Honda Legend 3.5 V6 auto

DESPITE the Legend's respected standing in the United States where it came second in the 1999 JD Power Initial Quality Survey, Honda has never been noted for its large luxury saloons in Britain. Last year, just 399 were sold here and the figure for 1999 to date stands at only 200. Lack of image and poor awareness are the main culprits so, in a move aimed at boosting the Legend's appeal, Honda has face-lifted it, upgraded specification and cut the on-road price of the single-model range. At ú31,995 it offers a well-equipped full-size luxury saloon for the price of a medium executive.

The most obvious difference over the old model is the new nose with a more pronounced V-shaped grille, new bumper with integral fog lamps, a more sculpted bonnet and a steeper slope from windscreen to headlamps. There's also a new rear bumper and boot lid which contribute to a slight increase in width and length. Inside, the changes are mainly in the detail, with revised switchgear, greater noise insulation and incorporation of the audio controls into the steering wheel.

Its ú31,995 price means the Legend competes with the likes of the BMW 528i SE (ú32,315) and Lexus GS300 (ú31,250), with the Saab 9-5 Griffin (ú34,000) and Mercedes E280 Elegance (ú35,075) costing considerably more to buy. With a 205bhp 3.5-litre V6 and automatic transmission as standard, coupled with an equipment list that wants for nothing, value is key to the Legend. If you're prepared to sacrifice image for metal for your money, there are few luxury saloons that offer as much for so little.