ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control uses information from a millimetre-wave radar (mounted inside the front grille) to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead, while vehicle speed and yaw rate sensors detect the vehicle's driving parameters.

In addition to maintaining a set speed, as with conventional cruise control, ACC is also able to automatically regulate both the vehicle speed and its distance to the vehicle ahead travelling in the same lane, thereby reducing the burden of motorway (or similar road) driving and enhancing driver comfort and safety.

The millimetre-wave radar recognises the presence and the speed of the vehicle ahead, thus calculating the distance separating the two. The analysis of the impulses from the radar and their frequency variation makes it possible to calculate the exact distance and the relative speed between the vehicles. When this distance is reduced to below a predetermined value, the system instantly decelerates the vehicle through throttle control and, if necessary, by application of the brakes. In instances where quicker deceleration is required - such as being cut-off by another vehicle or sudden braking by the vehicle in front - the system will alert the driver with a warning light and a buzzer to prompt the driver to apply the brakes. If the vehicle ahead changes lane or the distance increases again, then the system increases the vehicle speed to the predetermined value.

ACC only operates if all the following conditions are completely fulfilled:

1. The vehicle speed is set between 20-112mph
2. The gearbox position is in D, D3 or M main switch is activated



Pop-up Bonnet System

The European Legend debuts Honda's Pedestrian Protection Pop-up Bonnet System, which aims to increase safety for those outside the car.

If the car is involved in an accident with a pedestrian, an accelerometer in the front bumper, and a wheel speed sensor both feed information to the engine's ECU which then triggers a pyrotechnic actuator under the bonnet. A plunger then lifts the bonnet by 100mm which creates clearance between the metalwork and the unyielding engine bay, to help reduce pedestrian head injuries.

Honda estimates that the Pop-up Bonnet System could reduce pedestrian casualties by around 10 per cent, with the number of seriously injured cut by around 5 per cent. These numbers may not seem dramatic, but they are far more significant when considered in the context of the almost 1000 pedestrian and cyclist fatalities each year in Britain.


Active Front lighting System (AFS)

Every Legend comes with the new AFS headlight system, which has been designed to give increased illumination and visibility at night. When cornering, the headlights swivel by up to 20 degrees according to input from the steering and the car's speed sensors. This movement can illuminate a larger area of road surface throughout a bend, minimising blind spots and giving improved awareness of the road and surroundings.


Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)

The Legend uses an innovative front end body structure called Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE).

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