Honda PH to launch Legend hybrid luxury sedan at P4.388 million

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) will launch this week the Legend luxury sedan. The nameplate, last carried by HCPI as part of its original car lineup in the mid-1900s, will make a bold comeback by containing new performance and comfort features. Honda promises supreme driving pleasure, a refined and comfortable ride and outstanding safety.

The new Legend will be a hybrid sedan, geared not just for fuel efficiency but for performance as well. Legend will be carrying not one but three electric motors to provide all-wheel drive handling. The system, called Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, allows the car’s propulsion unit to combine front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in electric, gasoline, or hybrid modes. The twin rear motors, powered by a lithium-ion battery, will provide both propulsion and act as energy recapture units, and can provide torque vectoring functions to help deliver more confident handling. Quoted fuel economy is 16.8/km liter.

Legend will carry a 3.5-liter V6 engine with iVTEC, good for 310hp and 368Nm. Maximum output is 382 hp when combined with the three electric motors, comparable to a conventional V8 gasoline engine. The VTEC engine can also operate in three-cylinder mode.

The new luxury sedan will feature the vaunted Honda double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The car will feature Agile Handling Assist system which selectively brakes wheels to enhance handling, and electronic stability program.

The Legend body will be constructed of both aluminum and steel components, with aluminum being used for all the door skins to reduce weight. The styling includes a low and wide body. “Jewel Eye” LED headlamps reportedly through a bright beam that is very wide, capable of illuminating even the road shoulders.

Interior space is promised to be best in class, thanks to the front-wheel drive layout. There’s enough rear-seat legroom for the boss to comfortably cross his or her legs. Genuine leather wraps the seats, while faux leather panels cover other high-contact areas in the cabin. The new engine promises quieter operation with active engine control mount to reduce vibrations. A high-end 14-speaker audio system by US specialist Krell Industries will be available. Other features will include rear armrest control panel, head-up dispay, and rear sunshades.

As before, Honda is not shy about pricing the Legend commensurate with its features and performance, despite the non-premium badging. The price will be P4,388,000.00.

(Photos are for the Japanese version and may vary from the Philippine edition.)