Honda’s Legend sedan is set to deliver even more power and a styling facelift with the introduction of the new 2009 model.
The 2009 Legend retains the title of the ‘most powerful’ vehicle in Honda’s range. Honda has managed to coax more power and torque out of the Legend’s VTEC V6, in part due to an increase in displacement from 3.5 to 3.7-litres. A new VTEC valve-train system also has a significant role to play in the increased outputs.
Power is up to 226kW with maximum torque topping out at 370Nm. Impressive numbers, a fact not lost on the folks at Honda, who are keen to confirm that the result is a boost to bottom-end performance, and what they refer to as “effortless off-the-mark acceleration”. In fact, the Legend’s upgraded Euro 4 compliant V6 is the most powerful production engine ever offered by Honda. Despite the displacement increase, fuel consumption has improved from 11.8L/100km to 11.3L/100km.
The Legend drivetrain package also features an upgraded version of Honda’s five-speed Sequential SportShift transmission with sports mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift controls. The paddle shifters can be used in both sports and normal modes, in conjunction with a conventional straight-gate console-mounted gear selector.
Drive-by-wire throttle remains a feature on the 2009 Legend, together with Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. In demanding cornering situations SH-AWD will boost torque delivery to the outside rear wheel, improving balance and handling.
The exterior features a host of styling upgrades, including a new aluminium bonnet, bi-xenon headlights and upgraded pentagonal grill with its three distinctive horizontal bars and chrome surround. A new front bumper features integral fog lights and distinctive lower cooling air intakes, while a new boot lid with integral spoiler, a new rear bumper, new tail-lights and a new exhaust treatment define the new Legend from the rear.
At the side, new rocker panels and newly designed seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel with 245/45R18 tyres add to the Legend’s visual appeal.
Not as obvious to the eye as the already-mentioned cosmetic changes is the addition of a new ‘acoustic windscreen’ that sandwiches a thin film of butul alcohol between two bonded glass panels to deliver a whisper-quiet cabin. Noise, vibration and harshness levels have been further improved, with the addition of extra insulation and Honda’s Active Noise Cancellation system.
The upgrade story continues on the inside with the new Legend featuring a host of new standard equipment. Both front seats now feature 10-way power adjustability, and the steering wheel has been redesigned for greater comfort. Both the wheel and the gear selector are trimmed in supple leather, and are complemented by brushed metal gauges. A 10-speaker BOSE Sound System and Satellite Navigation System are standard equipment. Honda has also revised the climate control air conditioning functions.
Occupant safety is well catered for, with standard safety features including six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, anti-lock brakes in addition to a standard reversing camera.
How much I hear you ask? The recommended retail price for the new Legend is $77,500 and is on sale from September 1st 2008.
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The Honda Legend is a great car but its price tag has meant that car buyers have opted for higher-end European marques even if it meant opting for a vehicle in a different (lower) category - shame.
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It IS a shame because I’ve little doubt this would be a pleasure to drive, It’s quite a looker in my books too.
I am not sure I understand the price sensitivity often shown regarding this new Legend. I do accept that the car is smaller than the previous older shape (Up to 2001?). However, for the money and the even the size that is smaller by world trend now, there is really little alternative make/model that gets anywhere near the overall package offered with this car. Hmmm, 4WD SHAWD, 226kW, 11.3 Litres, impeccable finish in and out, Noise reduction, Bose, Sat Nav, 248kmh, 10 way passenger seat. Perhaps the only downer I see is a 5 speed box when others have 6, 7 and 8. All reasonable alternatives are much more expensive and offer little or no more for the premium you pay over this car.
My wife drives a Honda MDX. Its service costs are 50% of my Ford XR 6 service costs and where I always have a list as long as my arm to get fixed, she NEVER has anything wrong. This Honda Legend looks to be a pretty good bang for your buck, I reckon.
I agree. They represent better value, and great quality. By the way, what sort of fuel consumption does your wife get in her MDX? I want to get my wife into one.
Klaus, 13.5 around town. 10 on a trip. 14.5 when I drive it! Its a great car. Second series and I wont give it up. Done 120,000ks not a problem at all. Typical HONDA. Having Owned, Never Drive Another.