[sarathlal]

The current generation Honda Pilot was launched in 2009, and today, after long 6 years, Honda introduces the third generation of this successful SUV.
Falling just behind the mammoth Odyssey in terms of sheer size, Pilot has been doing a wonderful run, just when the updated Highlander started gaining over.
Today, Honda has showcased what it is offering via the Pilot.

• Powered by new 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology.
• Idle Stop technology that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped
• 6-speed automatic transmission, or on upper trims, a Honda-first 9-speed automatic transmission
• 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing model;
• Modern, refined and confidently capable new Pilot launching this summer
• Advanced and efficient Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains
• Class-leading safety features, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics
• A host of new technologies and even more packaging flexibility

Source: http://www.hondanews.com/releases/al...cago-auto-show

[budgam.boonyi]

I have owned every version of this car. The first gen was the most fun to drive and versatile midsize (US sizes) SUV you could buy at the time. Refined enough to chuck around a bit (for its size) and capable enough for light off-road work (Sand Dunes, Snow etc). The midlife refresh in 2006 killed the fun to drive aspect (stability control) but the rest of the quality remained intact.

The second generation car that i currently drive is not worthy of a Honda badge. It is a very capable and reliable car but it has lost the Honda-ness and I would go as far as to say the interiors are crude for the class. I bought it in college as a used car that i could use and to an extent abuse for 5 years with no hassles. In that capacity it has excelled. I remember soon after it was launched reading a financial column in which one of the Honda engineers was quoted saying "the bean counters won that fight" while referring to current gen pilot.

Now with the all new pilot i can at-least say that they are trying to go back to their old ways. Looks impressive!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUo4xrPtObw

If you live in North America or Middle East expect to see these in ever third house in the suburbs.

Will try to get a test drive before leaving for India.

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by sarathlal

The current generation Honda Pilot was launched in 2009, and today, after long 6 years, Honda introduces the third generation of this successful SUV.

Today, Honda has showcased what it is offering via the Pilot.

• 6-speed automatic transmission, or on upper trims, a Honda-first 9-speed automatic transmission

Thanks for sharing the information about such premium vehicle, sarathlal.

I have only one query:
What is the use of 9 speed AT? Will the tranny not keep shifting too frequently unnecessarily?

Unless the engine has a number of irregular zones in the torque curve! But I won't expect that from Honda.

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by budgam.boonyi

I have owned every version of this car. The first gen was the most fun to drive and versatile midsize (US sizes) SUV you could buy at the time. Refined enough to chuck around a bit (for its size) and capable enough for light off-road work (Sand Dunes, Snow etc). The midlife refresh in 2006 killed the fun to drive aspect (stability control) but the rest of the quality remained intact.

Now with the all new pilot i can at-least say that they are trying to go back to their old ways. Looks impressive!

If you live in North America or Middle East expect to see these in ever third house in the suburbs.

Will try to get a test drive before leaving for India.

Yeah i really like the New pilot, its now very comparable to the MDX & infact has a better UI interface.

They are now adding the 9 speed gearbox & push button gear selector in the 2016 MDX too.

Originally Posted by Rahul Bhalgat

Thanks for sharing the information about such premium vehicle, sarathlal.

I have only one query:
What is the use of 9 speed AT? Will the tranny not keep shifting too frequently unnecessarily?

Unless the engine has a number of irregular zones in the torque curve! But I won't expect that from Honda.

The primary reason for 9 speed is better fuel economy, unlike Europe where more and more cars use smaller turbo charged engines, in US people still prefer big NA engines. So manufacturesrs achieve higher fuel economy by using cyclinder activation-deactivation systems in conjunction with more gears. Some are even getting into start-stop systems.

Also Hybrids are preferred over say Diesel engines for people who clock lot of miles and need something frugal as Diesels are still not popular in US.

[VIPER_SRT]

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Also Hybrids are preferred over say Diesel engines for people who have clock lot of mileage and need somthing frugal as Diesels are still not popular in US.

You are right! I owned an X5 Diesel and liked it for its immense torque but it was not that fun to drive in city where I could feel the turbo lag and the initial vibration transferring into the cabin (yes we are spoiled here ) However cruising on interstate is awesome, its pretty smooth.

The most important aspect is fuel economy which in my opinion didn't make any sense; at least here in midwest Diesel is more expensive than premium (91 grade), around 25-40 cents more. That almost closes the gap for fuel efficiency, cost wise.

Also BMW and Mercedes won't recommend more than 5 PPM of biodiesel blend (B5). But all the pumps here say "may contain B5 to B20" Biodiesel blend (5% to 20% mix). I asked the gas station attendant as to what is the real number between that 5 and 20% and he smiled at me asking "What do you think?". This will obviously result in build up of Gunk inside the engine over the period of 4-5 years and cleaning that will be an expensive affair.

With all this in mind, I switched over to petrol version of GL.

[Maky]

Originally Posted by sarathlal

The current generation Honda Pilot was launched in 2009, and today, after long 6 years, Honda introduces the third generation of this successful SUV.

How much does this vehicle cost? in US$? I'm wondering if it would be priced similar to the Toyota Fortuner if It was ever launched here?.
It sure seems to have road presence similar to the Fortuner and equipment levels far beyond that of the Toyota. Most interesting....

[VIPER_SRT]

Originally Posted by Maky

How much does this vehicle cost? in US$? I'm wondering if it would be priced similar to the Toyota Fortuner if It was ever launched here?.
It sure seems to have road presence similar to the Fortuner and equipment levels far beyond that of the Toyota. Most interesting....

It's starts around $30000 and with options will go higher. It won't make it to India though. Honda has always been taking a back seat; haven't been aggressive in Indian market. Honda Odyssey, a very successful model and No. 1 selling minivan in U.S. should have been introduced in India to compete with Innova long back.

[Technocrat]

Actually US market is very diffenernt than Europe or India (as briefly discussed before).

Honda doesnt sell Pilot & Odeyssey in Europe either. Both are more of Personal Family haulers than people movers like Innova(Even Toyota didnt bring the Sienna).
In India the expectation from 7 seater is to be a people mover and both Pilot & the minivans are overkill for that. Not to mention they will cost much more than the Innova does. Nobody would buy them at the price point that Honda will try to sell just see how CRV failed which is much cheaper than these two.

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by VIPER_SRT

It's starts around $30000 and with options will go higher. It won't make it to India though. Honda has always been taking a back seat; haven't been aggressive in Indian market. Honda Odyssey, a very successful model and No. 1 selling minivan in U.S. should have been introduced in India to compete with Innova long back.

When a 30000 USD car comes to India, it becomes a 60000 USD car. So obviously there is no way it can compete with the Innova. Innova is a body on frame vehicle - smaller, narrower, less powerful, very un-luxury oriented people mover. I don't even think Honda has a car in that category. The Pilots competitor from Toyota in the US is the Highlander.

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Actually US market is very diffenernt than Europe or India (as briefly discussed before).

Honda doesnt sell Pilot & Odeyssey in Europe either. Both are more of Personal Family haulers than people movers like Innova(Even Toyota didnt bring the Sienna).
In India the expectation from 7 seater is to be a people mover and both Pilot & the minivans are overkill for that. Not to mention they will cost much more than the Innova does. Nobody would buy them at the price point that Honda will try to sell just see how CRV failed which is much cheaper than these two.

Agreed. The CR-V was too overpriced for what it did. Toyota sort of hit the nail on the head with the Fortuner - in capability, looks, performance and price. Honda does not have a vehicle like the Fortuner either. Odyssey, Pilot, Sienna, Highlander etc - are all going to be way beyond a price that can muster any decent sales in India.