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Honda Legend IV (KB1, facelift 2008) 3.7 VTEC V6 (295 Hp) SH-AWD
Overall Rating
Honda Legend:
The Honda Legend is a series of V6-engined executive cars that was produced by Honda between 1985 and 2021, and served as its flagship vehicle. The Legend has also been sold under the Acura Legend, RL and RLX nameplates — the successive flagship vehicles of Honda's luxury Acura division in North America from 1986 until 2020.
The first-generation Legend, introduced to Japan on October 22, 1985, was the first production Honda vehicle to offer only a SOHC V6 engine worldwide. The introduction of the Legend also coincided with the launch of a new dealership sales channel in Japan, called Honda Clio. The Legend was the result of a joint venture with Britain's Austin Rover Group called Project XX that started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover-Honda XX letter of intent signed by the two companies to replace the Rover SD1 and to provide a luxury vehicle for Honda, and was codenamed as HX. The Rover Company had a long-established reputation as a luxury car maker in the United Kingdom and Europe, demonstrated by the Rover P5 and Rover P6, and Honda wanted to introduce a luxury car for the Japanese, European and North American markets. Rover also wanted to return to the American market when previously they had reportedly sold only 1,500 cars in 1971, and a brief return in 1980, selling 800 Rover SD1s by offering the Sterling which was also a result of the ARG-Honda partnership. The development work was carried out at Rover's Canley, Coventry plant and Honda's Tochigi Prefecture development centre. Design work concluded on the Legend in 1982, with a design patent being filed on September 27, 1982, at the Japan Patent Office under application number 1982-043493 and registered on September 19, 1984, under patent number 0640105....(Read more on Wikipedia)
IV (KB1, facelift 2008) Overview:
Honda Legend (IV (KB1, facelift 2008)). With 371 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1860 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.1 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.7 VTEC V6 (295 Hp) SH-AWD Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.7 VTEC V6 delivers strong, smooth acceleration with 295 Hp, complemented by the advanced SH-AWD system for superior handling and traction, making it engaging to drive despite its luxury sedan stature.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 11.6 l/100 km, the 3.7 VTEC V6 is moderately thirsty, especially for a modern sedan, reflecting its larger engine and AWD system.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and smooth 3.7 VTEC V6 engine
- • Advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system
- • High level of standard equipment and luxury features
- • Excellent Honda reliability and build quality
- • Comfortable ride and refined interior
Cons:
- • Fuel consumption can be high for its class
- • 5-speed automatic transmission feels dated compared to rivals
- • Steering feel could be more engaging for some drivers
- • Rear passenger space is adequate but not class-leading
- • Design might be considered conservative by some
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV (KB1): 2004 - 2008).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Legend |
| Generation: | IV (KB1, facelift 2008) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.7 VTEC V6 (295 Hp) SH-AWD |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 80.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 371 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J37A3 More details about the engine J37A3 |
| Engine displacement: | 3664 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.6 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.3 kg/Hp, 158.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5 kg/Nm, 199.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1860 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 452 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4957 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1845 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1585 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.92 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/50 R17; 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 8J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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