Honda Pilot test drive since 2009 SUV

Autopilot

In the description of the Honda Pilot, the Japanese do not skimp on the epithets, lying on the fact that when constructing this SUV, they were guided by the principles used in the production of aircraft, which made the car not only light, but also durable.
However, it is unlikely that Russian customers are interested in such trifles. When buying such machines, we still look at power, volume and
Of course, to appearance. Without a doubt, this SUV is quite solid enough to take a worthy place among their own kind. Let's say more, this Honda, perhaps, looks more profitable than not only its main opponent Dodge Nitro, but even relatively fresh Land Cruiser 200. Although, in my opinion, the Japanese, but their rivals are rather to blame. Hand on the heart, it is worth recognizing that the exterior Pilot does not shine with originality. At the sight of a steroid grille of the radiator, a brutal front line (reminiscent of a pickup Ridgeline), and a nostalgic for an old CR-V profile can now jump from joy, only some patriotic cowboy from the middle West. For the old light, as, however, for us, the style in the spirit of 9/11 worked out material, take at least the first generation of the Nissan X-Trail. Today, more peaceful and futuristic machines are in fashion. In general, the only thing that can correct the situation, an original designed optics. It is executed in the same vein, but the prevailing picture at the same time noticeably refreshes.
What is characteristic, you do not present such claims to the interior. Everything is much prettier here. And with the originality of the problems at least. The complex architectural front panel is massive, but by no means heavy. The pro -sports visor of the dashboard, and the balcony turning into the central console, and the AKP selector, which are mocking among the mass of the buttons, turning into the central console, look quite appropriate here. I don’t want to scold the Japanese here, even for American, justifying this, not traditional for overseas residents, but the desire for maximum functionality, because washing it is much easier than a soft vinyl, especially after another children's raid.
And they should happen quite regularly, otherwise the purchase of an 8-seater (!) Car becomes absolutely useless. Yes, yes, without adhesion, the Japanese believe that there will be no problems with the placement of three individuals on a folding gallery with the driver. For adults, of course, it is better not to meddle there, but the kids on the third row will be quite comfortable. In extreme cases, the second row can be moved closer to the first. Another thing is that with such a layout, its inhabitants risk feeling a significant deficiency of space in the knees, but, on the other hand, the search for a compromise in such a situation is inevitable even in more overall cars. In any case, the driver will affect these difficulties in the last turn, if they affect at all. He does not have an extra place, but there are plenty of adjustments for adjusting the chair for specific anatomical requirements in the Pilot.
The family and inevitable compromises are thought on the go. Too pilot is ambiguous. And the engine is primarily guilty of this. By the way, he has one 3.5-liter V6 SUV, developing 257 hp. The indicator, you see, is decent, but at the same time, Honda racing car is definitely not. Aggregated with a 5-speed automatic, this engine provides the Japanese SUV even and powerful, but not impressive, admitted, acceleration. He gains a hundred seconds in ten, but after 110 km/h, the acceleration intensity begins to decrease in proportion to the speed of speed. Sometimes I even want to spur the car with repeated pressing the accelerator pedal, but there is no real need for this. Firstly, in this mode, the SUV provides passengers with the optimal comb comfort, and secondly, it is then that it begins to save. The main feature of the unit controlled by the VCM system, like the one installed on the Kraisler Hemi. Simply put, all six pots in the motor work at the start or off -road, in a word, only when it is really necessary. At cruising speed, the system simply turns off one of the blocks, actually reducing the working volume by half. The further development of events depends on the driver: gas to the floor and Honda rides 3.5 liters again, and with slight acceleration, only one of the disconnected cylinders is included. The last scheme is involved at high speeds, which, apparently, is explained by some inhibition of Pilot during overtaking. But the fuel consumption in this case even in the city cycle is laid in 18 liters quite acceptable for such a cubature.
Yes, and with comfort here is complete order. The fully independent car suspension holds perfectly and swallows the vast majority of bumps perfectly. The only thing that focuses on it is harsh flaws like joints of bridges or a typical grader under Moscow, generously flavored with a large gravel. The car is quite tough along it, but in general, the smoothness of the stroke does not cause. Alas, for this you will have to pay with the noticeable inertia of the body, expressed in almost constant longitudinal buildup, traditional for this type of machine rolls and tangible clips during braking and acceleration. It is enough to cope with the last driver can be able to exclude sharp presses on the corresponding pedals from the diet, but with cruise sensations you can only put up.
But the noise of the inhabitants of Pilot will not have to stand, at least aerodynamic. Firstly, a special windshield is responsible for their absorption, and secondly, once again applying their technical genius, the Japanese equipped the SUV system of their active absorption. In the theory of a pair of built -in microphones, the appearance of extraneous sounds, after the analysis of which electronics, through a standard audio system, generates a reverse wave, lowering the noise level to 10 dB. In practice, in the salon there is practically no wind or engine.
It is a pity that they did not use their remarkable talents in equipping the car with various lotions to improve patency. Of these, there is only a forced blocking of the interdose coupling, automatically disconnected at a speed of more than 30 km/h, and a help system at starting at the rise of a SUV, in a word. True, in his arsenal there is a branded intellectual system of all-wheel drive, so you can still move from the asphalt to Pilot.
Competitors
Barani horn
Being a formal Dodge flagship in our country, Nitro is unlikely to be able to compete in popularity with one of the relatives. His position does not look too convincing and against the background of the new Honda, which he is inferior at least in ergonomics. But at the same time, when buying a Dodge, the client can choose not only a complete set, but also a power unit, of which there are three in the line. Moreover, in addition to a pair of gasoline V6, he will be offered a very good 2.8-liter CRD, aggregated with a 5-speed automatic.
Junior
The Hummer H3 should definitely be considered one of the main competitors Pilot. Possessing no less brutal appearance, it is endowed with the main set of qualities that literally every car of this class should possess. Firstly, impressive dimensions, secondly, a relatively spacious interior and thirdly a rather voluminous and powerful engine. However, at the same time, the American is significantly inferior to Pilot in both functionality and in the number of seats, which significantly increases the chances of the new items for successful promotion.
SAMURAI
The main difference (and, probably, the advantage) of the Nissan Pathfinder from the Honda Pilot is that it is still an SUV. Firstly, in his arsenal there is not only a pseudo-radiograph regime, but also a reduction in a series of transmission, and blocking the rear differential. In addition, in addition to a 4-liter V6 line in the line of engines, there is a more affordable 2.5-liter turbodiesel that is aggregated with both automatic transmission and mechanics. Moreover, various types of functional equipment and an additional series of seats are available to the buyer Nissan.
Vladimir Zhidkov
Photo author: Armen Meetarjyan
 
 
 

Source: Mkobil magazine [November/2008]