Honda Legend 2011 Review

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?

WHAT IS IT?

The big kahuna. The Legend is the flagship of the Honda range, a big luxuriously equipped sedan for those seeking the ultimate that Honda has to offer.

HOW MUCH?

Priced from $76,990 ($77,685 with super platinum paint). That gets you a lot of motor car, with a 3.7-litre V6, all-wheel drive and plenty of luxury appointments _ but we cant help but wonder whether buyers would be just as happy with a fully equipped Accord?

WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?

This is where it gets interesting. It doesnt have any really, not at this price with this level of equipment. The other Japanese car makers really dont have anything to offer. The nearest is probably the Volvo S80 T6 AWD - or you could starting looking at smaller German cars.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

3.7-litre V6. Good for 226kW of power and 370Nm of torque. Its the most powerful engine ever offered by Honda and is paired with a five-speed sequential auto that allows the driver to change gears manually.

HOW DOES IT GO?

Impressive. Smooth, powerful and reasonably economical. Gets off the mark quickly with plenty in reserve for overtaking. Leaving it in sports mode however is likely to have a major impact on economy as it prevents the transmission from changing into top gear.

IS IT ECONOMICAL?

It's rated at 11.3 litres/100km, with consumption dropping to 8.7 litres/100km on the open road. We were getting around 11.8 during testing.

IS IT `GREEN?'

Gets 3.5 stars from the Governments Green Vehicle Guide (the hybrid Prius scores five), with an air pollution rating of 8.5 out of 10 where 10 is the best. - so yes its Green.

IS IT SAFE?

You bet. Full five stars. Features a host of standard lifesaving features including six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, anti-lock brakes and a standard reversing camera.

IS IT COMFORTABLE?

Both front seats are heated and feature 10-way power adjustability, and the steering wheel has been redesigned for greater comfort. Both the wheel and the gear selector are trimmed in supple leather, and are complemented by brushed metal gauges. Active noise cancellation makes the cabin very quiet.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Big and classy. Stick the boot in and it responds enthusiastically, especially in sport mode - but the suspension is a little soft for our liking and all-wheel drive only makes a difference in the wet.

IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?

Leather, climate air conditioning, satellite navigation, electric sunroof, xenon headlights that turn, 18 inch alloys, Bluetooth with voice recognition and a 260 watt 10-speaker BOSE Sound System are all standard.

WOULD WE BUY ONE?

Not our cup of tea. Lacks differentiation from the Accord in our opionion. The ride is also a bit soft and bouncy for weaker stomachs, but it represents plenty of bang for your buck.