Legend on the way- Will Honda Legend flick Toyota-Lexus’ HYBRID Growth?

MANILA: Hybrid cars are on the roll these days, though a bit expensive from their conventional engine counterparts, they are a step forward towards a greener tomorrow. The hybrid market in the Philippines was a struggling one 3 years back, “Unfortunately, the Philippine automotive market is not yet so mature in terms of hybrid technology… Even for other distributors their hybrid models are not so popular [in the Philippines>," said Elijah Marcial TMP's sales planning supervisor. But now the situation is different, people are showing interest towards this segment, plus the automakers are no more hesitant to introduce a new model with hybrid configuration within.

So, let's see what all we already have in stock. Restricting ourselves to the sedan body type, we have all-time favorite Toyota Prius, Lexus GS Hybrid, and now we are getting the news that Honda's Legend is few days short of arriving in the Philippines. Sounds great, isn't it! Well we have one more good news for the confused shoppers, Honda Legend is a two-way problem, solver.

• First, it is better, rather more stylish than the aged Toyota Prius that carries the lowest price tag in the batch.
• Secondly, it serves as an alternative to the highly priced Lexus that like the Legend runs on the 3.5-litre V6 engine.

Honda Legend which is still eight days away from its launch, is speculated to be priced around PhP 4,380,000 which is less than the Lexus GS and more than the Toyota Prius, but for sure a better option than the two. Why???

Well, let's first talk about the Prius, the car carries a smaller engine, a 1.8-litre and 1.5-litre Hybrid Synergy Drive, Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent, 4-Cylinder in-line DOHC 16 Valve engine to be precise. This baby engine produces a mere output of 99 PS and 73 PS with torque figures being no exceptions with peak figures restricted at 142 Nm and 111 Nm respectively. Looks are average, safety options are limited and interior space is fine with some attractions like automatic climate control, clean air filter, all auto up/down with Jam Protection and 6.5-inch digital LCD, monitor.

On the other hand, Lexus is way too expensive, though its high price is justified with features including comforting features like 18-way power front seats with built-in air conditioning, back seat sunshade, air con system with air purifier and deodorizer, and head up display. Also, it carries a long array of safety features like Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Enhanced Braking, Whiplash Prevention, and Blind Spot Monitor. But, it is the under hood specs that are a bit disappointing, the 3.5-litre mill generates less power and torque as compared to Honda Legend.

The table given below will help you understand better -

	Toyota Prius	Honda Legend	Lexus GS
Engine	1.8L 4-Cylinder in-line DOHC,16 Valve	3.5-litre V6 SOHC direct injection	3.5V6 24-valve DOHC
Power	99 PS	380 PS	350 PS
Torque	142Nm	461 NM	352 Nm
Price	PhP 2,265,000	PhP 4,380,000	PhP 5,548,000

Conclusion -

Why go for Toyota Prius, when by adding a few more bugs, you can have a more powerful and stylish looking Legend. Similarly, Lexus, is way too expensive and still offers less power and torque than its counterparts. So, opt for a car that provides better performance, great looks and still costs less.

Read Also: October 20, a Flagship Honda Car Soon to Grace Philippines: 2016 Honda Legend