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October 20, 2015

UPDATED: Reborn: The All-New Honda Legend Arrives in Manila (w/ Specs)


UPDATE: Added photos from the launch event (10/21).

Car enthusiasts of a certain age will remember the Honda Legend from the 1990’s. Locally, it was Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI)’s first (and at the time, the only attempt) to crack the premium sedan segment. Although it didn’t really translate to strong numbers on the showroom floor, it did pave the way towards the realization that Honda wasn’t just about pocket rockets and screaming VTEC engines; they could build a car that can challenge the best that the world has to offer. Fast-forward to today and HCPI is once more challenging the norm by introducing the all-new 2015/16 Legend—the brand’s new crown jewel poised to deliver an unprecedented mix of driving pleasure, refinement, comfort, and environmental performance.

Technically the fifth-generation model, the all-new Legend features Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive which comprises four engines: a regular gasoline engine and three electric motors—one in the front and two at the back. An advanced hybrid system connects everything and automatically combines front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive allowing it to responding continuously to driver inputs and driving conditions to ensure efficient performance. Interestingly, the twin rear 27-kilowatt motors provide drive and deceleration power to the rear wheels in any ratio. This equates to a revolutionary kind of electric-based torque vectoring technology that delivers stable handling.



Positioned at the front of the Legend is a newly-developed 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injection i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams technology that, by itself, develops 312 horsepower and 369 Nm of torque. Aside from its low friction construction, it has VCM or Variable Cylinder Management that cuts down fuel consumption. Combine that with an integrated electric motor as well as a seven-speed dual clutch automatic, operable via an electronic gear selector, the Legend can theoretically achieve fuel efficiency figures up to 16.8 km/L—comparable to that of a four-cylinder engine while providing a maximum combined output of 380 horsepower and 462 Nm of torque—figures comparable to that of a V8 engine.

Supporting the Legend’s outstanding performance are the new lower double-joint front Double Wishbone and rear Multi-Link suspension. Both ends feature amplitude-sensitive dampers with optimized spring rates and damping force contributing to superb handling stability and ride comfort. Large 19x8 gunmetal alloy wheels shod with 245/40R19 tires provide traction at all four corners while a highly rigid body made of both steel and aluminum provides a solid foundation.

Outside, the Legend features a flowing and dynamic body with a wide and low form. Measuring in at almost five meters in length, the Legend is huge. The Jewel Eye LED headlights with their sparkling, gem-like lenses take center stage adding to the high-quality styling. LED illumination elsewhere from the daytime running lights to the rear lamp cluster provide an unmistakable presence even at night.



Inside, it fully utilizes its front-wheel drive layout making efficient use of space to provide outstanding interior comfort. The front occupants revel in the heated/cooled 12-way power seats with memory functions for the driver. The rear legroom is so generous that Honda reckons that occupants can cross their legs in comfort. Additionally, it comes standard with high-quality Milano leather on the seats with soft, leather surfaces on the instrument cluster, door linings, armrests, and other areas enveloping the occupants.

Amenities of the all-new Legend help create the ultimate space for the discerning individual. Front and center is Honda’s tie-up with US-based Krell Industries to produce the audiophile-centric sound system. It creates an incredible level of audio realism thanks to Krell’s technology and close coordination with Honda from the design stage onward. The power amplifier boasts of outstanding dynamic range while offering exceptional clarity. The audio system features 14 separate speakers including a carbon fiber subwoofer and magnesium twitters, optimally positioned to deliver an amazing audio experience for all occupants.



Meanwhile, the windshield features a convenient heads-up display that helps the driver maintain a consistent line of sight. In addition to displaying a digital speedometer, this display can even show navigation data and the Legend’s torque vectoring system in real time. At the back, rear occupants have the convenience of rear window and rear side window privacy glass with sunshades.

Finally, the Legend features Honda Sensing—the brand’s new safety system that envisions an accident-free society through the use of both active and passive safety features. This includes technologies that are already found in other Honda models such as a rear multi-view parking camera, Blind Spot Information (BSI), Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Hill Start Assist (HSA). This time, the safety alphabet sees the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

Whether or not the 2015/16 Honda Legend will live up to its namesake remains to be seen. However, it must be remembered: it’s actually designed to compete in the premium sedan segment and this means, it comes at a price: P 4,380,000. However, Honda is sticking true to form, leveraging its advanced drivetrain technology to gain an advantage. And by mixing this with design, performance, luxury, and safety it takes an altogether different approach. It’s set to chart its own course—becoming a truly stellar sedan in its own right. Indeed, it could be a new legend in the making, a reason for HCPI to celebrate, just in time for their 25th anniversary in the Philippines.

The Honda Legend is available for viewing only at two Honda dealerships: Honda Global City and Honda Greenhills.





36 comments:

  1. Very expensive! The physical apperance is not attractive and competitive in the premium level.

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  2. yeah I'd get Hyundai Azera over this for half the price. Or get a BMW or Benz for th price. Or just get a Mazda 6 and an SUV and I'd still have change! Geesh Honda execs, stop smoking!

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    Replies
    1. Hyundai Genesis sedan, not Azera if you would ask me.

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    2. Genesis is deprecated and Azera replaced it as the flagship sedan(at least here int he Philippines). It pays to visit their site :)

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    3. It's sad that HARI did not bring the 2nd Genesis here. That Genesis is awesome.

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  3. Holy shit!!! I was expecting the price to be about 2.8M. I'm shocked to see that it's priced at 4.3M. I'd rather have the Accord 3.5L V6, thank you very much.

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  4. 4.3M despite JPEPA? That's Landcruiser pricing already! Definitely not worth it, especially considering the low resale value of this type of car. It'd probably sell well at around 3M thereabouts.

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    Replies
    1. exactly what i was thinking! why not:
      CAMRY 3.5 + FJ CRUISER
      CAMRY 2.5 + PRADO

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  5. Very expensive considering this is covered by JPEPA. At first I was very interested, after seing the price, I will just buy the Nissan Patrol Royal or an FJ Cruiser plus Mazda CX-5 and even get a change.

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  6. I'd rather stop my fingers from typing than pretending to have the money to buy this Honda Legend over other cars.

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    Replies
    1. Definitely. And stop browsing this site 'coz you won't see second hand cars here either.

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  7. Lexus ES350 or VW passat is way better and more premium....with less the price. besides hybrid maintenance is quite costly here abroad... how much more in the ph.. big thumbs down....

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    1. How come you know that Lexus ES350 is better? Have you ridden both cars? much less either one? I think you are comparing apple to an orange.

      If cost is your concern...better buy a Toyota Altis. Lexus ES350 or Honda Legend is out of your league 'coz you don't have the means to buy a premium car and even maintain the same.

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    2. You are probably a Honda agent. Most comments were saying that Honda Legend has a lot of other competition with the same or even better looks and specs... the price is way to high to consider. The looks is not even a game changer.

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    3. Yes you're right!!! a honda agent... a lightweight moron.... hahahahah

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    4. In terms of specifications and features, a more appropriate competitor of the Legend would be the Lexus GS.

      The ES350 while great........is stripped out by Lexus Manila.

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    5. the gs 350 looks light years ahead of the legend...

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  8. 4.3m??? As if like the buyer has been robbed after acquiring it.. big joke!!! hahahah

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  9. The acura and lexus business model was to undercut the europeans in price and yet provide similar or better cars. Pricing this like a european car would defeat the purpose of getting a luxury japanese car. Might as well settle for the normal luxury euro car

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  10. honda is not a luxury brand.

    for the same price one can get a entry level 5 series or an e class.

    this car will go the way of previous local legend launches, into oblivion... within 2 years is my fearless forecast... :)

    honda

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    Replies
    1. Perhaps BUT........your 520d and E250 CDI & CGI all cost above 5 million.

      It goes either way ;)

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    2. 520d goes for around 3.9mln after discount. list price is 4.2mln

      e200 list price is 4.32m

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    3. and for those tempted to buy the honda legend, an all new e class is set to come out early next year.

      the 5 series apec edition will go for 3.5 million, i think, after the apec summit. an all new 5 series is also slated to come out late 2016 or 2017.

      a just facelifted gs 350 came out a few weeks ago. lexus phil has the pre-facelift ones. but knowing lexus, they will bring in the facelifted model fairly soon.

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  11. i doubt the legend will be honda phil's halo car.....

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  12. honda phils should follow toyota phils lead and open a stand alone acura showroom and compete head on.

    otherwise the legend will just become the company car of the japanese mnc's ceo here.

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  13. Gandang pang Uber ito..! nice

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  14. 4,3M������ what a joke... Honda agents you better dig a hole.

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  15. The interior looks so busy and the exterior design is outdated. I've seen the passat and it is a lot better than this overpriced honda. Pricing has always been a joke for Honda Legend, Accord, top of the line civic, hrv ang brio. servicing a honda also robs you 2x that of other japanese cars.

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  16. I will just buy Honda Motocycle..its much cheaper and no problem on traffic during rush our.

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  17. Costs more than my house

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  18. Look at their current top of the line Accord 3.5, no cruise control! The legend looks dated and overpriced. Maybe they should have brought in Acuras and sold separately.

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  19. For that price if one is looking for an executive sedan hands down it would be a Merc E250 CDI Avantgarde APEC. Php 3.8m for a Merc vs 4.380m for a Honda?...

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  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  21. I've driven this car (over at Honda Greenhills) and I was impressed.

    -Brakes are very powerful (and I believe they're electronically-adjustable as well)
    -Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires were fantastic
    -I was shocked on how fast the acceleration. SH-AWD did the trick.

    Very impressive imho =)

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