2016 Honda Pilot Driven: All in the Family

The advent of a second child in a couple’s life can mean many things: the demise of romance, the start of sibling rivalry, and the purchase of a three-row SUV. As the latter has all but usurped the minivan as the most popular kid-schlepper, the Honda Pilot has risen to become a go-to choice for frazzled parents. The Pilot is rarely seen without at least one magnet displaying allegiance to a school or sport—as well as those annoying stick-family decals—and its ubiquity is a testament to its competence, not its pleasantness.

Honda reliability, a roomy interior, and a practical shape are what sell the Pilot. Absent is any sense of style or indulgent luxury. The new 2016 Pilot seeks to amend that and, in so doing, take some of the drudgery out of parenthood—even as it delves further into its role as a minivan proxy.

Getting Off the Block

Always competent, the Pilot didn’t need a rethink, just refinement. For the third-generation model, that refinement starts with the styling. Honda tells us that the number-one reason SUV shoppers bypassed the old Pilot was its styling, and indeed, the previous model looks like it might have been designed using Duplo blocks. Whereas the old version tried to look tough, the new model prefers to be sleek, employing a unified side-glass area, swept-back corners on the familial Honda front end, and a friendly upkick at the tail end of the beltline. The front and rear are brightened with LED lighting, and 20-inch wheels are now available.

The new Pilot is slightly larger—by 1.8 inches in wheelbase, 3.5 inches in length—and yet its additional inches did not bring with them additional pounds. In fact, Honda claims the Pilot has slimmed down by as much as 286 pounds. Its weight of roughly 4100 to 4400 pounds (depending on equipment) are commendably svelte for this portly class. As busy parents know, family duty often is a recipe for packing on extra flab, so give the new Pilot a supportive round of applause for its weight-loss success. (As on The Biggest Loser, however, we’ll need to verify the lightening on a set of scales.)

A 3.5-liter V-6 again powers the Pilot, but this is a new, direct-injected engine. A variant of the unit in the Acura MDX, it makes 10 fewer horsepower here but runs on regular fuel. Its output figures of 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque handily beat the old engine’s 250 and 253. The previous five-speed automatic has been scrapped in favor of a six-speed in LX, EX, and EX-L models, while the fancier Touring and new Elite trim levels are fitted with the ZF nine-speed also borrowed from Acura. The nine-speed gets shift paddles along with the same, rather gimmicky, push-button gear selector Acura uses; the six-speed gearbox is actuated via a conventional shift lever.

With more power, additional gears, and less weight, the Pilot is said to hustle to 60 mph some two seconds faster than before. More important, it slurps less fuel. EPA figures increase from 17/24 mpg (AWD) to 18/26 mpg, as well as to 19/26 for Touring and Elite models, which in addition to the nine-speed automatic also come with auto stop-start (the latter deserving the lion’s share of the credit for the slightly better city-mpg rating). Front-wheel drive adds 1 mpg to the above figures. All-wheel-drive models get a choice of four powertrain modes: Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud, which replace the previous VTM-4 Lock button. The AWD system also has a torque-vectoring function, which can apportion torque across the rear axle to aid cornering. AWD versions are rated to tow 5000 pounds, up from 4500, while FWD models can tug only 3500 pounds.

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Seat reveals facelifted Ibiza hatchback family in Barcelona

Seat reveals facelifted Ibiza hatchback family in BarcelonaImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatImage Credit: SeatMore PhotosHottest Cars and Trucks in AmericaMost Popular Cars By StateOur Picks For The Best $5,000 Used CarsCars That Depreciate FastestHistory's 10 Best Selling Cars Of All TimeWard's 10 Best Engines of 2015Noah Joseph

Seat has revealed a new version of the Ibiza at the Barcelona Motor Show this week, and we'll forgive you for not caring too much. After all, we don't get any Seat products in North America altogether. But on a global scale, the Ibiza is a pivotal product not only for the Spanish brand but for its parent company Volkswagen.

After the Volkswagen brand itself, Audi and Skoda, Seat sells more vehicles than any other VW Group brand – more than Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche or any of its commercial vehicles brands. And the Ibiza is Seat's most popular model, representing over 40 percent of the brand's sales worldwide and selling over 5 million units over the past 30 years.

The current Seat Ibiza was introduced in 2008 and underwent a facelift in 2011. That would make it due for replacement, but for now the company has given it another update to keep it fresh. The new Ibiza features subtly upgraded styling, but more importantly, a raft of new equipment. Of course as the latest product from the Volkswagen Group, it benefits from all the newest safety systems and upgraded infotainment technologies. The cabin space has been updated and there are new paint and wheel options.

Buyers will also be able to choose among an array of engines burning gasoline or diesel and with three or four cylinders. Options range from a 1.0-liter inline-three with 74 horsepower all the way up to a 1.4-liter turbo four with 148 hp, and that's before the new Cupra hot hatch comes along. The suspension and steering systems have been reworked as well. The new Ibiza will also be available, once again, in three body styles, including the core five-door hatch, Sport Tourer (ST) five-door wagon and Sport Coupe (SC) three-door hatch.Show full PR textNEW SEAT IBIZA – STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

- New efficient engines with three or four cylinders
- SEAT Easy Connect with Full Link (MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) for seamless smartphone integration
- Agile driving with significantly improved comfort
- New Colour Packs with bold colours for greater personalisation
- Range of new equipment and options including DAB, SEAT Sound and SEAT Drive Profile, Tiredness Recognition System and Multi-Collision Brake
- In UK showrooms from Autumn 2015

SEAT has chosen the Barcelona Motor Show to take the covers off of its New Ibiza. Making it one of the best and most multi-faceted offerings in its class, the latest version of the Spanish brand's iconic model comes with a raft of innovative technologies, new engines and equipment options, plus additional safety systems and, above all, a completely new connectivity and infotainment line-up.

The Ibiza's emotional and dynamic design continues to be well received by customers and is a central purchasing reason, so the team have focused their attention on new running gear which takes comfort to a whole new level, as well as upgrading the design and quality of the interior.

"The New Ibiza will further expand SEAT's current success. It is the first example of how we 'Leonize our Portfolio', applying the successful formula of Leon into all our model range. Alongside efficiency, quality and safety, we have placed particular emphasis on the issue of connectivity. The new Ibiza is now part of the connected world," says Jürgen Stackmann, President and CEO of SEAT S.A. "The Ibiza is SEAT's most successful model, with more than five million sold globally over the last 30 years. With an average age of 43, the Ibiza has an exceptionally young customer base, with its share of young female buyers well above average."

Connectivity is a central factor in today's world – and a focal point when it comes to developing SEAT models. In the new Ibiza, the Spanish brand is using the second generation of its Easy Connect infotainment systems. The new MediaSystem plus and satellite navigation system can be enhanced with the MirrorLink function, which provides seamless smartphone integration into the car infotainment system. Thanks to MirrorLink, mobile phone functions and a wide range of apps can be used safely inside the car, while SEAT has also taken the opportunity to develop its own app for MirrorLink, called SEAT DriveApp. SEAT can connect the most frequently smartphone systems. The Full Link (comprising MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) connection between Easy Connect means that New Ibiza drivers are always connected, whatever smartphone they use and able to retain their full concentration on the road. In line with this connectivity, SEAT has announced a partnership agreement with SAMSUNG to develop technological solutions to provide total connectivity across its model range.

"With the New Ibiza, we are opening up a new chapter of connectivity. Our customers can continue their digital lifestyle, even when on the road. However, the key issue for us is always the safest and most intuitive operation of the functions," says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice President for Research and Development. "With its new engines, it's considerably more comfortable. Thanks to its dynamic and agile suspension and new assistance systems, the Ibiza is one of the most modern and attractive offerings on the market."

The exterior design of the Ibiza five-door, three-door SC (Sport Coupé) and the ST (Sport Tourer) are still absolutely up-to-the-minute and extremely well received by customers, so changes for the new model take in new headlights with LED daytime running lights, new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs and two new paint colours, Moonstone Silver and Chilli Red.

Significantly upgraded interior
The concept behind the broad design appeal of the new interior is that it features fully customisable elements that resonate with everyone by striking a harmonious balance between expressivity, functionality and precision on each of the contours and surfaces that define the interior. Its horizontal proportions and the driver-oriented instrument panel provide enhanced driving pleasure, thanks to the arrangement of all the elements and its soft-touch finish. Attention to detail is displayed in every feature – on the steering wheel, the air vents, instrument cluster and radio. The new interface has been designed to highlight the relationship between the driver and technology by creating character lines that add functionality, while the screen design provides the driver with a physical reference.

The resulting interior design is a reflection of a product that has been inspired by and conceived in the surroundings of the beautiful city of Barcelona.

New level of individualisation
The New Ibiza is as diverse and colourful as life itself, with new Colour Packs offering a whole new level of individualisation, which can be adapted to suit any personal style perfectly. The Colour Packs make a bold statement. Bismuth, an elegant shade of brown, is among them, as is Velvet, a rich purple. There is also a powerful red on offer, cool grey, as well as white, black and blue – the right Colour Pack for every personal preference.

Each Colour Pack comes with a wide range of trim elements in the respective colour. On the outside, the rim of the radiator grille and the door mirror housings gleam in Velvet, Atom Grey or one of the other colours. Inside, the air vent bezels and the detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever are part of the colour package, as are the coloured stripes set into the seat backrests. One characteristic element is the two-colour 16- or 17 inch alloy wheels. There are a large number of possible combinations between the Ibiza's paint colour and the Colour Pack.

And with three bodystyles, several trim levels and a wide range of engines and equipment options, there is the perfect Ibiza to suit every need.

New safety systems
Drowsiness at the wheel is still the cause of many and severe accidents. The new Tiredness Recognition System in the SEAT Ibiza recognises diminishing driver concentration on the basis of steering characteristics, and provides a timely warning. Another new safety system is Multi-Collision Brake. Following a serious impact, it automatically slows down the vehicle to dissipate the remaining kinetic energy. If the airbag is activated by the initial collision, the electronic stability programme applies the brakes and switches on the hazard lights.

Complete new engine generation

The SEAT Ibiza is driven by a completely new generation of petrol and TDI engines. The entry-level petrol engine is a three-cylinder with 1.0-litre displacement, which produces 75 PS in naturally aspirated format and 95 PS or 110 PS as Eco TSI turbocharged engines. With maximum torque of 160 or even 200 Nm, the 1.0 Eco TSI has impressive pulling power. A further highlight is the four cylinder 1.4 Eco TSI with active cylinder management (ACT). Its improved output of 150 PS and torque of 250 Nm guarantee a high level of dynamic driving fun, while its cylinder deactivation under partial load leads to impressive combined fuel consumption of 58.9 mpg.

Maximum efficiency
The three and four-cylinder units, of course, fulfil all the latest EU6 emissions standards and boast excellent fuel consumption and emissions figures. One example is the 1.0 Eco TSI Ecomotive with 95 PS which offers combined fuel economy of 68.9 mpg, which equates to a CO2 figure of 94 grams per kilometre. Among the new three-cylinder diesel engines, the 1.4 TDI with 75 PS achieves fuel consumption of 83.1 mpg, which equates to an emissions figure of just 88 grams per kilometre. Each of the other TDI powertrains, with 90 PS or 105 PS, achieve 74.3 mpg or more.

The TSI with 110 PS and the TDI with 90 PS are both available with the slick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The start/stop system, which switches off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, is available across all new-generation SEAT Ibizas.

Driving fun with more comfort

The New Ibiza has always received top marks for being dynamic and fun to drive. In its new generation, the Ibiza has been further refined with a speed sensitive electric steering system. Benefitting even more, however, is the ride and handling, with springs, dampers and anti-roll bars being completely re-tuned. The optional SEAT Drive Profile offers adaptive damping with two modes – comfort- or sports-oriented. The Comfort/Sport selector switch also influences the feeling of the power steering.

Latest-generation infotainment
The latest-generation infotainment systems with touchscreen operation and integrated satellite navigation system can receive DAB digital radio and play music from an iPod or smartphone via a USB port or Bluetooth device. Voice control is integrated as part of the MediaSystem plus and for smartphone integration Mirror Link can also be selected for perfect connectivity on the move. For a really rich sound, there is the new SEAT Sound System. Six speakers, a ten-litre bass box in the boot, an additional amplifier and individual setting options in the sound menu will satisfy even the most discerning of ears.

Four optional ultrasound sensors front and rear provide proximity monitoring when parking, and deliver warnings both acoustically and via the display. A reversing camera is also available as an option, aiding parking through infotainment screen updates.

Perfect for an active lifestyle
The New Ibiza will be offered in three bodystyles, five-door, SC and ST. The latter offering a particularly high degree of versatility in such a compact package. Even with its sporty looks, the luggage space is very generous, with a volume of 430 up to a maximum of 1,164 litres. For those with an active lifestyle, there is even space for two bicycles, with their front wheels removed.

In the UK, the entry-level 'S' version is an enticing prospect, featuring all major items of comfort and safety equipment. Sitting just above it is SE, with air conditioning and colour touch screen as standard. The sporty Ibiza FR makes a particular statement with its accentuated design at the front and rear and unique alloy wheels. More than ever before, the new Ibiza can also be perfectly adapted to personal style and individual preferences, with an extensive array of colours, options and accessories.

Related Video:#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-3162{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-3162, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-3162{width:100%;display:block;}Featured Gallery2016 Seat Ibiza

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