Car enthusiasts have gotten used to sneering at hybrid cars and the people who pilot them.
While it may be true that some of the early hybrids could hardly get out of their own way, in the last couple of years, these cars are coming into their own as performance machines, yet still delivering considerable fuel economy benefits.
In Singapore, the latest to join the hybrid party is Honda with its new flagship sedan, the Legend Hybrid. Those of a certain age will probably remember the nameplate from the 2000s. During that time, it was Honda's first attempt to crack the local premium sedan segment.
Although it didn't really translate to strong showroom numbers, it did pave the way towards the realisation that the Japanese carmaker wasn't just about pocket rockets and screaming VTEC engines. It could build a vehicle that can challenge the best that the world has to offer.
Fast-forward to today and Honda is once more challenging the norm by introducing the fifth generation Legend, only available as a hybrid.
Exterior
The Legend remains a crisp and clean, albeit somewhat conservative, design. That's not to say Honda sedans are by any means offensive to look at, but you do get the sense that the carmaker is playing it a tad safe with this car.
That said, the car commands more respect in person than it does in photographs, thanks to its solid proportions and imposing scale, letting observers know that this is no entry-level sedan.
Size wise, the Legend, with its wheelbase of 2,850mm, falls comfortably into the executive class that is also occupied by the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS. But at 5,000mm x 1,890mm x 1,478mm (L x W x H), the Honda is actually slightly bigger than its rivals.
Interior
A luxury executive would be nowhere without the creature comforts and human interface technology that people expect in a state-of-the-art vehicle.
The materials inside the Legend are all luxurious and supple where they need to be, with the appropriate applications of high-grade trim where warranted for visual appeal.
Its multi-function wheel is remarkably uncluttered, while the centre console spreads drive, entertainment, and climate information as well as controls across two LCD screens. And instead of a gear lever, recessed buttons provide a more ergonomic means and more room for the armrest.
A luxury executive would be nowhere without the creature comforts and human interface technology that people expect in a state-of-the-art vehicle.
The materials inside the Legend are all luxurious and supple where they need to be, with the appropriate applications of high-grade trim where warranted for visual appeal.
Its multi-function wheel is remarkably uncluttered, while the centre console spreads drive, entertainment, and climate information as well as controls across two LCD screens. And instead of a gear lever, recessed buttons provide a more ergonomic means and more room for the armrest.
The serene cabin also gives occupants all the more reasons to tinker with the standard 14-speaker premium surround audio system from Krell Industries that delivers impressive sound quality. While the front seats are inviting, ultra comfortable and supportive, the rear section is the most pampering of all.
There's very generous head and legroom with automated window blinds to further ease passengers' escape into opulent bliss. Unfortunately, the battery pack takes up valuable trunk space, and there's no pass-through for larger objects.
The Drive
Under the hood of the Legend lies a 3.5-litre V6 engine in tandem with an integrated electric motor and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Assisting them at the back are two electric motors individually powering the rear wheels, which translates to an all-wheel drive configuration.
Interestingly, the integration of the hybrid system in the Legend makes drivers forget they are piloting a hybrid vehicle. The seamless progression from electric motor power transmitted to the rear wheels, to a full-on all-wheel drive explosion of forward thrust with a front-wheel drive bias from the engine, is rather delightful (with a nice engine note too).
As a result, this almost imperceptible transition allows the car to be quick, blisteringly quick. Despite the car weighing close to two tonnes, it jolts ahead almost like an electric vehicle, hitting 100km/h in a respectable 5.9 seconds.
Having already established its bona fides in acceleration, the car also surprises when being 'hooned' at less sane speeds. Despite being a very large car, it does not embarrass itself when the roads begin to curve and manages to hold its own without a whimper of protest and with the slightest hint of body roll.
Under the hood of the Legend lies a 3.5-litre V6 engine in tandem with an integrated electric motor and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Assisting them at the back are two electric motors individually powering the rear wheels, which translates to an all-wheel drive configuration.
Interestingly, the integration of the hybrid system in the Legend makes drivers forget they are piloting a hybrid vehicle. The seamless progression from electric motor power transmitted to the rear wheels, to a full-on all-wheel drive explosion of forward thrust with a front-wheel drive bias from the engine, is rather delightful (with a nice engine note too).
As a result, this almost imperceptible transition allows the car to be quick, blisteringly quick. Despite the car weighing close to two tonnes, it jolts ahead almost like an electric vehicle, hitting 100km/h in a respectable 5.9 seconds.
Having already established its bona fides in acceleration, the car also surprises when being 'hooned' at less sane speeds. Despite being a very large car, it does not embarrass itself when the roads begin to curve and manages to hold its own without a whimper of protest and with the slightest hint of body roll.
From a refinement perspective, the Legend makes for a luxurious means of transport, easily muting much of the noise from the outside world. Its big car ride may be a little on the taut side, but it is able to strike a neat balance between comfort and nimbleness.
As the brand's flagship, the Legend is also abound with the latest high-tech systems such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a nifty 360-degree surround camera system to keep occupants safe and sound.
Conclusion
For those of you who would rather take the road less travelled in a luxury car that puts cutting-edge technology, efficiency and performance before conventional beliefs of prestige and style, the Legend will probably fall in your good books.
As for the rest, stop sneering...
As the brand's flagship, the Legend is also abound with the latest high-tech systems such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a nifty 360-degree surround camera system to keep occupants safe and sound.
Conclusion
For those of you who would rather take the road less travelled in a luxury car that puts cutting-edge technology, efficiency and performance before conventional beliefs of prestige and style, the Legend will probably fall in your good books.
As for the rest, stop sneering...
