2005 Honda Element 4WD Road Test

What's more, the urethane-coated utility floor is brilliant. Muddy shoes, dirty sports equipment? No problem, just

The cabin boasts a tight and ruggedly-finished instrument cluster and dash. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

wash it down. But a note from Honda, don't use a hose as it's electrical system won't appreciate the excess water. What's most important either way, however, is there's no need to fuss with the dollar-for-two-minute-industrial-strength-vacuum found at the gas station. I didn't have the opportunity to wash my test Element out because I didn't really dirty it up that much. Maybe next time.

Continuing with the interior theme, the upholstered seats are quite nice to sit in, back or front. The cabin also boasts a tight and ruggedly-finished instrument cluster and dash. The dash-mounted gear selector is conveniently placed for optimal shifting. My Orange Sunset Pearl-coloured, or 'Tangerine Dream mobile' as I liked to call it, came with a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with lock-up torque-converter and grade logic

My tester was equipped with a 160-hp 16-valve, DOHC, 2.4-litre, inline 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC variable valve timing. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

program, linked to a 16-valve, DOHC, 2.4-litre, inline 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC variable valve timing, which produced 160 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

It's a decent sized engine for the little SUV, providing adequate power for the hills and enough torque for engine braking. When needing more brake force, the ABS-enhanced front ventilated and rear solid disc system makes a lethal stopping combination. Hmmm... maybe lethal isn't the right slang to use when talking about brakes? Suffice it to say, they work quite well.