Honda Cars Philippines unveiled on 2 August 2006 the 2006 Honda Accord executive sedan and Honda Pilot luxury SUV. The two models are the centerpiece of the Honda World exhibit running at the Glorietta Activity Center until 6 August 2006. The Honda Accord is a heavily refreshed version of the 2004 Car of the Year, with upgraded engines and features. The Honda Pilot SUV is an all-new model catering to the midsize luxury market.
The Pilot is Honda Cars’ entry into the luxury SUV market, as the company anticipates increased demand for luxury SUVs with larger seating capacity and premium functionality. The midsize SUV has a monocoque body, promising a more comfortable ride and better handling. This makes it unique in its class. The Pilot has a suitably chunky exterior design, with large taillamps, square-cut doors and tailgate, and a purposeful stance.
The Pilot can comfortably seat eight persons in three rows of seats. With all rows of seats in place, there’s enough space for several soft bags in the luggage bay. The 2nd and 3rd row can fold flat to increase storage space. Standard features include eight-way power driver’s seat, leather seats and steering wheel, cruise control, 155-watt audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, front and rear climate control, LATCH child-seat anchors, and power windows and door locks.
Under the hood, the Pilot features a 3.5-liter 24-valve VTEC V6 pumping out 247 ps and 325 Nm. Drive is channeled primarily to all four wheels as required, by the Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive System. During acceleration, torque is automatically proportioned to front and rear wheels depending on traction conditions. In cruising mode, the VTM-4 shifts to front wheel drive to improve fuel efficiency. There’s also a Lock Mode to direct maximum torque to the rear wheels for severe driving conditions.
The Pilot is equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist, traction control, ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist. Passive safety features are front dual airbags, front side airbags, and three-row side curtain airbags.
Honda Cars Philippines is the first in Asia to officially import the Pilot, Honda USA’s best-selling SUV. The Pilot is available for reservation and will be at dealerships by November 2006. The price is P2,600,000.
The Honda Accord looks similar to its award-winning predecessor from the front but has been heavily reworked particularly at the rear. The front features a new chrome wing-type front grille, and smoked-type headlamps. The sedan’s ground clearance has been lowered by 15 mm to give a sportier stance. New-design 16-inch alloys adorn both the 2.4 VTi-L and 3.0 V6 variants. The rear is a new design that includes shortened taillamps, new bumper, and dual exhaust pipes. The taillamps and 3rd brake light are the LED type. Inside, the 2.4 VTi-L features black leather and metallic accents, while the 3.0 has ivory leather seats and trim, and woodgrain panel accents.
The 2.4 inline-4 engine’s output has been bumped up to 170 ps, while the brawny 3.0 liter V6 retains its 240 ps output. Each engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, controlled by a new “cobra-type” shift lever. The 2.4 i-VTEC goes for P1,470,000 and the 3.0 VTEC V6 retails for P1,690,000.
Also at Honda World are the WOW, a dog-friendly concept car and the Honda Racing Formula One car. Taking center stage during shows will be ASIMO, Honda’s remarkable walking, dancing, climbing humanoid robot. Honda World will run at Glorietta Activity Center until 6 August 2006.
By Jason Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang
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