Friday, April 18, 2008

2009 Honda Pilot/ Detailed: Overview


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Instrument Panel and Gauge Cluster

The instrument panel is divided into three specific regions – the driver’s zone, the information center, and the utility zone. Frequently used systems like the audio and climate controls have switches conveniently positioned within logical zones near the steering wheel. For 2009, an instrument panel-mounted gear selector replaces the column-style gear selector. On the Pilot Touring, an Interface Dial operates the audio system and the navigation system.

Driver’s Zone

To put the Pilot’s various systems under the clear control of the driver, the gauge cluster provides analog instrumentation supplemented with digital and graphic displays. The analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel meter and engine temperature gauge are fashioned to provide a three-dimensional floating appearance. The gauges are front-lit with LED lights. The Maintenance Minder™ system also alerts the driver of upcoming maintenance needs via either the information display or multi information display.

Information Display (LX, EX, EX-L)

Pilot LX, EX and EX-L models receive an LCD information display below the speedometer, which includes the following features: odometer; dual trip meters; trip computer with instant fuel economy, average fuel economy A/B and range (miles to empty); glass-hatch open indicator, TPMS indicator and outside temperature display.

Programmable Multi Information Display (Touring)

The Pilot Touring has a dot matrix Multi Information Display (MID) that interfaces with that model’s more advanced, programmable features. In addition to the trip computer, the MID includes: TPMS display with individual tire pressures, HandsFreeLink information, compass, keyless memory settings, parking sensor display and glass-hatch open indicator.

Information Zone

As the vehicle’s information center, the center panel has been carefully designed for maximum visibility and ease of use. Its large central display is mounted at the top of the center stack for easier visibility, and the switches are mounted lower for easier reach. Most components are flush mounted with high-grade materials for an upscale appearance and feel.

The center display provides an important advancement in usability and convenience. Its easy-to-see location at the top of the instrument stack allows the driver to quickly see information. The three-line display shows clock, compass and audio system information (mode, track, time information for XM, RDS, CD and MP3). Temperature readouts for the tri-zone automatic climate control are included in the Pilot EX, EX-L and Touring.

Underneath the center display are two adjustable HVAC vents, the emergency flasher switch and a passenger-airbag off light. Below the vents are the HVAC controls. Audio-system controls are located in a separate row and feature larger switches that are easier to identify at a glance. Near the middle of the center panel, Pilot LX, EX and EX-L models have easily accessible volume knob and tuning knobs.

Utility Zone

The utility zone is located on the passenger side of the instrument panel. A large lighted and locking glove box measures 6.4 liters. Just above the glove box is a three-segment storage tray. The tray is an ideal space to store small items for convenient access while traveling.

Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror with Backup Camera Display (EX-L)

As an enhancement to rear visibility, the Pilot EX-L is exclusively equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD display in the rearview mirror that shows live video from the rear of the vehicle when the gear selector is in reverse. (The video from rearview camera on the Pilot Touring is shown on the navigation display.)

Multi-Function Center Console

A truly innovative and useful interior design is highlighted by the Pilot’s multi-function center console. For 2009, the 0.53 cubic foot storage bin has 47 percent more volume for enhanced functionality and a new level of connectivity. Whereas most vehicles in this segment have the gear shift lever located in the console, the Pilot’s gear shift lever is intelligently located on the instrument panel to further enhance the capacity and function of the center console.

The console features a large, covered deep storage bin in the rear to hold large items including music CD or DVDs- it is even large enough to hold a conventional square box of tissues. The rear-hinged cover opens upward. Inside is a standard auxiliary input jack for the audio system and a 12-volt auxiliary outlet.

The Pilot Touring adds a 115-volt outlet (100 Watts) and a USB connectivity port in this location for Apple iPod®* and iPhone®, or removable "memory stick" mass storage devices containing WMA or MP3 format music. The Touring’s115-volt, 100-watt outlet is positioned inside the center console to provide power for a video game console, laptop computer or other small electronic device.

(*5th generation or later Apple iPod or 2nd generation or later iPod Nano®. The USB audio interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Sume USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see a Honda dealer for details on compatibility.)

Just ahead of the rear bin is a smaller and dividable space for storing personal items like a wallet, mobile phones and PDAs. In front of the small personal item space is a beverage holder with room for two containers that can hold drinks as large as 44 ounces side-by-side. Built into the console is a toll way-friendly coin storage area that can hold up to 18 quarters. A large tambour door scrolls from the front of the console backward to conceal personal items, which also creates a convenient flat surface to rest a purse or backpack.

The console also incorporates separate temperature, fan and vent controls for the rear passengers along with upper air conditioning vents (fresh or cooled air) and lower heat vents for improved airflow and comfort for second- and third-row passengers.

Additional Storage Capacity

Occupants of second- and third-row seats also have their own special storage solutions.

Front row seatbacks also have netted storage compartments for use by second-row passengers. Both rear doors feature large storage compartments and new mid pockets for personal storage modules. Each rear door provides two beverage holders.

Third-row passengers have access to four beverage holders. In addition, two outboard armrests have been added. The left armrest incorporates a hidden storage area with a lid, the right armrest provides a side storage area underneath the elbow pad. Two grab handles are located on the C-Pillar to support easier vehicle entry and exit.

The rear cargo area has a 12-volt power outlet and a spacious storage box on the left-hand side large enough to hold a 1 gallon jug of windshield washer fluid. The rear cargo floor also has tie-down anchors to secure loose items.

The Pilot features a 2.8-cubic foot covered cargo area built into the rear cargo floor behind the third-row seat. When open, the lid rests flush against the upright third row seats and creates a deep storage well. The inside of the lid has a strap that connects to the third row seat to secure it in the upright position. The inside of the lid also has five grocery bag hooks, plus a standard net system that creates a second level of storage in the cargo area. The third row seatback also has three grocery bag hooks on the seatback. When the cargo lid is raised, the third row seatback grocery bag hooks are not accessible. Pilot LX, EX and EX-L have additional hooks on each rear side panel; the Pilot Touring has an additional hook on the passenger side only.

Tilt and Telescope Steering Wheel with Integrated Controls

The steering wheel is designed to provide a confident, secure feel with its large diameter grip and ergonomically contoured surfaces. Standard features on every steering wheel include manual tilt and telescope capability which helps accommodate drivers of various heights more comfortably; cruise control buttons for set, resume, cancel and main; and Pilot EX and above models provide audio control buttons for volume, channel and mode. Pilot Touring models also provide buttons for voice activation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, multi-information display interface and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink telephone system. Turns lock-to-lock measure 3.69 rotations.

Air Conditioning with Air Filtration System

The primary heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) controls are located on one easy-to-use panel in the center instrument console and include individual controls for temperature, fan speed, vent selection (center, floor and defogger vents), rear electric defogger and fresh or recirculated air. Independent control of the rear HVAC unit is standard. To maximize passenger comfort, the Pilot LX features a front and rear air conditioning system with air filtration. The controls for the rear zone are conveniently located on the rear of the front console.

The Pilot EX, EX-L and Touring models add tri-zone automatic climate controls that maintain a user-selected temperature. The tri-zone automatic climate control allows the driver, front passenger and rear zone to be set to different temperatures. Rear zone controls on EX, EX-L and Touring models, conveniently positioned on the rear of the center console, provide an LCD display with automatic temperature mode and fan speed controls. The Pilot Touring climate control system benefits from GPS-linked, solar-sensing technology. Based on its continuously updated vehicle position information, the navigation system determines the position of the sun relative to the driver and passenger.

When in AUTO mode, this information is combined with input from the solar sensor located on top of the instrument panel to automatically adjust the temperature from side to side as needed to compensate for asymmetrical solar heating.

To provide greater driving range while maintaining a comfortable interior climate, the Pilot has improved air conditioner efficiency. By partially mixing cool cabin air with fresh air in the blower, the amount of compressor operation can be reduced by up to 40-percent compared to operating exclusively on exterior air. Over the course of a tank of fuel, this partial recirculation mode can extend fuel economy by as much as 4-percent.

Humidity Control System

To help avoid window fogging situations, the Pilot’s climate control system has a cabin humidity control system. This new control system provides greater passenger comfort and minimizes the time the air conditioning runs. When set to operate in AUTO mode, a temperature and humidity sensor located in the front of the passenger cabin monitors the interior climate. If the system determines that there is a low probability of window fogging, it maintains a comfortable humidity level of around 20-percent.

If the system determines that potential window fogging conditions exist, it changes the climate control parameters to help keep the windows clear. In these situations, the air conditioning system is set to MAX, the air outlet mode is switched to HEAT/DEF and the fan speed is gradually increased to reduce the chances of window fogging.

Lighting

First row convenience lighting includes two ceiling-mounted map/reading lights, ambient overhead console lighting, a lighted glove box and two courtesy lights (puddle lights) mounted on the lower portion of the front doors. Driver and front seat passenger window controls are also illuminated for night use.

Four additional map/reading lights are integrated into the second- and third-row headliner and are activated by depressing the lenses themselves. This simple and easy-to-use design is exclusive to Pilot and has a patent pending. The grab handles are also designed to accommodate hangers for carrying clothing. A light in the rear liftgate provides downward illumination for the cargo area and ground at the rear of the vehicle when the liftgate is raised. The interior lights turn on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or a door is opened. The lights will remain on for 30 seconds or until after the doors are closed, at which time they will fade gradually to full off. This feature is programmable on the Pilot Touring.

AM/FM/CD Audio System with Seven Speakers including Subwoofer (Pilot LX, EX and EX-L)

The Pilot LX comes with a 135 watt AM/FM stereo and in-dash, single-disc CD player with seven speakers including a subwoofer. An auxiliary audio input jack is standard equipment on all vehicles. Every system can play CD, CD-R/RW, CD-Text, and MP3/WMA discs. The Pilot EX and EX-L upgrade to a 155-watt amplifier and add an internal 6-disc changer.

All systems feature twelve FM and six AM presets; treble, bass, subwoofer fade and balance controls; and automatic search capabilities. To make a high-quality audio connection simple for owners who have personal music players, there is an easily accessible auxiliary input jack with a nearby 12-volt power outlet located in the center console.

The audio systems’ displays are compatible with the Radio Data System (RDS) which provides supplemental programming information on the display (from participating radio stations) while also offering search-by-genre capabilities. Embedded text information on compatible CDs can also be displayed.

The audio system has large-format controls that make the audio system easy to operate. The audio system integrates with the vehicle’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system to minimize certain frequencies associated with cylinder deactivation.

The instrument panel has a 1.5-inch soft-dome tweeter positioned on each side. Mid/low-range 6.5-inch dual thickness polypropylene-cone speakers are positioned in each door, and an 8-inch subwoofer is located in a special tuned enclosure in the sidewall of the cargo compartment. Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts as road speed increases to maintain a clear and comfortable sound level. The amount of compensation can be set to three different levels or turned off completely. The Pilot’s FM radio antenna is built into the rear side glass with an antenna amplifier. The XM antenna mounted onto the roof and has a low profile for a clean appearance.

Steering wheel-mounted control buttons located on the left side of the steering wheel provide volume, mode and channel control (EX, EX-L and Touring models). The driver can change volume and toggle through radio channel presets or CD tracks.

EX models equipped with a Honda DVD Entertainment System incorporate additional controls that allow for the selection of separate front and rear audio channels (see DVD Entertainment System below).

10-Speaker Premium Sound System with 6-CD Changer

The Pilot EX-L equipped with the available DVD Rear Entertainment System and Touring models also include an enhanced audio system with 512 watts and 10 speakers. Like the Pilot’s standard sound system, the Premium Sound System is remarkably versatile. The 6-disc in-dash changer can play CD, CD-R/RW, CD-Text, and MP3/WMA discs. The system also includes AM, FM and XM® Satellite Radio. It’s easy to connect a personal music player to the system via an auxiliary input jack. The auxiliary input jack, along with nearby 12-volt power outlet, is located inside the rear portion of the center console. For optimum sound regardless of vehicle speed, the system includes user-selectable automatic speed-sensitive volume control.

Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (Available Pilot EX-L and Touring)

Available on Pilot EX-L and Touring models, the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) that features a rear display screen for on-the-road entertainment for the second- and third-row passengers. With a large 9-inch (diagonal) flip-down Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen mounted in an overhead console, the system provides Audio plays through the speakers in Dolby Digital surround sound via two wireless Personal Surround headphones and through three audio jacks. In DVD playback mode, the system provides a total of six discrete audio channels. Large-format controls make the system simple and intuitive to operate. A prominent display below the center instrument panel vents shows the current audio system status at all times.

The system also includes a separate LCD control screen that makes operation clear and intuitive. An AUX input jack in rear of the center console is provided for video game play or other inputs. A 115-volt, 100-watt outlet is positioned inside the center console to provide power for a video game console, laptop computer or other small electronic device. Besides video programming, the system also plays the full range of audio content available from the audio system, complete with on-screen information. The RES can also operate independently, in most cases allowing the rear passengers to enjoy one type of programming using headphones, while the front passengers listen to another through the vehicle’s front speakers.

The Rear Entertainment System main controls and DVD player are built into the center section of the instrument panel, just below the audio system. An illuminated and removable, wireless remote control is also positioned in the overhead console for easy operation by second- and third-row passengers.

XM Satellite Radio

The Pilot EX, EX-L and Touring audio systems include XM® Satellite Radio, which provides more than 170 channels of digital program material and near-CD quality sound. Informational text on the programming appears on the audio system display. XM® Satellite Radio offers virtually uninterrupted coverage of the 48 contiguous states and coast-to-coast signal coverage to the densely populated regions of Canada; service for Alaska and Hawaii is not available at this time. Three months of complimentary XM® Satellite Radio service is provided starting on the purchase date of a new vehicle. After the complimentary period, XM® Satellite Radio requires a monthly subscription.

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, Off-Road Tracking and Rear View Camera

The Pilot Touring is equipped with the latest generation Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ Off-Road Tracking and Rear View Camera. This highly capable system is similar to the available unit in the Accord, and is designed for intuitive and quick operation.

Source: Honda via WorldCarFans