Honda launches Pilot 'grand comfort cruiser' in Saudi Arabia

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JEDDAH - Abdullah Hashim Company LtdAbdullah Hashim Company Ltd., the exclusive distributor of Honda cars in Saudi Arabia, has launched on Tuesday the all-new Pilot cruiser, which is aptly dubbed as the "Grand Comfort Cruiser" due to its superb qualities.

At a celebration held at Jeddah's Leylaty Ballroom amid a kaleidoscopic presentation of Honda's global achievements and developments toward a clean and healthier environment, officials of Abdullah Hashim CompanyAbdullah Hashim Company expressed the company's unequivocal commitment to offer the best and excellent services to all Honda customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Khalid Abdullah Hashim, member of the board of directors of Abdullah Hashim CompanyAbdullah Hashim Company, said that the company always considers offering its customers excellent services and the latest Honda models a top priority.

He said "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."

Welcoming the huge gathering of media and car enthusiasts, Syed Shakibuddin Haider, general manager of Honda division at Abdullah Hashim CompanyAbdullah Hashim Company, highlighted the three key features of the all-new Honda Pilot, saying that its massive and bold exterior design exudes "toughness" as reflected in its powerful front-end styling and confident stance.

The '"comfort-driving" experience that offers a blend of functionality ideal for long-distance driving with its highly efficient 253 HP 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine, as well as its "user-friendly" features make Pilot the "new value SUV in a highly competitive market," he further 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," he added.

The first row of Pilot provides a commanding view of the road from two wide and comfortable captain's chairs. A wide center stack and center console form the styling anchor for the interior with a design that emphasizes 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.

To maximize 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 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 for EX-L.

A highly flexible 253 HP 3.5-liter 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 armory of advanced technological innovation includes the latest generation of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system.

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

Haider told the Saudi Gazette that the top-of-the-line Pilot costs SR140,000. Honda has new products in the pipeline and will introduce one new model every year, he added.

By Querubin J. Minas

© The Saudi Gazette 2008