The legendary mystery that is Honda’s flagship saloon is back as a fifth-generation model, showcasing the Japanese automaker’s technological prowess. The latest Legend looks like an upscale Accord, with striking “Jewel Eye” LED headlights and aluminium door skins, but its mechanicals and amenities are well above the Accord’s station.
The 382bhp powertrain, which Honda calls Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, combines a 3.5-litre direct-injection i-VTEC V6 with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, three electric motors (one in the front and a pair in the rear), a high-output lithium-ion battery and advanced computer management.
The result on the road is a car with multiple, nimble driving modes (front-drive, rear-drive, all-wheel-drive, petrol/electric/petrol-electric drive, torque vectoring) that continously optimise the ride, handling and performance according to driving commands/conditions. It’s fuel-efficient, too, with a claimed fuel economy (Japan’s JC08 cycle) of 16.8km per litre.
Inside the Legend (says Honda), the soundproofing is good, the 14-speaker audio system is excellent and the legroom is generous, especially for rear passengers. The upholstery is a high-quality mix of genuine and faux leather, and the dashboard gadgets include a head-up display. An array of active safety aids is fitted as standard.
Honda will bring its new Legend to Singapore in the second half of 2015.
