2006 Honda Legend

With its blend of advanced cutting edge technology and an array of innovative assistance systems, the new Honda Legend steps into the luxury upper mid-range as a classic 4-door saloon. True to its dynamic styling, Honda's premium model offers a comfortable interior with sporting overtones. Its spaciousness promotes a sense of well-being and comfort. Larger, heavier, more expensive and with a long list of optional extras - these are features common to many new models in the upper mid-range.

The elegant design of the Legend confirms status, while the body's dynamic lines represent a sporting temperament - an early hint at the power of the up-to-date engine. A characteristic feature of the front is the steep sloping hood. From the side, the sleek cockpit, a deep window beltline and a short deck lid accentuate the Legend's pronounced wedge shape. The new Legend is 20mm higher and 25mm wider than its predecessor. The overall length, however, has been reduced by 38mm, and the wheelbase by 110mm; nevertheless there is an extra 30mm to the length of the passenger compartment and 40mm to the height of the interior. The result is a far more generous cabin size despite reductions in the overall body length. Passengers are treated as standard to an ambience of refinement, with its immaculate attention to ergonomics, leather upholstery, and 8-way power adjustable front seats.

The subframes for integrating engine and gearbox are in a 'floating' position to create an acoustic barrier between the main source of vibration (the engine) and the large resonance volume (body). Any low-frequency noises which still penetrate the cabin are eliminated by an Active Noise Cancellation unit (ANC) specifically developed for this model. The system uses two microphones located in the roof console, to monitor drive train noises entering the cabin. When unwanted frequencies are detected, the ANC creates a counter-frequency and sends a precisely timed reverse phase audio signal to the audio system's door speakers and subwoofer.This creates peace within the car and, in every possible way, replaces traditional, heavy sound insulating material.

Cars with an array of safety technology and elevated comforts usually weigh in at more than less-equipped models of the same range. Honda has fully-equipped the Legend in almost all of its markets. However, to keep the potential weight down as much as possible, developers of the new Legend have made an intelligently lightweight structure. Extensive use of lightweight materials keeps the kerb weight of the 5metre car below 1885 kg - while maintaining excellent body rigidity.

The Legend's interior combines elegant luxury with clear, efficient design, providing an ambience which complements the car's athleticism. At the same time, various latest technological features have been selected to enable simple and intuitive use of the controls. Particular attention has been paid to the high quality and workmanship of materials. Ergonomical seating with perforated leather-trim creates a driving experience which is sporty and at the same time refined.

The new Legend's 3.5 litre SOHC VTEC V6 engine is an absolute hi-tech collective and one of the most powerful in its class. The modern aluminium 4-valve engine with adjustable valve control and electronic valve lift control produces 217 kW (295 PS) at 6,200 rpm. The maximum torque of 351 Nm at 5,000 rpm provides for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. With the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, the driver can select gears manually - either by using the shift lever in the centre console or paddles located on the steering wheel.

The Legend's innovative chassis has double wishbones as the front suspension and multi-link as the rear. This sophisticated technology allows for a good flat ride and safe cornering even on uneven road surfaces. Large, ventilated front and rear disc brakes and 4-piston callipers provide exceptional stopping power. Electronic aids such as ABS, EBD, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) support the driver in potentially dangerous situations.

The Honda Legend has an all-wheel drive system as standard to improve cornering ability. The SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system increases the rotation speed of the outside rear wheel during spirited cornering to help the car turn more easily. This dramatically improves handling through well-balanced over-steering in sharp corners. During straight line cruising and moderate cornering up to 70 per cent of torque is delivered to the front wheels, full throttle acceleration or spirited driving directs up to 70 per cent of available torque to the rear wheels. Depending on the driving situation, the available torque at the rear axle can be distributed in a range of 100:0 to 0:100 between both rear wheels. The result is enhanced cornering performance and guaranteed maximum driving pleasure.

The new Legend's highly rigid body structure guarantees a high level of passenger safety in a variety of crash situations together with a combination of dual stage front and side airbag systems and curtain airbags. The ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) Body Structure helps disperse collision forces away from the passenger compartment onto the overall body structure. The new Legend's specially designed front structure frame provides for improved partner protection in the event of a crash with a smaller vehicle: the front structure is designed to buckle relatively easily. A pop-up hood further enhances pedestrian safety. The Legend is fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS). ACC automatically ensures a constant distance is kept from the vehicle in front, on the motorway, for example. This makes driving longer distances more relaxing and less tiring.

The new Legend comes as standard with the Active Front Lighting System (AFS). The main headlights beam white, ultra bright xenon light. The term AFS stands for Honda's interpretation of an advanced combination of corner and indicator lighting, which illuminates the road effectively in the driving direction. The new Legend features as standard satellite navigation system with voice-recognition. The complete digital map information is provided on a DVD. A high performance processor allows fast route calculation and new software zooms in on the map display in virtually real-time.