Ruffing It: Honda confirms canine-friendly Element to nuzzle into showrooms next month
2010 Honda Dog Friendly Element - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Honda Element would seem to be a fine choice for anyone with an active lifestyle that wants a vehicle that's able to haul a ton of stuff while getting reasonable fuel economy and not breaking the piggy bank. Now – if you'll forgive us for regurgitating this very tired joke – it's gone to the dogs.
Starting on November 16, Honda will begin selling a "Dog Friendly" version of the Element for an extra $995 with a "pet accommodation system designed to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners alike." Out back, a nylon-webbed car kennel is intended to be a secure place to keep your precious pooch, and a soft floor and dedicated fan keep Fido comfy. To ease ingress and egress, an integrated ramp is also included.
For the 2010 model year, pricing for the Honda Element 2WD LX model starts at $20,525, and a fully-loaded 4WD EX with navigation will peg the meter at a fair $25,585. All Elements come with the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive models garner EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and 25 highway; adding 4WD drops each of those figures by one. Want to know more? Hit the jump for the official press release.
Gallery: 2010 Honda Dog Friendly Element
[Source: Honda]
PRESS RELEASE
2010 Honda Element Goes to the Dogs
Much-anticipated "Dog Friendly" equipment adds to diverse Element lineup
10/09/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The Honda Element lineup expands for the 2010 model year with an all-new "Dog Friendly™" pet accommodation system designed to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners alike, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The 2010 Honda Element arrives at dealerships nationwide by mid-October. The Dog Friendly Element is set to become available on November 16.
"The Honda Element has long been recognized as an accommodating vehicle for people with active lifestyles involving sports and hobbies," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of Product Planning for American Honda. "The new Dog Friendly Element takes that concept to a whole new level with specially designed features for dogs and their owners."
Engineered to integrate with factory precision into the Element EX, the Dog Friendly equipment is intended to accommodate the secure transportation of a dog in the cargo area within a nylon-webbed car kennel. In daily operation the car kennel helps prevent a dog from interfering with the driver in traffic by keeping the pet properly restrained and out of reach of the driver. In the event of a frontal collision, the kennel is intended to help restrain the dog behind the rear seats, reducing the chance for the pet to be injured - or to injure human occupants during a crash.
The Dog Friendly equipment enhances pet comfort by providing a soft floor surface for the dog's legs and paws along with a dedicated fan and a spill resistant water source. Convenience is improved for owners with an integrated ramp, easy to clean surfaces and a full suite of matching Dog Friendly accoutrements.
Major components include:
* a soft-sided cargo area car kennel made from seat belt-grade netting;
* a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform;
* a 12V DC rear ventilation fan;
* second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric);
* an extendable ramp (stores under the pet bed platform);
* all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
* a spill-resistant water bowl; and
* Dog Friendly exterior emblems (driver's side and rear).
The ramp stores underneath the bed platform and can be conveniently accessed when the rear tailgate is down. The car kennel was designed and is being constructed by Takata Corporation, one of the world's leading automotive safety systems suppliers. The Dog Friendly equipment group has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $995.
Already designed to be people friendly, the Honda Element received numerous upgrades for the 2009 model year that included a new exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design. Three unique Element models are available that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC. The Dog Friendly equipment group is designed exclusively for the Element EX trim level.
The Element offers an easy-to-clean urethane floor (carpeted on SC) and an expansive, flat cargo area (up to 74.6 cu-ft. with rear seats removed), wide-opening side cargo doors, low lift-in height, and accommodating dimensions for tall items. The interior provides seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements).
The Element LX and EX have a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and keyless entry.
All Element models feature a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WD™, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction. EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings1 range from 20/25 mile per gallon for two-wheel-drive models and 19/24 miles per gallon for Real Time 4WD models.
The Element LX comes standard with a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player. The Element EX and SC feature a 270-watt high-output audio system, an AM/FM tuner, CD player with MP3/WMA™2 capability, auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or other audio devices, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, seven speakers including a 6.5-inch subwoofer. XM® Radio3 is standard on the Element EX and SC.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is an available feature on the Element EX and includes a rear backup camera and a USB audio interface4. The navigation system features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader.
Numerous storage bins and beverage holders provide places for cell phones, CDs and drinks. Available storage areas include: a large three-bin tray above the glove box (ideal for mobile phones and portable music players); a modular 3-compartment overhead storage bin (EX, SC); seat back storage (EX, SC); six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear; and door storage pockets on all four doors. The Element EX exclusively has a convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box.
The Element SC provides a unique appearance with street custom-inspired styling, a lowered stance and exclusive premium features. Its exterior styling exhibits a performance-oriented attitude with a monochromatic color scheme and exclusive features that include custom front and rear painted bumpers, large alloy wheels, custom grille, and a lowered stance. The lowered stance is achieved by lowering the ride height and by using uniquely shaped painted side sills and slimmer roof moldings.
Element SC interior appointments include passenger-area carpeting, a fixed center console with storage, piano black trim pieces and unique fabrics and patterns. The exclusive center console integrates the auxiliary audio input jack and two beverage holders. Meter styling color on all Element SC models is copper-hue, replacing the blue backlit illumination on the other models.
The Element's fully independent suspension uses a front MacPherson strut design and a rear compact double wishbone design for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. A 101.4-inch wheelbase contributes to a compact exterior size. An ultra-tight turning diameter of 34.9-feet (36.9-feet, Element SC) provides for excellent maneuverability in tight quarters. Element LX and EX models are equipped with 16-inch wheels (steel on LX, alloy on EX) with all-season P215/70R16 tires. Additional LX and EX standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering and front and rear stabilizer bars (30.0x4.5 mm tubular front / 21.0 mm solid rear).
The Element SC adds 18-inch alloy wheels, P225/55R18 tires, exclusive spring and damper tuning (30 percent firmer), a lowered ride height (approximately 0.7 inches) and increased rear stabilizer bar size (25.0 mm, solid). Compared to Element LX and EX, the solid front stabilizer bar is 25 percent stiffer and the rear stabilizer bar is 30 percent stiffer. The steering gear box also provides a 6 percent faster ratio (2.94:1 compared to 3.26:1).
All Element models have an aluminum Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine that produces 166-horsepower at 5800 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The Element's i-VTEC variable valve timing system enhances low rpm torque while also delivering high rpm horsepower. The five-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to minimize "gear hunting" on hilly roads.
Available on Element LX and EX, the Real Time 4WD system aids traction in snow, rain and sand by sending power to the rear wheels when the front drive wheels experience a traction loss.
Standard safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and active front seat head restraints.
The Element is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.
1Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
2Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
3Required XM Radio subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. © 2009 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
4The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MachinaDC5 2:31PM (10/13/2009)
1. Kill supercar
2. Design ugly cars
3. Drop out of F1
4. Sell K9-spec Element
5. ??????
6. PROFIT
Reply
Frank 2:50PM (10/13/2009)
Honda is going to the dogs!
Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week.
Big Mola 3:15PM (10/13/2009)
"I don't eat dog."
Ken 2:33PM (10/13/2009)
No more manual transmission for 2010?
Boo..
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Randy915 4:02PM (10/13/2009)
There was a manual version of the Element??
Ken Stamper 5:06PM (10/13/2009)
I was thinking the same thing... my buddy has a 2007 MT Element SC. Great car, sorry to se them get rid of the manual
Rev 9:03PM (10/13/2009)
My buddy has one and I refuse to ride in the thing.
Once was plenty.
Miserable, cheap, ugly box of misery.
Don't have the heart to tell him it's not rear-wheel drive but apparently that's what the salesman told him. And that with higher-grade fuel it's faster (so he uses superior).
Gotta love a Monica...
LimeDaiquiri 2:36PM (10/13/2009)
Isn't the dog's head hangin' out the passenger side enough?
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why not the LS2LS7? 2:38PM (10/13/2009)
I'm sure they'll sell a few, but I see a big problem with this. You're not supposed to leave your dog in the car because of potential overheating and death.
I guess if I camped out a lot my dog could live in the back while I'm camping since it's nighttime. But couldn't my dog stay in the tent with me instead?
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Nateb123 5:49PM (10/13/2009)
I think the idea is more to do with getting in and out of the car. I have a relative whose dog is older and there's no way it would be hopping up to the trunk of most people carriers (or back down for that matter) so a ramp works great. The thing is, it's not that hard to get a flat piece of something to act as a ramp although it might take a couple of minutes of installing the hardware to make it fold. But most people are stupid, lazy and generally these people will have similarly unintelligent and lazy canines so this could sell well...
dan 2:40PM (10/13/2009)
i actually like the element. it's ugly in an endearing and functional manner. i'm just bummed that they removed the rear sunroof for '09 models. without the roof, you can't do a camper conversion:
http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper_main.htm
but to remove the manual option for 2010, that's ridiculous.
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I. R. 3:11PM (10/13/2009)
I work for Toyota in sales, so I'm generally biased. However, I think this is a great feature for dog-owners. The only thing I can't agree on is the $1000 Honda is charging for the feature, and think it should be more affordable, like $350 or $400.
That being said, I'm sure that quite a few people will still buy the package, which throws my argument out the window.
I'm all for useful features on a utility vehicle, so this is a good step. Now, if only they make it drive better than the previous version, and the sunroof more useful for the FRONT passengers this time around...
nrb 2:42PM (10/13/2009)
Didn't GM try a similar dog friendly configuration a couple of years ago?
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Rob 2:42PM (10/13/2009)
Easy to clean surfaces, for when your dog sees how ugly the car is and starts heaving.
Also that net looks like it will get some poor dog's claw caught any second.
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hozer 2:48PM (10/13/2009)
If they are going to go to this much effort wouldn't a factory wheel chair option result in better bang for the buck? Both in terms of sales and corporate image?
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arturo 3:04PM (10/13/2009)
wow the things people do for dogs.
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Richard 3:56PM (10/13/2009)
I actually like the Element (disclosure - have purchased an '05 and, last month, an '09 to replace it). Each time I looked at other vehicles such as the Xterra - for someone into active, somewhat messy activities (have 2 dogs, train for Ironman, etc), its almost impossible to beat.
I can put a bike in the back, all wheels on, and still use the other rear seat. My bike won't even fit into an Xterra with the front wheel removed (although only misses by 1/2" or so). Element has waterproof floor covering and stain-resistant seats. Xterra (and similar) less so...
Its fast enough, gets reasonable economy, has a decent stereo, and can transport 2 people with bikes or 3 people and a bike, and has the turning circle of a Miata (seriously), all for about $20,500 nicely loaded. Hard to beat.
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David 4:00PM (10/13/2009)
They still make this ugly boxy thing?
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Rboyett 4:13PM (10/13/2009)
In general, I like the concept. However, $1000?!?! Are you friggin' kidding me?
I can buy ALL of those items for about half that. Would they be custom tailored to the car? No, but they would work just as well.
But there is something else that concerns me.. That 12v fan. There is nothing saying that the fan ventilates to the outside. Even if that is the case, that fan would probably not keep that dog cool when parked in an unshaded spot on a hot day. I think that fan is going to make people think it is OK to leave their dog in the car as long as the fan is running. When they start doing that, we'll have a few more dead dogs.
I would rather see an AC vent blowing back there.
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dsgnr 4:34PM (10/13/2009)
A ramp? Dogs jump, man.
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