The Pilot that Honda kindly supplied for our coastal getaway was the Granite edition, which is a trim level only available in
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| The Granite is a "no nonsense" sort of trim form that focuses more on functionality than luxury. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Canada at present. The Granite is a "no nonsense" sort of trim form that's intended to offer the "no nonsense" sort of buyer an SUV that focuses more on functionality than luxury. Highlighting the "Granite" box on a Pilot order-sheet will modify a series of non-essential trim items from their body-keyed color to a slightly less attractive black. These include side moldings, side view mirrors, rear spoiler garnish and spray washer nozzles. And gone will be the automatic climate control; replaced by a very conventional and easy to operate HVAC system. And while we're at it, say goodbye to steering wheel mounted audio controls and three stereo speakers. The Granite is equipped with only four sounding-discs and an audio head that excludes a cassette player and spins a single disc at a time. If you're still with me, the second row center activity tray with dual cup holders and storage areas is gone as well, and so is the rear cargo net, plus the convenience of auto-off headlights, remote locking and HomeLink. (And here I thought the Honda rep has just neglected to give me the key-fob... sorry Stacey). Oh, and finally, the Granite doesn't come in the full array of Pilot colors, so you better like black, silver or blue - and don't even begin to think leather, it's not happening.
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| The Granite edition comes stocked with number of features only available in its trim level. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Apart from the items noted, the Granite possesses all of the comfort and performance attributes that has earned the Pilot so many accolades from journalists and consumer groups alike. On the flip side of the Canuck Honda, is content specific to the Granite, which includes a substantive front bumper trim guard, rear splash guards, side step bars and roof rails with crossmembers - all black of course. About the only color-keyed add-ons are the wide fender-flares and fog lights, which when combined with the other Granite exterior accoutrements, including the "unique to Granite" 16-inch alloy wheels, give the Pilot a more aggressive, off-road appearance - something that has been lacking up to now (the turbulence generating ski rack, by the way, is a Honda add-on accessory).
