Abdullah Hashim launches the 'Grand Comfort Cruiser'

Speaking on the occasion, Khalid Abdullah Hashim, Member of the Board of Directors of Abdullah Hashim Company Ltd., 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.

Speaking about the new Pilot 2009, Syed Shakibuddin Haider, General Manager of Honda at Abdullah Hashim Company Ltd., 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 8 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 first row provides a commanding view of the road from two wide and comfortable captain's chairs. A wide centre stack and centre console form the styling anchor for the interior with a design that emphasises spaciousness and power. 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.

Tri-zone Climate Control

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.

Exterior Design

New Pilot exudes SUV toughness with a massive and bold design, reflected in its powerful front end styling and confident stance. 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.

Dimensions

Larger than MR-V, in all key dimensions, the overall length increased by 135 mm to 4910, and wheelbase increased by 75mm to 2775, while width has increased from 1963 to 2005 mm (Dimensions are of EX-L).

Engine and Transmission

A highly flexible 253 HP 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine features the very latest Variable Cylinder Management system (VCM); its 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. Its armoury of advanced technological innovation includes the latest generation of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system.

Peak output is 253 HP @ 5,700 rpm while maximum torque is 35.4 Kg-m @ 4,800 rpm to provide excellent flexibility at all engine speeds.

VCM works by varying engine's displacement, meeting power requirements as and when necessary, and saving fuel savings when conditions permit. The latest system operates on all six cylinders for power but can deactivate either two or three cylinders for greater fuel efficiency during cruising and deceleration.

During acceleration or when climbing hills - any time high power output is required - the engine operates on all six cylinders. 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 is provided above the rev counter illuminates when the Pilot is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency, so acting as a useful indicator and guide for the driver.
The new V6 engine has a 5-speed automatic transmission with increased torque capacity and higher durability through increased bearing capacities.

Shift Hold Control

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.

VTM-4

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.

Chassis

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

Wide Track

Vehicle stability is further improved by one of the widest tracks in its segment - up from 1685 to 1,720 mm at the front and from 1690 to 1,715 mm at the rear. Similarly, the wheelbase increases from 2700 to 2775mm to ensure the Pilot is firmly planted on the road.

Front Suspension

At the front is a MacPherson strut-type suspension, with inversely wound coil-over springs and 44 per cent-lighter forged-aluminium lower control arms to reduce unsprung weight. A solid stabiliser bar is linked to the strut via ball-joints to reduce body roll.

Rear suspension

The Pilot's rear suspension is a compact, multi-link trailing arm layout for excellent ride and handling, minimum weight and optimum packaging. The knuckles on the latest model are made from aluminium, reducing unsprung weight by 54 per cent for improved response.

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.

Comprehensive passive safety package

A suite of passive safety features on all models includes dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, front active head restraints and full length side curtain airbags. The side curtain airbag system includes three satellite sensors and a main unit, and detects a crash within 5-7 milliseconds. It also includes a rollover sensor which deploys the airbags if there is a risk of the vehicle overturning.

VSA

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard. By continually monitoring vehicle speed, throttle position, steering wheel position, along with acceleration, braking and cornering loads, VSA anticipates if the Pilot is approaching under steer or over steer conditions. To help correct either, VSA first acts to transfer torque bias to the axle with the most traction, which significantly reduces the number of brake and throttle interventions. Traction control is integrated into the VSA and helps the Pilot to accelerate smoothly on slippery surfaces.

Parking made easy

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.

Hill Start Assist

Hill Start Assist which maintains brake pressure momentarily to prevent roll-back as the driver moves from the brake to accelerator pedal during a hill start is standard on all models.

Convenience

High-mounted gear shifter
Close at hand is the gear shifter, with a metallic, hi-tech surround. Mounted relatively high on the fascia, its position adds to the effortless driving experience and enables the centre console to be opened up for more storage.

Audio system

The Pilot comes with an AM/FM stereo with 7 speakers, 6-disc CD changer, MP3 / WMA compatibility and speed-dependent volume compensation which automatically adjust as road speed increases to maintain a clear and comfortable sound level.

The All New Pilot will be available in two trim levels - the well equipped EX, and the upscale EX-L which gives customers an option to choose leather upholstery, sunroof, and rear view camera and an exterior with chrome accents to fully enjoy Grand Comfort Cruiser.