Honda Legend
3.5i VTEC V6 EX
July 2007
The flagship of the Honda range has always been the Legend
model, a saloon that aims to showcase the best of the brand. After a
noticeable absence from the price lists, an all-new Legend arrived to
take on the heavyweight names in the executive saloon sector. This
Legend has a difficult task of beating premium badges where image is
everything.
At first glance the Legend owes something to its humbler sibling, the
Accord. It is a well proportioned and understated in design, but
despite the prominent front grille and large jewel-like rear lights,
the Legend is not the most distinctive car in the class. For some
however this will be a plus point, and it is indisputably a clean and
modern-looking car which will appeal to drivers seeking a degree of
discretion.
Mechanically the Legend offers an
unusual layout for this class. The 3.5-litre naturally aspirated engine
uses the famed VTEC variable valve control system that boosts power
output and fuel economy, but this power is transmitted to the road
through an all-new four-wheel drive system. Dubbed Super Handling
All-Wheel Drive, the system diverts power between the front and rear
axles but also divides it between the rear wheels to ensure maximum
traction and stability.
There are further innovations inside the
Legend. It is fitted with CMBS, a safety system which detects an
imminent collision and warns the driver, even braking the vehicle and
tightening the seatbelts to reduce the severity of an accident. It is
also available with ADAS, the Advanced Driver Assist System seen on the
Accord. This high-specification cruise control system can maintain a
gap to the car in front automatically as well as help to keep the car
in its lane by making steering adjustments.
With just one model in the range, the
specification of the Legend is comprehensive. The only available
options are the ADAS system and parking sensors, while items such as
climate control, high-end audio system, power seats and leather trim
are fitted as standard. This compares favourably with rival cars, which
often demand premiums for luxury items.
Legend shares family look with smaller Accord
Ratings
Overall Rating
Value for money
Costs
Space and Practicality
Controls and display
Comfort
Security
Safety
Likes
Smooth, powerful engine and smooth drivetrain
Satisfying handling and ride balance
Superbly equipped
High build quality
Gripes
Looks maybe too discreet for some
Dashboard complexity can confuse
No diesel option
An estate version would offer useful extra space
Our Verdict
The Legend is a thoroughly competent luxury car which offers a
surprisingly invigorating driving experience and the highest of
specifications. It succeeds in almost all areas, but its understated
image may count against it in a badge-conscious market such as this.
Costs
Running costs for the Legend will be
relatively high, with a high insurance grouping and low fuel economy
figures due to the large capacity petrol engine.
Space and Practicality
Despite its exterior dimensions, the
Accord's cabin is not as generous as some of its rivals. However, for
the vast majority of people there is plenty of head and legroom front
and rear. The boot is a little shallow due to the four-wheel drive
components, but 450 litres should be sufficient for most users.
Controls and Display
The layout of the Legend can be initially
confusing due to the large number of controls, but after a period of
familiarisation it all operates in an intuitive fashion. The controls
themselves are well labelled and operate smoothly, while the blue-lit
instruments are particularly attractive.
Large rear lights are attractive
Comfort
Although the ride is slightly firmer than most, the Legend offers a
very high level of comfort. The cabin is well designed and adaptable to
all sizes of drivers, wind, road and engine noise are exceptionally low
and the well sorted suspension copes with road imperfections easily.
Comfort levels are also aided by the ADAS system, which significantly
reduces fatigue on long journeys.
Security
The Legend is also well stocked with
security devices, including an alarm system, engine immobiliser and
deadlock remote locking system.
Safety
The Legend should be one of the
safest cars in its class, as it has a wide range of safety devices. As
well as the typical features such as six airbags, ABS and brakeforce
distribution, and the addition of items like the collision mitigation
system and the pop-up bonnet give it a significant advantage.
Driver Appeal
The Legend manages the difficult task
of being comfortable to drive and ride in but also controlled and fun
to drive quickly when the conditions permit. The engine and gearbox
work well together when cruising, shifting smoothly in automatic or
manual mode, while the ride quality is impressive. On more challenging
roads, the gearbox is best used in manual mode to access the engine's
power and torque, but the handling and grip are highly impressive, and
the Legend is an entertaining companion.
Family Appeal
The Legend could perform family duties with
some ease, thanks to its decent cabin space and comfort levels. An
estate version would provide the extra boot space often required by
larger families, but otherwise the Legend is more than capable.
High specification interior is well made
First Car Appeal
The Legend is likely to be too expensive for the vast majority of first
time drivers, while its high performance and complexity will exclude
the inexperienced. However, its ease of driving is such that a new
driver could get to grips with it quite easily.
Quality and image
The Legend does a good job of
representing the quality standards of the Honda brand. Throughout the
car the standard of finish is impressive, and all the controls operate
with smoothness and efficiency. The materials are also of a high
standard. The Legend's image is less well defined, particularly as
previous generations had a limited following. This is likely to
continue, as the supply of Legends into the UK is restricted. The
benefit of this is the car will be a rare sight on the roads, adding to
its appeal.
Accessibility
With chunky grab handles and wide
opening doors, access to the Legend is easy. The electrically
adjustable steering wheel also moves up and in when the key is removed,
easing entry and exit for the driver. The boot also has remote
operation, allowing hands free opening and closing.
Stereo and ICE
Fitted as standard to all Legends is
a high quality audio system, with a MP3 compatible 6 CD autochanger and
tuner. The sound quality is very impressive indeed, and combined with
the low noise levels inside the cabin creates an excellent environment
for music on the move.
Colours and Trim
The Legend is available in a relatively small
range of sober colours, which suit its restrained appearance. Inside
the cabin is finished in a fine mix of wood, leather and plastics,
which blend well together.
Attractive illumination for main instruments
Parking
Although a relatively large car, the Legend is straightforward to park.
Even without the optional parking sensors the extremities are easy to
place, while the standard rear-facing camera is a useful aid.
Spare Wheel
Space saver spare wheel fitted beneath the boot floor
Range information
One engine option: 3.5-litre petrol
(291bhp). Five-speed automatic transmission with paddleshift fitted as
standard driving all four wheels. One trim level with high
specification.
Alternatives
BMW 5 Series Even more sporting, impressive image
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Comfortable and attractive, less generous specification
Citroen C6 Unusual but attractive, very comfortable and distinctive
Audi A6 Desirable and highly competent
