Honda Legend

Built on a totally new platform with a shorter wheelbase and more compact body, the Honda has clearly been given a sportier edge. The front end is similar to that of the smaller Accord, while large-diameter alloy wheels and an aggressive rising waistline hint at the Legend's performance potential.

Get behind the wheel and it's im-mediately obvious that in terms of handling, Honda has come closer to its German rivals than ever before. A new four-wheel-drive system, called Super-Handling All Wheel Drive - SH-AWD - uses a hi-tech set-up to split the power between the front and rear wheels. However, the most impressive part of SH-AWD is that up to 100 per cent of the rear axle torque can be routed to just one wheel. That means the Legend offers near-perfect handling balance when cornering.

With its well weighted and precise steering the Honda turns in just like a rear-wheel-drive car, and when pushed the system adapts to provide the maximum possible grip. Couple that with a smooth ride over rough surfaces, and the newcomer has dynamic abilities which could embarrass the 5-Series.

Under the bonnet, only one engine is available - a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6. Mated to a slick five-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual switches on the steering wheel, the gutsy unit allows the saloon to sprint from 0-60mph in only 6.4 seconds.

What's more, Honda hasn't forgotten the importance of interior design in this sector. The Legend comes with fine leather and wood trim, cleverly incorporated into a stylish, plush cabin. With the model pencilled in for a UK launch in 2006, it looks as though Honda has finally hit on a winning formula for executive car success.