2005 Honda Element 4WD Road Test

Y Package Targets the Young and Young in Heart

There is really nothing else in the Canadian automotive market that looks anything like the Honda Element. It is unmistakable from

The uniquely styled Honda Element is unmistakable from the outside in. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

the outside in. South of the border, the Scion xB has a similar box-on-wheels silhouette, and the Nissan Cube, available in Japan, also shows comparable styling cues.

But since the Element's introduction in 2003, its quirky yet functional design continues to resonate well within a supportive market niche. For the 2005 model year it has been

For the 2005 model year the Element has been minimally altered inside and out, and receives three new exterior colours including Cargo Khaki, Magnesium Metallic, and Rallye Red. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

minimally altered inside and out, and receives three new exterior colours including Cargo Khaki, Magnesium Metallic, and Rallye Red. It also comes with a longer list of standard features to meet the needs of everyday drivers.

New, and included on the 'Y Package' are anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and front side airbags, plus an MP3 and WMA-formatted head unit with CD-R disc playback capability and a MP3/Digital media auxiliary input. It comes attached to a feisty 270-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with seven speakers and a subwoofer. In other words, it's quite a safe and 'sound' vehicle for all.