San Nicolas cookies and a Honda Pilot

When Honda Cars Philippines Inc. introduced its all-new Pilot, the company said that it was designed and developed in America by Honda R&D Americas Inc. with lots of space, powerful and dynamic performance, more advanced technology, and more premium attributes and amenities. 

I’m a fan of the Honda Pilot, which I was first able to test drive last year. I love lots of space in an SUV — and the Pilot is one such vehicle that offers space and more space.

The Pilot is Honda’s premium SUV, which is sleeker in design and accentuated by distinctive lines and an aggressive new face. The LED Projector Type Headlight with Signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED Tail Lights, as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels complete the Pilot’s modern and commanding look.

Yes, commanding — that is one look that gets me good space when traversing EDSA with the many buses that want to bully us out of the street. 

I did notice that when I hopped into the all-new Honda Pilot that the lengthened and lowered triple-row SUV had reworked the block-like exterior for a softer form, similar perhaps to a minivan.

New and Lovely

Let’s see.

There is the contemporary concept, which extends to the advanced technology of the Smart Entry System. This utilizes a Smart Key with multiple functionalities such as Remote Control Engine Start and Power Tailgate Operation.

Once I figured and tried out the key — it was time to get going.

In the cockpit, I immediately took note of the soft-touch material, posh black leather, and available ambient lighting can be found all throughout the cabin.  

For audio and entertainment, Honda’s latest thinking for advanced technology is incorporated in its eight-inch Touchscreen Display Audio interface powered by a new Android based operating system and more powerful processor. Advanced features, such as Bluetooth, HDMI, USB Connectivity and seven speakers also fully extend to the front-line quality of the cockpit’s numerous functions.

Coolness.

I looked back and checked out the rear seats. For the comfort of the passengers there is a  nine-inch entertainment system with DVD and HDMI capability available for in-transit entertainment needs. To sweeten the ride there is a 10-way Power Seat with memory for the driver and a four-way Power Seat for the passenger available.  All these features make riding the Pilot a contemporary experience.

Before I got the engine started. I took a look at the trunk space. A very important part of any SUV when shopping out of town is on the driving agenda.

 The Pilot is designed with versatile utility in mind as it has an additional three inches overall length to provide more cargo flexibility for different hauling needs without compromising the third-row seating capability. A Flexible Cargo Management System features a two-position cargo lid that permits item storage in a lower compartment, adjustable to provide higher cargo space.

Start the Engine

So many choices — so many roads to drive through. And, because the Pilot is equipped with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology 3.5-liter direct injection i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and a six-speed automatic transmission — it is ready for any road that I was planning to drive on.

The Pilot also features new Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4), an All Wheel Drive system with torque-vectoring function that can help with handling as it provides efficient, and dynamic all-weather performance. This is paired with the New Intelligent Traction Management, a system that offers four different All Wheel Drive modes (normal, mud and sand).

I had no plans of making my weekend drive stressful one — so I kept the all-wheel drive on normal.

I was in the mood for San Nicolas cookies, the ones that are sold at Susie’s in San Fernando Pampanga.  I started my drive early on Saturday morning, making it to the NLEX in less than 30 mins. from my Pasig residence.

The drive down NLEX went smoothly as I expected. I felt secure inside the oh, so  comfy and muscular Honda Pilot. 

Just to share with you how safe the Pilot is —it was awarded the 2016 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.  It also boasts Advance Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, and Honda SENSING.  

The Honda SENSING is a comprehensive set of driver-assistive technology, which prevents and responds to dangerous driving situations by expanding the driver’s situational awareness. These functions use a monocular camera and radar behind the front grille. 

I made it to Susie’s before 10 a.m. Customers were just starting to enter the store — many opting to have their fill of pancit palabok.  I looked around and saw the San Nicolas I was craving. Got myself a few packs and a Coke Zero to go with them.

I sat by the window and looked out at my companion for the day, the Honda Pilot.

There was more drive in me — and as I looked at the Pilot I knew it had even more drive in it.

“Baguio?” I thought to myself. “Three hours max.”

The temptation to drive on won.

Baguio, here we come.