Honda Legend 2006 Review

What we like
>> Very quiet and refined cabin
>> Comfortable and cosseting ride
>> Stable and predictable handling

Perhaps when it was launched back in 1996, it was vaguely competitive, but by 2004, when the last third-generation Legend was sold here, it was well beyond its used-by date. And it showed in the sales figures with Honda struggling to sell 100 units a year.

But now there is an all-new model that, for starters, hits the market very well priced at $74,500 ($12,000 less than its predecessor!!!). It is a simple one-model nameplate that sits on a new all-wheel drive chassis, is powered by a new, significantly more powerful 3.5-litre V6 through a five-speed auto transmission and is higher and wider but shorter than the last model.

Honda expects to sell 200 by the end of 2006 and around 600 next year. This is a vast increase on the old model but with its high level of equipment, much improved dynamics and decent styling, it might just have to goods to steal some buyers from the likes of Lexus and the three Germans.

FEATURES
Perusing the specs list, the one thing that stands out about the new Legend is the level of technology. From extensive use of lightweight aluminium and composite materials in the body and frame, to standard features such as active headlights, a reversing camera and GPS-linked solar-sensing dual-zone climate control, it has plenty of wow factor.

The most innovative feature, however, is the rather wordy Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. All-wheel drive itself is not new in passenger cars, but Honda is claiming a first for the market with a drive system that not only varies torque distribution between the front and rear axles but also across the rear axle between the two rear wheels.

Under straightline cruising and moderate cornering, the full-time system typically splits torque 70:30 with the greater amount going to the front wheels. Under hard cornering that split can be reversed with 70 per cent of torque delivered to the rear wheels.

At the rear end, three planetary gear sets and clutches control the distribution of torque across the rear axle which can vary from 0-100 per cent. Sitting in front of the rear drive device is what Honda terms an acceleration device that can increase the input/output ratio of the torque that is delivered via the prop shaft. This torque is then split across the rear axle by two identical electromagnetic clutches with the whole drivetrain controlled by an array of sensors and computer chips.

By enabling the outside rear wheel to spin faster than the average of the front wheels, Honda claims the system aids cornering -- providing more neutral and predictable handling.  The all-wheel drive system, that also works in conjunction with the smart five-speed automatic transmission, drive-by-wire throttle and ABS and vehicle stability assist systems, also helps ensure the optimum grip and safety in all conditions, Honda says.

COMFORT
When Japanese carmakers aim to do a luxury car, you can always be assured that this will be a car with ALL the fruit. Unlike their European counterparts, that tend carry a bit more badge cred but very extensive options lists, the Japanese makers count luxury by all the goodies. It’s no surprise then that the new Legend is not short of comfort and convenience goodies.

The big, comfortable leather-trimmed heated seats are power operated for driver and front passenger. No need for manual labour either on the standard sunroof, rake and reach adjustable steering column, rear window shade screen (that drops automatically when reverse is selected), all four windows and retractable heated exterior mirrors.

As mentioned, the climate control uses GPS positioning and solar sensors to ensure the right temperature is set for different parts of the car, there is cruise control and an excellent 10-speaker, six-stack CD system that will also play DVD-audio and MP3 files.

All of these are tied into what Honda calls an ‘Interface dial’. This controls the various menus for everything from a calendar and calculator (complete with unit conversion function) to the climate control and a compass. It is all a bit too much in the end though and the system is not intuitive.

Up front there is plenty of space for driver and passenger and likewise for rear passengers. Well two anyway -- although there’s three seatbelts, the heavily sculpted bench means that for anything other than a trip to the local shops, the rear is a two-person zone.

Honda has spent a lot of money and effort on creating an appropriate interior ambience through various insulation and sound deadening measures including an Active Noise Cancellation unit that is designed to cancel low-frequency engine and exhaust noises. The effort has been worth it -- the Legend’s cabin is a very quiet and a cosseting place to ride.

SAFETY
Apart from the safety benefits of the all-wheel drive system, the new Legend is fitted with an array of other active and passive features as standard. ABS with electronic brake force distribution and Brake Assist and Honda's own version of stability control acts on four discs, the airbag count is six (dual front, front side and side curtain) and the front seat belts have load limiters and pretensioners.

The car has received a five-star EuroNCAP score for occupant protection and also a maximum three stars for pedestrian protection. Part of the latter is due to the active bonnet that in the event of striking a pedestrian, raises 100mm at the windscreen edge to increase the space between the bonnet and engine and thereby theoretically helping to reduce injury.

An active light system allows the Xenon lights to swivel up to 20 degrees outboard when cornering to provide better visibility forward and an automatic wide-angle rear view camera provides an additional view out the back when reversing.

MECHANICAL
The Legend's engine may share the same capacity with its predecessor but that is where the similarities end.

The VTEC powerplant is based on the MDX SUV’s engine and offers a massive increase of 70kW and 67Nm over the old 3.5-litre V6. Honda claims maximum power is 217kW at 6200rpm with peak torque of 351Nm delivered at 5000rpm.

It is a very smooth and refined engine that as described above, drives all four wheels through an adaptive five-speed automatic transmission.

As well as adapting automatically to road conditions and driving style, the transmission also offers a Sportshift function which allows you to change ratios manually via the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles. Unlike many systems it doesn't have an upper end ‘idiot override’ and will simply bounce off the rev limiter if you fail to change up gears.

The Legend’s suspension is all new and largely constructed of aluminium. Up front is a double wishbone arrangement with a multi-link rear.

The steering set-up is rack and pinion with speed-sensitive variable power assistance.

COMPETITORS
As a large luxury sedan Honda has always seen its Legend as a rival to high-end Japanese models and the German European brands. That said in the past, the nameplate has never really had the panache or presence to effectively compete with the Europeans.

In the USA the Legend is marketed under the Acura brand and is aimed to compete directly with the Lexus GS model and to a lesser-extent the smaller Lexus IS models. Those same vehicles are seen are direct competitors in Australia along with the entry-level Audi A6, Mercedes E-class and BMW 5 series models which the Legend undercuts on price by between $5000 and $20,000.

To a lesser extent, the company anticipates that the Legend will also appeal to buyers of smaller European cars like the Mercedes C200K and BMW 320i. It’s closer in price to these models but obviously offers more power and performance and greater space.

The pricing of the new Legend is such that it may also get a look-in against the upper-end locally produced product (read: Calais V, Fairmont Ghia, etc).

ON THE ROAD
Honda's biggest claims for the new car are its combination of ride and handling courtesy of the suspension and all-wheel drive system and on the shortish drive route of the press launch both seemed to be well sorted.

The ride quality is good with a cosseting and compliant feel with the car able to easily soak up the worst of outer/rural Melbourne’s roads. The feeling of comfort is enhanced by the very quiet and refined interior and almost complete absence of any noise, vibration or harshness.

At the same time, the suspension does a good job of ensuring the car sits flat and solid on the road and when pushed hard through corners, it retains your desired line with ease with the stability control rarely intervening to maintain traction. The only let down in the handling stakes comes from the steering which true to Honda form is light and relatively lifeless.

Despite the high output figures delivered by the V6 engine, it doesn't feel as strong as the numbers suggest. It isn't sluggish like the old Legend, but it doesn't have the sparkle that you associate with almost 220kW.

Part of this is probably due to the weight of the car (despite the use of alloy the Legend still weighs in at a relatively hefty 1855kg) and partly due to the nature of the engine. Like many Honda powerplants, it operates at its best in the mid to high revrange with peak outputs at 6200 and 5000rpm for power and torque respectively.

On the road, this is apparent for although it is adequate off the line, it does come on a lot stronger above about 3500rpm.  

The engine and transmission combination is very smooth and refined nonetheless. Combined with the solid handling, once up to speed, it is an enjoyable car to punt along.

With its contemporary styling, quality and spacious interior, vast amount of standard kit and sharp pricing adding to the appeal, Honda may at last have a large sedan that can truly challenge the European domination of the prestige class.