A series of wet, slippery twists shows the system at its most effective, the Legend flicking through with no flailing of its tail, just grip and rock-solid directional control. But it's fun as well as failsafe, because of that pointiness and the feeling you're just on the edge of an oversteer flourish that never materialises.
All this is combined with accurate but slightly soft steering and a pillowy, but ultimately controlled, ride (European Legends will be firmer and will also have shorter gearing in the five-speed automatic's lower ratios to liven up its acceleration).
No performance figures for the Japanese version are quoted yet, but we do know that the 300bhp at 6200rpm is backed up by 260lb ft at the top of a plump torque curve that peaks at a high 5000rpm. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow manual shifts mercifully free of automatic intervention.
This new Legend may be smaller outside (it's 65mm shorter) but there's more room inside. Its interior is meant to invoke an air of "sensuous functionality"; indeed, its low, fall-away dashboard with cowled dials and slightly iDrive-like controller would be attractive, were it not for the expanse of glossy, plastic-looking (but real) wood.
There's plenty of other technology, too. It has an optional night-vision system, as also seen in the new Mercedes S-class (it uses infrared cameras and outlines on its screen anything it judges to be pedestrian-shaped in the distance); the active cruise control incorporates a collision-mitigation system that applies the brakes hard if it senses an imminent impact, while simultaneously pre-tensioning the seatbelts; the bonnet's rear edge springs upwards on impact to help protect errant pedestrians; and there's also a lane-keeping assistance system that keeps the Legend on course between a road's white lines by automatically applying gentle steering inputs if the driver is wandering (we've already reported on this system, which will also be available on the facelifted Accord).
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| Otherwise luxurious interior spoilt by plastic-looking wood |
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So that's the new Legend, a technological feast and on sale in the UK early next year priced £32,000-35,000. Its roadholding and handling are extraordinary, so while there hasn't been a compelling reason to buy a Legend before, there is now.
