
The Familia series will be available in 4 body types: the current "3-door hatchback" and "Wagon" models; the newly introduced S-wagon and sedan models. These variations are sure to meet the needs of customers' diversifying lifestyles.

Suggested retail prices (consumption tax not included):