Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
The 2009 Legend has undergone a redesign with the inclusion of new lights, bonnet, grille, front wings, boot lid, bumpers and the adoption of standard 18″ alloy wheels.
Under the restyled bonnet the 3.7-litre engine provides 226kW of power at 6300pm, up from 217kW at 6200rpm, and 370Nm of torque at 5000rpm, up from 351Nm. Fuel economy is also reportedly improved.
Also now standard with satellite navigation and built in reversing camera, the 2009 Honda Legend features additions such as front seats that feature 10-way power adjustability and a steering wheel that has been redesigned for greater comfort. The 10-speaker Bose Sound System (designed specially for Legend) has been improved with the addition of a USB socket to enable the connection and control of an iPod or other MP3 device.
Driving performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of Honda’s Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) that distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, up to 70 percent either way. When powered through a corner the Legend can send 100 percent of the rear torque to the outside rear wheel, to increase the turning precision and help steer the vehicle through the corner.
The Legend’s 5-speed automatic transmission now combines with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Live gear selection is available all the time in D-mode, reverting back to automatic selection after a short period of relaxed driving, while S-mode offers the power of full manual operation.
Honda says the Legend can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmh in 7.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than previously, and that its emissions fall within LEVII and Euro4 standards. Meanwhile, official ADR fuel consumption drop from 11.8L/100km to 11.3L/100km.
The interior styling consists of leather upholstery, maple wood detailing and brushed metal gauges.
Functions available include trip computer, GPS positioning with compass, calendar with memo function, calculator and conversions. Trip details are also available on the dash display.
Safety is also high priority on the new Legend. Honda’s Pedestrian Protection Pop-up Bonnet System means if the car is involved in an accident with a pedestrian, sensors determine the type of accident and the bonnet may be lifted 100mm to provide additional clearance between the metalwork and the engine bay, to help reduce pedestrian head injuries.
A reversing camera and reversing tilt-down wing-mirrors are also standard to ensure a clear path from obstacles and children when reversing.
The Legend comes with dual stage, dual threshold front airbags, side airbags with occupant position detection system, side curtain airbags and front seat active head rests. ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist are also standard.
The 2009 Honda Legend is priced at $93,000 (plus on road costs). It is available in Alberta White, Obsidian, Gunmetal, Tuscan Gold, Silver Jade, Royal Ruby Red, Super Platinum Silver and Opulent Blue.
