- Refined and responsive 3.5-litre V6 engine
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Comfortable ride for KA9.I Legend
- For KA9.I Legend, suspension lacks body control
- For KA9.II Legend, suspension lacks low-speed compliance
- Overly-assisted steering lacks feel
Honda KA9.I Legend (1996-98)
Overview
Released in March 1996, the Honda KA9 Series I (KA9.I) Legend was a luxury sedan. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the front-wheel drive Legend was powered by Honda’s 3.5-litre C35A V6 petrol engine which had a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard for all models; the transmission included Grade Logic control which would hold a lower gear on steep ascents and more readily downshift on descents for greater engine braking.
Dimensions and suspension
The KA9 Legend was 4980 mm long, 1810 mm wide, 1435 mm tall and had a 2910 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the KA9 Legend was fitted with independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KA9 Legend | 3.5-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 147 kW at 5200 rpm | 284 Nm at 2800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the KA9.I Legend consisted of dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. From 1998, the Legend was also fitted with traction control and a centre lap-sash rear seat belt.
Features
Standard features for the KA9.I Legend included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning (with pollen filter), leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a power adjustable front passenger seat, cruise control, front fog lights, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a power sunroof, an alarm and immobiliser.
Honda KA9.II Legend (1999-04)
Overview
Released in January 1999, the KA9 Series II (KA9.II) Legend received safety upgrades and additional features; the suspension was also revised with heavier springs, firmer dampers and stiffer bushes. Visually, the KA9.II Legend could be identified by its more prominent front grille which was recessed into the front bumper, new high intensity discharge headlights, tail-lights and boot. Inside, the KA9.II Legend featured additional burnished wood trim.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KA9 Legend | 3.5-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 147 kW at 5200 rpm | 284 Nm at 2800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its KA9.I predecessor, safety equipment was improved with the introduction of two-stage ‘i-SRS’ dual front airbags, front side thorax airbags and load limiting front seatbelts.
Furthermore, the KA9.II Legend was fitted with larger front disc brakes (up from 282 mm to 300 mm) and thicker rear disc brakes.
Features
Standard were extended to include a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, heated front seats, 12 volt power outlet and heated mirrors.
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