FirstDrive - Honda Legend: Honda's Legend doesn't quite stand out from the rest in the executive league.
There's yet another new kid in town, aiming to woo executives out of their Audis, BMWs and Mercedes.
Honda has dabbled in this market before with limited success. This time it's back, and its new Legend is due to do battle for the marque's cause.
But first to the name: it's very unfortunate to brand a car with such a loaded moniker, knowing full well that it's unlikely to make it into the pantheon of motoring history. There's no point being too modest in such a brash industry, but there has to be some respect for reality as well.
In a market that includes the rather radical design of BMW 5-Series and sleek styling of the new Lexus GS, the Legend looks far too sedate. The long nose overhang is part aesthetic but also partly functional, as it houses the various gadgets that allow it to be rated very highly in safety tests. While it could be argued that some buyers are seeking discretion these days, the Legend could easily be a large family saloon rather than a luxury executive offering.
On the road it doesn't really turn heads as one would hope and that may be the biggest deficiency in its armour in terms of attracting executive buyers.
That said, the Legend is actually worth a second look. From the standard power leather seats and Bose stereo system to the dials from the new-look Civic it's well finished both inside and out. Thankfully, unlike the Civic, the interior design is not aimed to attract sci-fi buffs and the central console is both practical and stylish.
In terms of new technology, Honda offers a new pre-crash system called Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS). This operates using a front-mounted radar - built into the Honda badge in the grille - that also works on the adaptive cruise control.
When the sensor estimates that you are about to crash (by measuring speed and net distance to the object in front) it sounds several early alerts before automatically pre-tensing the seatbelts and applying a degree of braking to minimise damage and injury.
The Legend also features a pyrotechnic pop-up bonnet for pedestrian safety, as on the new Jaguar XK range.
All this new technology is commendable and should hold it in good steed with potential buyers. Another potential limitation to the Legend's success is that power comes from only one source: a 3.5-litre V6 offering 291bhp and mated with a five-speed automatic gearbox that admittedly has paddle shifts on the steering wheel for a more sporting drive.
The output may suggest full performance orientation, but the transmission is tuned more for comfort and cruising than power. The end result is an engine that takes time to come to the boil.
The new Honda will have its work cut out when one considers the opposition it faces. Apart from the mainstay German models like A6, 5-Series and E-Class, you have Lexus making a very concerted effort to wow this audience with its smart GS. You also have established smaller players like Volvo's S80 and Saab's 9-5 along with newcomers like the Chrysler 300C and Citroen C6.
Into this motoring bearpit comes the Honda Legend with just one engine option.
Given that even Lexus is offering a choice of engines - including hybrid - in its GS model, the firm is not making it easy on the Honda sales reps.
Then there's the price: likely to start at €78,000. That puts it at the upper end of this segment and up against not only the regular rivals like a 3.2-litre Quattro A6 or BMW 540i, but also within the price bracket of SUVs such as the Range Rover Sport and even the entry-level Porsche Cayenne.
Honda has made a concerted effort to move its Accord into the premium segment and this is their latest endeavour.
The problem is that while it certainly has the refinement of its rivals, its styling is simply too conservative and its performance too sedate to make it stand out in any way from the competition. The discreet buyers will love it, but for many others in this market, it probably doesn't make a big enough statement.
Factfile: Honda Legend
ENGINE: A 3,471cc V6 VTEC engine putting out 291bhp @ 6,200rpm and 351Nm of torque @ 5,000rpm. Transmission is five-speed automatic
PERFORMANCE: Top speed of 250km/h and 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds
STANDARD FEATURES: All-Wheel Drive; ABS with EBD and brake assist; cruise control; alarm; electric front seats (also heated); leather; Bose stereo system with 6 CD changer and 10 speakers; pyrotechnic pop-up hood; Xenon headlamps; Active Front Lighting System.
OPTIONS: Adaptive cruise control; Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS).
PRICES: Entry-level version will start at €78,000, with range topper at €84,000
ARRIVING: September