Abdullah Hashim Company, the sole distributor in Saudi Arabia for Honda cars, said the new Honda 2009 Pilot is likely to set a new standard for the mid-size sport utility vehicles.

The company launched the 2009 Pilot, also called the Grand Comfort Cruiser for its ability to provide a comfortable experience for all passengers, at Jeddah's Leylaty Ballroom.

Khalid Abdullah Hashim, member of the board of directors of the company, said that the company has always made it its priority to offer its customers top services and the latest Honda models.
 
'2009 Pilot will set a new standard for the mid-size SUV segment with its unique blend of crossover refinement, fuel efficiency and eight passenger-family, SUV functionality,' he said.

Syed Shakibuddin Haider, general manager of Honda at Abdullah Hashim Company said: 'The new car offers a modern, stylish and spacious interior that further enhances on–road refinement and increases interior functionality that ensures a comfortable ride for eight adults.

'Pilot's ultimate strength is a comfortable experience for all passengers. The Grand Comfort Cruiser boasts one of the roomiest interiors in the segment. The family-orientated interior focuses on clever packaging and optimal use of space.'

The front row of the car provides a commanding view of the road from two wide and comfortable captain’s chairs, while the interior lays emphasis on spaciousness.

The 60/40 split second row, slides further forward for increased ease of access to the third row. Similarly 60 /40 split third row provides enough knee room to fit an above-average-sized adult comfortably, meaning the third row isn’t just for show and is among the most practical in the marketplace.

The second and third rows are slightly raised above the level of the front seats to ensure excellent visibility for all passengers. They also collapse in one simple motion – headrests can remain in place – to open up one of the largest load spaces in its class.

The flat floor extends all the way to the front seats, and is flush with the rear sill for easier loading. The large sunroof on the EX-L models adds a sense of airiness.

To maximise comfort, tri-zone air conditioning, with individual settings for driver, front passenger and rear seat passengers, is standard, allowing occupants to tailor temperature to their own personal comfort levels. Outlets are provided in the third seat row to ensure grand comfort for all passengers.

EX-L models are equipped with chrome accents on the mirrors, fenders, skid plates and running boards which add to the exterior design attractive to customers. Side mirrors are equipped with indicators adding aesthetic appeal and safety.

Larger than the MR-V, its previous version, in all key dimensions, the overall length of the EX-L model of the new Pilot has increased by 135 mm and the wheelbase has increased by 75mm, while width has increased from 1963 to 2005 mm.

The car comes with a highly flexible 253 HP 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine featuring the latest Variable Cylinder Management system (VCM).

It has the ability to deactivate either two or three cylinders as conditions plays a key role in improving fuel efficiency in line with Honda’s desire to become the most environment friendly company on this planet.

The new V6 engine has a 5-speed automatic transmission with increased torque capacity and higher durability through increased bearing capacities.

The engine also operates on all six cylinders during acceleration or when climbing hills – time when high power output is required.

During moderate speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders.

For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders.

An ‘ECO’ indicator light provided above the rev counter illuminates when the Pilot is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency, acting as a useful indicator and guide for the driver.
 
Shift Hold Control prevents up shifts to higher gears (fourth and fifth) in repeated winding-road situations where the throttle is quickly released and the brakes are applied. This reduces disturbance to the chassis when entering a corner, and ensures strong power is available upon exit without a downshift.

Ensuring a high level of all-weather stability, traction and control is the Pilot's VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive) system.

Unlike conventional on-demand systems that only work when the wheels are slipping, VTM-4 proactively delivers torque to all four wheels during acceleration for excellent dry-road vehicle dynamics as well as outstanding control in sandy conditions.

In particularly slippery conditions, the driver can also select a unique lock function when in first, second or reverse gears. Activated by a button on the instrument panel, VTM-4 Lock mode delivers maximum torque transfer to the rear wheels to allow progress.

The Pilot's platform delivers car-like on road dynamics with refined handling and enables grand comfort cruising.

As for safety, the body features the most extensive use of high-strength steel – 52 per cent – in any Honda product to date and uses Honda’s unique Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure.

The car's parking sensors, two at the front and four at the rear are standard equipment. EX-L models are also equipped with a rear view camera located above the licence plate holder for added ease of parking and even greater safety. The images are displayed within a 2.5 inch area of the automatically dimming rear view mirror. - TradeArabia News Service