Honda Pilot test drive since 2009 SUV
American Pilot
If you look at the structure of the Russian market of foreign cars, it is easy to notice the greatest revival is observed in the segment of SUVs. To date, the market share of SUV has already reached 17%. Honda feels more and more confident in this segment. True, until recently, the Japanese company performed in this weight category with the only product of the CR-V model, which, according to the results of the last 6 months, chose about 12 thousand Russians. Success, but definitely in need of consolidation and development. Therefore, it was decided to bring to our market another Pilot model Japanese crossover created in America and tested by me in Karelia. They were inspired by a laptop
The representatives of Honda, present at the presentation, when it came to the appearance of Pilot, honestly said that the source of inspiration of designers this time was the Panasonic Tounok. For those who do not know what it is, I will explain the compact laptop in a metal, moisture and dust-free shockproof case, designed for those who work in extreme conditions and should always have a computer at hand. I look at the car, and I understand something in it
A massive body, powerful racks, a rather aggressive face give an impression. Pilot looks whole and firmly knocked down, oddly enough fitting well at the same time in the overall style of the brand. He is moderately dynamic and even with a cursory look makes a serious impression. Some of the critics, of course, will say that some stylistic solutions are borrowed from Nissan X-Trail or Pathfinder, but personally it seems to me that the exterior is still quite original. Although the design of the design is simple, geometrically correct forms in their combination are felt.
However, there are enough descriptions of the exterior, since everyone can put an assessment for designers. It’s better to say that the car is based on a fairly reinforced body and, for example, the roof of the model withstands a weight three times higher than the mass of the car. Compared to the predecessor, which at one time supplied gray dealers, the second generation Pilot became 75 mm longer and 30 mm wider, the wheelbase lengthened 75 mm. It's time to climb inside. Form style
You sit in the driver's seat, and immediately understand that you are driving Honda. Firstly, a character of a characteristic shape with metal inserts and control keys for the audio system, cruise control and the menu of the on-board computer. The steering column is adjustable both in height and by departure. The instrument shield has transparent blue-blue dials of the arrows are, as it were, behind them, which looks pretty. In addition, such a solution is very functional by the testimony of the tachometer, speedometer, as well as the fuel level and the temperature of the power unit are grasped instantly and in any light. And only monochrome monitors under a large speedometer and in the upper part of the central console look old -fashioned. However, they are quite informative.
Under a multifunctional display, the console is a rather massive central panel with an audio system, climate control and a small joystick to control an on-board computer and some additional functions. It is noteworthy that the automatic transmission lever, but there is no other type of gearbox for the Pilot, is located here, on the central console, in the immediate vicinity of the steering wheel, which is very convenient. And in general, there are no complaints to ergonomics all the controls at hand, and the keys are equipped with clear iconograms.
I can not help but pay attention to a three-zone climate control with a humidity control system. It is included in the standard equipment and allows you to set the temperature for the driver, front and rear passengers. The moisture control system prevents stacked fogging and maintains a level of 20%. No less pleasant is the fact that already in the standard configuration of Pilot has leather seats, and all adjustments are electric. Naturally, there are no problems with a convenient and correct landing. The quality of the finishing materials as a whole does not cause complaints, although the plastic of the torpedo and the central console to the touch turned out to be quite tough for the good, it does not make any sounds.
Yes, still Pilot has three rows of seats, but it will be convenient only on the second. There is enough space for the legs and in the shoulders, the profile of the sofa is successful on it do not slip. But on the third row, if you can put two adults, then they are unlikely to like it there. Although two television operators of decent dimensions somehow fit during a test drive, and even managed to work. Moreover, even with laid out seats, there is also a place for luggage, the volume of the luggage compartment varies from 0.6 to 2.5 cubic meters. The compartment door opens with an electric drive, and the rear window can be open separately. Yes, and with the placement of small luggage inside the passenger compartment, there should not be a total of 12 cup holders in the cabin, and the total volume of niches for storing all trifles reaches 15 liters.
Already in the standard, Honda Pilot is equipped with a rear view camera, the image from which is displayed on an intra -tissue mirror. Frankly, I have not met such a decision before, and therefore I note that it seemed witty and, perhaps, successful. Moving with comfort
Honda Pilot is equipped with a single gasoline 6-cylinder power unit of 3.5 liters. Its power may not impress only 257 hp, but the maximum torque is quite decent 347 nm. And from the number of innovations used in the engine, it is worth highlighting the Variable Cylinder Management VCM cylinders system. It is it that allows you to achieve an amazing for the engine of this volume of fuel efficiency the average consumption of gasoline is only 11.8 liters per 100 km of run. This is achieved due to the fact that electronics can directly during movement, when the driver does not require full power, turn off two or three cylinders. As a result, with sharp acceleration or acceleration, all six cylinders work; When driving at medium cruising speeds and at low loads on the motor, the VCM system uses only one block of three cylinders, and when moving at high speed, four cylinders operate. Sitting at the wheel of VCM you do not feel at all. For example, with a sharp pressing on the accelerator, no delays or failures, for example, can be judged only by the ECO indicator on the instrument panel.
In general, Pilot pleased with the acceptance. The acceleration is assertive and quite fast, and the 5-speed automatic transmission is very quick, although it is deprived of the sports mode of operation, and it is impossible to manually switch transmission. On the other hand, the automatic transmission adapts well to the driving style, the transition from one step to another is carried out quickly and almost imperceptibly. Hence the very good smoothness of the move, which you rarely meet on such cars. Inside is practically not felt, the machine behaves stably even at high speeds, which is atypical for SUVs. At the same time, no extraneous noise into the salon does not penetrate, and the motor is heard only at high speeds. But back to the running qualities. I would call the suspension settings excellent. They provide a decent level of comfort of the pit and irregularities, of which on the Karelian roads in abundance are simply not noticeable, and there are practically no body rolls on the turns. As a result, at the wheel of Pilot, there is a feeling that you control not an SUV, but a car, and there are no complaints about stability.
The permanent all -wheel drive system monitors the moment directed for each of the axes, and in the case of slipping or planning sliding reacts instantly. In a critical situation, the VSA stabilization system comes to the rescue, which is standardly installed on Pilot.
For off -road driving, you can block the differential installed in front of the rear axle. True, in this case, the moment will still walk between the axes, but this time most of it (up to 70%) can immediately go back. At the same time, Pilot is not a purebred SUV. He does not have a frame, and the clearance is 203 mm. In other words, it is suitable for traveling to the cottage, but you should not drive along the swamp. The brake mechanisms did not cause any doubts about their effectiveness, even in very difficult situations. The steering was pleased with a good feedback and a progressive characteristic with an increase in the speed of the steering wheel is heavy, and when parking, it can be twisted with a finger.
Demand is provided
As already mentioned, the demand for SUVs in Russia is great, and the demand for such cars is growing. Therefore, Honda Pilot, I think, will find its buyer, especially since the car is positioned very reasonably 1 million 400 thousand for the Elegance version, and one and a half million for the top modification of Executive. The debut will take place at the Moscow International Motor Show, and the first cars will enter show rooms at the end of August early September.
Petrozavodsk Moscow
Andrey Osipov
Photo Honda
