Legend Mk2

The second-generation Legend series was a complete redesign, breaking away from its predecessors’ Rover 800 connection.

Honda designed an almost all-new car from the ground-up, incorporating front-wheel drive but adding a larger, roomier body upon double wishbone suspension and a much sharper chassis.

Power now came courtesy of a 145kW/274Nm 3.2-litre SOHC 24V V6 mated to a four-speed automatic.

The result was a much-improved luxury car, with convincing performance, impressive handling poise, superb quality and excellent refinement levels. Only the slightly too-light steering marred an exemplary effort.

But despite these – as well as the addition of airbags, anti-lock brakes, climate control air-conditioning, leather trim and other modern goodies – both the sedan and coupe versions struggled in a recessional economic climate.