Unfortunately, the Element SC lacks amenities that you’d expect in a vehicle of its price. There’s no Bluetooth, no 6-CD changer, no heated or power seats, and no climate control. What’s ironic is that the U.S. version offers a navigation system which includes a USB port, but not for us. It does come with all the safety bells and whistles, though, including six airbags, traction control and stability control.
Ride the wind
The Element shares its powertrain with the CR-V, which means it relies on a 2.4-litre inline-4 that produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. Until last year, you could get a manual transmission, but not anymore; all 2009 Elements roll out of the factory with 5-speed automatics.
The SC hits 100 km/h in ten seconds flat, which isn’t bad, but doesn’t sound very pleased about being whipped in the butt. On the highway, though, the tach shows 2,400 rpm while driving at 100 km/h, and the engine does an overall good job. Our fuel consumption average is 9.8 L/100 km, which is good.
A disadvantage to the box shape of the Element is that it doesn’t cut through the wind very well. On a highway trip, the flat sides of the vehicle were easy targets for moderate gusts and made the vehicle wander, necessitating constant corrections of the wheel to keep it straight. Not a big deal once you get used to it, but in the middle of a snowstorm in February, it might make us a little nervous.
Competition
The 2009 Honda Element starts out at $26,990 for the base LX, but our sporty SC carries a $31,690 sticker. The EX 4WD model is even more expensive, at $32,090. South of the border, though, you can get a base model with 4WD.
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| The rear bench is quite versatile. |
Ride the wind
The Element shares its powertrain with the CR-V, which means it relies on a 2.4-litre inline-4 that produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. Until last year, you could get a manual transmission, but not anymore; all 2009 Elements roll out of the factory with 5-speed automatics.
The SC hits 100 km/h in ten seconds flat, which isn’t bad, but doesn’t sound very pleased about being whipped in the butt. On the highway, though, the tach shows 2,400 rpm while driving at 100 km/h, and the engine does an overall good job. Our fuel consumption average is 9.8 L/100 km, which is good.
A disadvantage to the box shape of the Element is that it doesn’t cut through the wind very well. On a highway trip, the flat sides of the vehicle were easy targets for moderate gusts and made the vehicle wander, necessitating constant corrections of the wheel to keep it straight. Not a big deal once you get used to it, but in the middle of a snowstorm in February, it might make us a little nervous.
Competition
The 2009 Honda Element starts out at $26,990 for the base LX, but our sporty SC carries a $31,690 sticker. The EX 4WD model is even more expensive, at $32,090. South of the border, though, you can get a base model with 4WD.
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| The Element relies on a 2.4-litre inline-4 that produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. |