Press Release
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Performance
Page 3: Sophistication
Page 4: Safety
Page 5: Specifications
Honda's rise up the class ladder
The qualities
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Precision handling through intelligent all-wheel drive system
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Innovative safety technology with collision prediction equipment, Lane keep assist (LKAS), adaptive cruise Control (ACC) and Pop-up Bonnet
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V6 VTEC engine
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In-cabin noise suppression
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Active front lighting system
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Luxurious interior trim level
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Elegant, yet aggressive body styling
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The expected Honda engineering excellence
The essentials
Legend 3.5i V6 EX
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Price: From £36-£40K (est)
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Top speed: 155mph
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0-62mph: 7.3secs
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Combined mpg: 23.7 (24.6 with ADAS/CMBS)
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CO2 emissions: 282g/km (273 with ADAS/CMBS)
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Engine: 3471cc SOHC VTEC, V6 petrol
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Transmission: 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
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Power: 295PS at 6,200rpm
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Torque: 351Nm at 5,000rpm
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Insurance rating: 16E (est.)
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Basic warranty: Three years/90,000 miles
The philosophy
The launch of the 2006 Legend prompts a few key questions. One of the most pertinent of these is: why is a large-market manufacturer like Honda tackling the competitive prestige arena?
Well, consider it, if you will, as part of the bigger Honda picture. Legend is the next - and perhaps most important - stage of Honda's rise up the class ladder.
The Accord has already made a significant dent in the German dominated Upper-medium D-sector. It offers not just supreme build quality with superior advanced technology to the class-leaders, it also has a distinct personality - reflected in the now infamous 'Cog' advertising. At Honda, we call this 'warm engineering'. It proves a stark contrast to the cold, impersonal approach of the Teutonic car makers.
The launch of the 5-door Civic at the end of 2005 continued Honda's push into a more prestigious market - maintaining high standards of quality and low running costs, while coupling cutting-edge looks with a sporty, exciting drive.
Now comes the really brave bit: another foray into the unforgiving E-sector with the Legend. And while the new executive saloon offers comfort, quality, trim and specifications to match even the strongest competitors - Legend also gives much more, in the shape of unique and class-leading handling performance and innovative safety features. It offers the expected, and the unexpected.
As such, this car epitomises Honda's position in the car market. It delivers remarkable quality, an involving drive, contemporary styling, cutting-edge technology and the highest possible levels of safety. It does all this while maintaining a distinct personality.
So, perhaps for the first time, the 2006 Legend will live up to its moniker. Certainly, it can now offer a definite - and very different - challenge to the opposition.
