Of all the specifications and figures that will be recited during the launch of the all-new Honda Legend luxury hybrid sedan, one will no doubt stand out: its price tag of P4.38 million. Although consumers have already welcomed Japanese luxury vehicles, this is the first time in the Philippines that such a price will be affixed to a Honda nameplate. It’s not without precedent, as Toyota has already breached the P4 million level with the Land Cruiser, and Nissan with the Patrol Royale. A previous-generation Honda Legend was selling for more than P3 million in the late 1990s, more than three times the price of the Accord then.
Performance
Before we decide on the merits of a luxury Honda sedan, let’s take a look at its specifications and capabilities. First of all, the new Honda Legend is a hybrid car. It packs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with iVTEC, developing 310hp and 368 Nm. It also has not one but three electric motors: one for the front axle and two for the rear. The engine and motors can be combined to deliver front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive in electric, gasoline, or hybrid mode. The system is called Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, a fancy way of saying that the hybrid drivetrain not only delivers better fuel efficiency but kick-ass performance as well. The combined power output is 382hp. With quoted fuel mileage of 16.8 km/liter, Honda reckons that the Legend provides the fuel economy of a four-cylinder while packing the performance of a V8. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.
Handling
The electric motors are powered by high-capacity and relatively quick charging lithium-ion batteries (compared to nickel metal hydride used in other Honda hybrids). The twin rear motors act as power generators to recapture energy while coasting or braking. They also perform torque vectoring functions: they aid handling by adding torque selectively to the rear wheels. The result should be more confident handling even when taking corners at a brisk pace.
The Legend will once again feature Honda’s double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Also on board will be Agile Handling Assist, which can selectively brake wheels to enhance handling, and electronic stability assist.
Body and construction
Honda Legend makes extensive use of aluminum, for example in all the door skins, to reduce weight. Honda developed a special process for bonding aluminum and steel in the construction. 19-inch alloy wheels help to reduce road noise, as does acoustic glass in the windshield and windows.
Safety
Helping the Legend driver see at night will be “Jewel Eye” LED headlamps, comprised of eight extra-bright LED bulbs with 16 precisely focused lenses. These will reportedly throw a bright beam wide enough to illuminate even the road shoulders. Fog lamps will be LED also.
The car has its own sensors, including millimeter wave radar and monocular camera. These can brake the car to reduce the chances of a collision, and also monitor the road using its lane keep assist function. Road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control with low speed following also improve the car’s active safety. Other features include rain sensing wipers, power folder door mirrors, chrome door handle with LED welcome light,
Interior
Honda promises an interior worthy of the luxury class. There’s enough rear-seat kneeroom for the boss to comfortably cross his or her legs, thanks to the front-wheel drive layout. Seats are trimmed in genuine leather, with faux leather panels cover high-contact areas in the cabin. The active engine control mount reduces engine noise and vibration. The high-end audio system by Krell Industries packs 14 speakers, including an 8-inch carbon fiber subwoofer and 3-inch Kevlar center speaker. The driver’ seat features 12-way power actuation. Other featrues include a multi-view camera system, trizone climate control, rear armrest control panel, head-up display, and rear sunshades.
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