Doha Marketing Services Company (Domasco) has announced the launch of the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot, “which brings a new standard of comfort and quality to SUV driving.”
“With its comfortable seating up to eight passengers, Honda Pilot has helped set industry standards in fuel efficiency, spacious and luxurious interiors and now also boasts of highly improved off-roading performance with Intelligent Traction Management,” said Colin Cordery, regional managing director of Al-Futtaim /Domasco.
“The third generation Pilot offers the ultimate level of premium features, and an incredible driving experience that leaves a bold impression,” he said.
Domasco managing director Faisal Sharif said the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot is “3.5 inch longer, 300 pounds lighter, sleek, stylish, safer, more powerful, and a better off-roader offering comfort, fun and luxury.”
The Pilot has been completely restyled with a bold, new front grille and flowing, elegant lines of a sport coupe. The new premium features include halogen projector headlights in EX and EXL grades and LED projector headlights in the Touring grade. The first-ever panoramic glass roof on the Touring grade embodies the vision of blue skies for our future generation.  
The all-new Pilot has a wide, low stance contributing to improved aerodynamic performance, while large-diameter 18-inch or 20-inch Alloy wheels add a classy look. Some of the other features standard in all grades includes front fog lights, LED tail lights and LED daytime running lights as standard along with tailgate spoiler, power door mirrors and LED turn light indicators.
The interior highlights include new cockpit design, beige and black leather seats co-ordinated with exterior colours, and upscale cabin amenities. An 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio, standard in all grades, gives instant access to audio system controls and other display features.
For the first time, the Touring grade includes second row captain’s chairs, enhancing comfort and providing easy walk through between the second and third row for a 7-passenger configuration. Another notable feature in the EX-L and Touring grade is the one-touch second row seats which enable passengers to have easy access to the third row seating.
Other amenities include tri-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning duct in the second and third row seats, rear door sunshades, sun glass holder and conversation mirror, cargo area hidden storage for extra luggage, active noise control for a quieter cabin, and a rear entertainment system with a 9-inch display screen available in the Touring grade.
The Pilot boasts of a 3.5-litre direct injected V6 engine with variable cylinder management and maximum output of 280hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 355Nm at 4,700 rpm. The fuel efficiency for the Pilot in GCC countries is 11.4km/l for the 2WD and the 10.8km/l for the AWD.
The Pilot’s newest feature includes intelligent traction management, which is now featured on all models except EX 2WD, with pushbutton mode selection and TFT mode display on the cockpit instrument panel. In addition, EX (AWD) & EXL grades offer a full 200mm of ground clearance which enables the vehicle to adapt to any terrain. There is also a sand mode.
The all-new Pilot is available with most comprehensive set of advanced safety and driver assistive technologies. EXL and Touring grades feature remote engine start, which enables automatic climate control system to regulate cabin temperature to ensure maximum comfort before the motorist and passengers get in. Electric power steering, one push start system, cruise control on steering wheel, and a multi-angle rear view camera are some of the technologies to aid driving comfort.
Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure technology enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility for the Pilot. It also boasts of Honda active-safety features such as Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control Systems, Anti-Lock Brake Systems, Electronic Brake Distributor, Hill Start Assist, Agile Handle Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The inclusion of these safety technologies benchmarked the new Pilot to receive a 2015 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, US, making it one of the safest cars among its segment.