Honda reveals Pilot and Ridgeline replacements

Honda used last week's Chicago motor show to reveal its all-new Pilot (previous generations of which were twinned with the Acura MDX, sold in Australia as the Honda MDX) and the first sketch of its new Ridgeline pick-up.

Alas, neither model will be produced in right-hand drive, leaving Honda Australia without a three-row SUV or a rival for popular one-tonne utes like the Toyota HiLux.

Honda says the US designed and built 2016 Pilot delivers more family-friendly utility, technologies and premium attributes than ever, including "class-leading safety features, fuel efficiency and confident driving dynamics in a thoroughly modern, stylish and sophisticated new package".

While Honda promises the next Ridgeline will be launched Stateside within two years, third-generation Pilot crossover goes on sale across North America from mid-2015.

New features include LED projector headlights with auto high-beam, available signature LED daytime running lights and tail-lights, optional 20-inch wheels and a first-ever panoramic roof option.

Inside, Honda says there are soft-touch materials throughout, LED map lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats and the option of two second-row captain's chairs, "providing for easy walk-through between the second and third rows, in addition to the standard second-row three-person 60/40-split seat for eight-passenger seating capacity".

Honda claims its new Pilot delivers best-in-class interior space, versatility and utility with more than 80mm of added overall vehicle length, in which an optional one-touch walk-in second-row seat slides and tilts to its forward-most position at the touch of a button.

Other equipment includes five USB ports, an HDMI port for a gaming console, two headphone jacks, two 12-volt power outlets and a 115-volt outlet.

There's also an 8.0-inch touch-screen Display Audio telematics interface powered by a new Android-based operating system and more powerful processor, plus the option of a 9.0-inch rear entertainment system.

A full suite of Honda Sensing technologies will be on offer, including LaneWatch, Blind Spot Indicators, Multi-Angle Rear View Camera, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Honda-first Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system.

Power comes from a 'new' 3.5-litre direct-injection i-VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation and idle-stop technologies, matched to a new all-wheel drive system. It will come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time, but premium versions will be equipped with a Honda-first nine-speed auto.

Honda says the MkIII Pilot, which is almost 300 pounds (135kg) lighter yet more rigid than the model it replaces, delivers class-leading efficiency, dynamics and aerodynamics, "along with a new level of cabin quietness befitting its status as a premium family SUV".