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Comments
OK, one nit-pick: it could use bigger rims/tires.
Denise: yes, you have to open the front door first. The rear door is clever, though, and hides its hinges. The pockets in the front door allow you to stuff, say, a wet bathing suit in there, and they have drain holes for the water. Lots of clever touches like that.
Nav at that price? Doubt it. You could always add one aftermarket, many people do.
Model X was the concept, the Element is the production version. Actually, what we saw in NY was a pre-production version, but that's closer to how it'll really look.
-juice
Interior features include a flip-up navigation screen with integrated wireless Internet capability, video input and DVD playback. The stereo system incudes MP3 download and playback capability, along with satellite radio, cassette and CD player
cross your fingers let's hope that all of these things are still there at the release date!!!!
Oh well, even if they are not there, thanks for the info.....let's still continue to share updates.
-juice
Ropedart - You may be right about the moonroof. The concept car was supposed to be part dorm room after all. Of course, it'll only work with the windows tinted.
The rear facing front seat was a feature on the concept vehicle. The front and back of the back rests were both padded and the whole thing pivoted on a joint mounted to the floor. This allowed the seat cushion to stay in place, while the seat back folded forward. Then the seat could be used in reverse. It did not make production. Note the difference between the Model X and the Element.
Thanks for the dims, ehh! Translated to 'American' below:
"I would like to know also but Model X was according to motorshow.or.jp in mm."
..................ELEMENT......CRV
L=4085mm..=...160.83in....178.6in
W=1810....=.....71.26........70.2
H=1800....=.....70.87........66.2
wb=259....=....102..........103.1
"These are quite close to CRV dimensions as it has same mechs. Except X is 500mm shorter. Mag-X accurately predicted AWD CRV mechs."
Glad to see greater width and height, but disappointed at shorter wheelbase and length. Even with these dimension, looks like Element may be similar volume to CR-V. I was hoping for the 'Stream' 106in wheelbase. Oh well, we shall see.
I saw it in person and it certainly didn't look like it was 160" long. I would have noticed such an enormous difference. I bet Mag X missed the mark this time, it's probably more like 175".
-juice
Carry on...
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
-juice
I think the Pilot is dull if not ugly. Even the front end of the new CRV does not appeal to me.
If you put a bush bar on the front of the Element I think it would macho it up. There is a little too much Honda trapezoid approach to the headlights. Accessory people are u writing this down?
I think you are in the target demographics. Interesting how different rationale can arrive at the same conclusion.
"Element.ary my dear Watson"
"In every job that must be done, there is an Element of fun......."
First, she wants a lift gate rather than a door, for shelter from rain. It also wouldn't block the curb when you parallel park.
Second, with the stroller inside, there wasn't room behind it to lay the baby down for a quick diaper change. I'm not sure if the Element's cargo area is any bigger, though.
Finally, the price is a bit high. $22k for a manual EX, and they're selling near MSRP still. Element would top out at $21k. Delete the automatic, and we're talking $20k. That's value.
Only problem: we can't wait long. Hurry it up guys!
-juice
I hope the Element kind of bombs at first so I can pay much less than sticker and have choice of models and colors. I want to wait for Ohio to learn how to build these things properly and sort out any early recalls. About this time next year should be good time to pick one up.
Particularly after the dot.com crash and 9/11, luxury SUVs seem garish-a contradiction. Bushwack with a Silver X7? The BMW and Merc Suvs are embarrasing. Except the Merc G-500 a classic.
But a Honda Elements seems just right. The image of frugality and functionality.
I always admired Honda with not doing a lot of silly and impossible conceptual cars for autoshows. They seem to me to do less concepts than other makers and actually deliver real products like the Civic Hybrid. The Model X concept style seemed very conservative to critics but it went straight into production. They walk the talk.
If I had a SUV with a door mounted spare I would put it on my roof or inside.
http://www.edmunds.com/video/honda.html#element
Again, and knowing height of Element is about 6'-0", and CR-V is about 5'-6", Element looks longer/larger than CR-V. This video, especially side views of moving Element, sure do make it look like a stretched CRV platform, and a practical utility vehicle.
Walked up to a CR-V yesterday and being able to look over the vehicle greatly reduces its apparent size (I'm 6'-0"). Still strikes me as small...I know, I know, very large inside, rivaling Highlander. Still hoping for Stream wheelbase...106".
You know sooner or later some guy is going to hang a mailbox outside its back door...
"dude, where is my car"
Given the styling on this rig, I forsee a huge aftermarket following. It'll take a significant number of sales, though. Folks might have to make due with products from other Hondas for the first few years.
They did have one for the 2.0L CR-V.
My best quote on a CR-V EX manual was $21,500, better than TMV but could be even better.
We ended up buying a Legacy L wagon 5 speed for $17,827 last Friday, with options being keyless entry and carpeted mats. Even though it's the entry level model it comes with 4 disc brakes, ABS, A/C, power everything, and cruise, all the basics.
No moonroof, but I was quoted $895 for an ASC roof with one touch open/close and lifetime warranty, plus it's 17"x30", fairly big.
Element could appeal to bargain hunters, too.
-juice
Juice - Congrats on the new wheels. Add some leather to the seats and a few custom accessories and the Legacy can be spruced up quite nicely.
Pilot forum is only busy with newbies asking questions already discussed in that topic. I think the CR-V and Element topics may eventually blend together (after production) what with the common underpinnings.
ropedart: I just want to know the wheelbase, and track dimensions. That would answer my questions of size. As for color scheme, I think it is unique, functional and not unattractive. I say functional cause it enables production/finish of body panels independent of appearance. That's got to be a cost saver for production and maintenance.
Our Odyssey has the magic 3rd seat and it's great. There when you need it, gone when you don't and stowable 100 miles from home.
Besides, most folks will probably spend 90% of the time with the seats down. If that's not you, get those little stick-on curved mirrors for your rearviews and drive it like a van. Most people (including my mother) can adapt to driving-by-mirrors rather quickly.
-jim
Leather? No. She likes the soft cloth. Her bottom is extremely sensitive now, a 7 months pregnant. She sat in a leather Benz and found it too hard!
Moonroof maybe, but I'll wait until the dust settles at the new job.
On the folding seat - the catch with the Odyssey is if you have 3 kids, you can't fold the seat because seating capacity drops to 4. So for road trips with lots of cargo, you can't fold it. A split fold would be truly magical.
-juice
-juice
I took my sons to the local car show. They had so much fun playing in the RVs and campers. For them to play in an Element would be so cool. Especially with the seats up and they can walk around. This would be great while waiting around.
While Element will not have the changeable forward-backward facing seats of the Model-X, Honda already has rotating front seats for handicapped accessibility. The images/articles I've seen show a driver's seat rotate 90 degrees to enable hc individual seat then rotate to drive. Shouldn't be much more difficult to engineer 180 degree rotation! Big question is if this can be included in Element budget.
This again changes Element demographics, as this capability would likely make the Element the most handicapped friendly production vehicle. I can see the hc person wheeling up to the Element; position themselves on the rotated driver's seat; lift the wheelchair into the open area behind the driver's seat; close the doors; and drive off. Cool!
Actually moonkat, wouldn't you wheel the wheelchair into the back up a ramp(with the seats up!) Clamp the wheelchair down. Pull the ramp. Close the doors. Then work your way through the front seat pass thru to the front. A 180 drivers chair would be nice for this situation I agree.
-juice
The seats from the Model X were reversible, but the Element has a different configuration.
http://www.hondacars.com/theelement/index.html?show=intro