The Element uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, mated to a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower rises to 166 from 156 the optional automatic is now a five-speed, rather than a four-speed side and curtain airbags are added to all models and vehicle stability control, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system become standard on all models. Personally, I'd rather sink the money into an EX model equipped Realtime four-wheel-drive.For 2007, the Honda Element undergoes several changes, starting with its line-up: trim lines are now the LX, EX and SC. It's a tremendously well thought-out high value CUV, which leads me to wonder whether the extra $4K or so to secure an SC edition is really worth it. I've always liked the Element in a weird sort of way. The sporty SC rolls off the rack at $29,00CA. The large A pillars are likely to interfere with the driver's visibility. And be careful of its wide "A" pillars, they intrude upon one's vision when turning. The SC is strictly a front-wheel-drive vehicle. One other point that may be important to SC buyers is the absence of Honda's Realtime four-wheel-drive technology. Each rear seat must be awkwardly pivoted upward against the side glass when extra stowage is needed. Unfortunately the 50/50-split bench doesn't fold flat into the floor. The front perches offer decent support and adjustment however the rear seats lack thigh and lumbar support. Overall, the SC delivers an enjoyable experience behind the wheel with impressive head and legroom at all four seating positions. Without resorting to a gut-jarring ride, the SC's sport-tuned suspension and lower ride height improve handling dynamics quite noticeably, removing any sense of tipsiness or unpredictability sometimes associated with CUVs and SUVs. It's i-VTEC engine spins freely while taking full advantage of gear ratios well matched to its powerband. It zips through traffic and the countryside with little complaint or deficiency. Yet, Honda's most affordable crossover is no dog. The extra ponies is a most welcomed addition to the Element, which has never been a powerhouse- and still isn't. My SC tester was equipped with a five-speed manual mixer, however a five-speed autobox is also new for '07. Further setting the SC apart from the conventional is sport-tuned suspension and lowered ride-height.Īll 2007 Elements receive a boost in horsepower as well, taking the 2.4 litre, i-VTEC DOHC four-cylinder mill to 166 horsepower from its previous rating of 156 horsepower. Inside one finds a centre console, carpeted floors and a redesigned gauge cluster. The Element SC retains all of the vehicle's practicality while showing-off a series of styling tweaks, which include painted bumpers and fascia, an "aero" grille, 18-inch wheels and projector headlights. Now that we've grown accustomed to the vehicle's funkiness, Honda has spiced-up the versatile CUV with a "Sport" edition. Adding "Sport" When the Element was introduced in 2003, it's styling was viewed as a little over the top for a company as conservative in their penmanship as Honda is.
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