A production-ready version of the highly anticipated Honda Pilot, an all-new Honda-designed and built SUV with 8-passenger theatre-style seating and the largest cargo carrying capacity in its class, debuted today at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. The Pilot will be manufactured at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario and will go on sale in June as a 2003 model, Honda Canada Inc. announced today.

The Pilot features a 240-horsepower, 3.5-litre, VTEC V6 engine and Honda's patented VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) advanced four-wheel drive system. The Pilot's interior is the most versatile and functional in its class, with two rows of 60/40 split folding seats and up to 2557 L (90.3 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the front seats.

The Pilot combines the rugged versatility of traditional sport utility vehicles with Honda's legendary durability, quality and reliability. Designed for the "Ultimate Family Adventure", Honda engineers developed a number of family-friendly features including a multi-function centre console with a large centre storage bin, dedicated cell phone cradle, 12-volt power outlet, CD storage tray, removable cup holders and a second-row child's activity tray that incorporates cup holders and a storage compartment.

The Pilot employs highly efficient body crumple zones and sophisticated air bag technology, and is expected to achieve a "Five Star" safety rating for both frontal and side impacts. Additional measures have been taken to insure a high level of protection for third-row occupants in front, side and rear collisions. In keeping with Honda's long standing commitment to environmental leadership, the Pilot will be a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) with excellent fuel economy and constructed with 90 per cent recyclable components.