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Honda Element

Photography by Sammy Chan
Text sourced from Honda Canada Inc.

2003 Honda Element Price List:

5MT 4AT

Element $23,900 $24,900
Element Y Package $25,600 $26,600
Element Y Package 4WD N/A $28,900

Rugged, basic, accommodating and fun: the all-new 2003 Honda Element is designed to delivers maximum utility in an affordable package for Canadians with active lifestyles.

The 2003 Honda Element was produced to accommodates a new generation of vehicle buyers who seeks room for bulky items such aslike largebig sports gear but doesn'tdon’t want a pickup truck, large SUV or minivan. Wrapped in a compact and durable exterior, Element devours cargo like a champ while offering Honda’s legendary levels of refinement, value, economy and performance. Element’s packaging makes it "road trip capable," campground friendly and adaptable to people on the move - whether it’s from apartment to the lakeocean, downtown to the mountains to dorm, or somewhere in-between.

The Honda Element breaks new ground with its:

The Element is available in two trims:

The Element is anticipated expected to meet the highest collision safety standards achievable for front and side impacts. It uses the latest engine technology to achieve low emissions and good fuel economy. Unlike anything else on the market, the 2003 Honda Element defines its own spot in the entry-level corner of the light truck segment.

Development began in 1998 by a group of young designers and engineers from Honda’s U.S. research and design group, Honda R&D Americas. The team set out to create a vehicle that offers the utility that young, active people seek but can’t quite get in a pickup truck, a large SUV or other vehicle.

Research consisted of formal and informal studies at college campuses, beaches, state parks, mountain bike meccas, campgrounds and extreme sports events. They found the target Element buyer wants SUV-size interior proportions, a flat pickup truck style floor, flexible seating, a rugged exterior, lots of power, and good fuel economy – all at an affordable price. The vehicles they drove always delivered in one or some of those areas, but none provided a well-rounded package with all of these features.

The American-based Honda design team went to work and created the "Model X" concept vehicle that debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was highlighted at a handful of North American auto shows, includingappeared in at the 2001 Salon International de l’Auto de Montréal. The popular concept vehicle became the platform for Element, with the final production version delivering closely on the Model X concept.

Public interest for the Model X concept reached high levels on the auto show circuit. It earned a fast track into production for the 2003 model year, just in time to greet a rapidly emerging generation of new vehicle buyers between the ages of 22 and 32 – the upper spectrum of what is commonly known as Generation Y and the lower spectrum of Generation X.

Honda Canada anticipates the 20- to 34-year-old demographic is expected to account for one- quarter of the vehicle buying public by 2006. Yet whileAlthough Element is designed with "Gen X" and "Gen Y" in mind and is based on the generation’s unique vehicle wants, it’s expected to appeal more to a frame-of-mind (active, youthful) rather than an specific age group.

A Vversatile and durable, worry-free interior combines with a utility floor, vast cargo zone, refined feel and modern trim

Much of the 2003 Honda Element’s functionality comes from an interior designed to support a dynamic and active lifestyle by combining the best traits of a pickup truck, SUV and cargo van. Its wide-open interior space, unique door openings and the overall shape fit a wide variety of sports equipment and large items. Meanwhile, durable seat and floor materials facilitate worry-free operation with no carpeting or delicate fabrics to protect from mud, water or sand, nor the loading of equipment. PlusIn addition, the interior is designed to cleans up easily and quickly.fast.

The interior of the 2003 Honda Element serves four distinct missions:

Key Design Features:

Hard, flat utility floor

Waterproof seating fabric

Versatile seating arrangements (64+)

Bold instrument panel styling

Multiple storage pockets and cargo hooks

Instrument panel-mounted gear shifter

Element is available in two trim levels - the base model ‘Element’ designed for the purchaser buyers to who configure the vehicles exactly to suit their tastes,; and the more fully featured ‘Element Y Package.’. The base model Element, features an AM/FM CD stereo, air conditioning and power mirrors, windows and locks. The Y Package provides popular features, including a premium 270-watt audio unit with subwoofer and inputs for digital audio sources likesuch as an external MP3 player, premium seat fabric and a metallic- accented highly durable floor covering.

The base model Element features the following standard interior equipment:

The Element Y Package adds:

The Element Y Package with Real Time 4WD™ further adds:

Modern Instrument Panel with Retro-style Gauges
The instrument panel and gauges demonstrate a unique styling direction for Honda with both modern and retro cues integrated into a bold exterior colour-coordinated, two-tone instrument panel. Inspired by a 3-D bevelled wristwatch design, the speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature and fuel meters feature a classic design that’s easy to read. The 3-D lens design creates an anti-glare surface.

Heating and air conditioning controls feature large knobs and are glove friendly. The two-tone instrument panel uses blue, silver or green accents coordinated appropriately with the interior colour. The gearshift lever is mounted on the centre of the instrument panel on both automatic and manual transmission models, saving space and creating a sporty feel with quick reaches between the steering wheel and gear shifter.

Seating Versatility
Element’s four seats fold into a variety of positions ranging from a standard upright configuration to completely flat to the rear seats removed. When the seats are upright, Element carries four occupants including the driver. The reclining front seats feature easy-to-clean waterproof material, and seats slide forward and back by a whopping 279 cm (11") to accommodate drivers of all sizes.

The Element Y Package trims adds a driver seat armrest, net pockets on passenger seat and waterproof rear seat fabric (instead of vinyl fabric). The removable flip-up rear seats feature a 50/50 split and recline independently. To facilitate cargo, the seats fold up and latch to the side with carabiner hooks or can be removed completely. All seats fold down to create a "lounge," which is just right for snoozing. The space between the front seats allows for a "walk- through" between front and rear seats when the vehicle is stationary.

Urethane-coated Coated Utility Floor
Designed to be "worry-free," the pick-up style floor is constructed of Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) Topcoat™, a highly scratch resistant yet grippy material and is coated with urethane for extra toughness. The material performs well against the sharp edges of snowboards, bikes and other gear. The utility floor can be swept with a broom or wiped out with a wet cloth. The floor is water resistant, making it easy to clean up spills. Great care has been taken to isolate all low mounted electronics from moisture. The spare tire is located underneath the floor behind the rear seats. The square cover for the spare tire (1057 x 747 x 660 mm, L x W x H) can be used as a table when removed by adding Honda Accessory table legs. (** Do we want to say this? CR-V table **)

Equipment Hauling Targets
Designed to accommodate a wide variety of lifestyle modules and hold them firmly in place with a system of six cargo hooks, Element interior engineers bench-marked the following large sports gear and apartment/dorm room basic household items. Some items can fit underneath the seats and still carry a full passenger load, while others require reclining or re-configuring the seats. If more storage is needed, an accessory roof rack is available.

10- ft. Surfboard – 3048 x 610 x 69 mm (120.0 x 24.0 x 2.7 in.)
Mountain Bike – 1778 x 610 x 998 mm (70.0 x 24.0 x 39.3 in.)
Snowboard – 1499 mm (59.0 in.)
Snow Skis – 1880 mm (74.0 in.)
Extra Large Hockey Bag – 1021 x 521 x 439 mm (40.2 x 20.5 x 17.3 in.)
27" TV – 630 x 790 x 701 mm (24.8 x 31.1 x 27.6 in.)
Bookcase – 300 x 920 x 1219 mm (11.8 x 36.2 x 48.0 in.)
Computer Desk – 500 x 1021 x 1501 mm (19.7 x 40.2 x 59.1 in.)
Extra Large Foot Locker – 1090 x 531 x 640 mm (42.9 x 20.9 x 25.2 in.)

The high-output audio system in the Element with Y Package delivers dynamic, rich, loud sound and features: AM/FM tuner, CD player, auxiliary audio input for MP3 or digital devices, seven speakers including one Dynamic Linear Phase (DLP) 6.5-inch subwoofer located in the bottom centre of the instrument panel, all powered by a 270-wWatt amplifier. The DLP technology allows the 6.5-inch subwoofer to produce sound similar to a 10-inch subwoofer. Subwoofer response can be adjusted. For By comparison,s sake, the bass is eight- times louder than a Civic Si coupe audio system (which does not have a subwoofer).

The base Element features a standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, 4 speakers and a roof-mounted antenna. An accessory multi-media player is available from dealerships capable of playing Windows™ format and MP3 music files.

Plenty of Storage
Numerous storage bins and cupholders provide places for cell phones, CDs, super-size drinks and wet clothing. Storage areas include: five cupholders;, low-profile floor console tray between the front seats in the pass through;, a large three-bin tray above the glove box (perfect for cell phones and PDAs);, an overhead storage bin designed to hold a CD wallet (Y Package);, seat back net storage on back of the driver’s seat (Y Package accessory);, six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear;, and door storage pockets on all four doors and behind the rear seats. The space occupied by the instrument panel-mounted subwoofer on Y Package models is utilized as a storage bin on base models.

Air Conditioning
Element’s heating and cooling system features high volume air output for quick cool down and large vents that minimize the loud "rushing air" noise that some systems create. The large vent design allows for high airflow with low wind noise and 360 degrees of flow direction control. The air conditioning unit has been optimized for ultra-quickfast interior cooling down.

Eight-disc CD changer (Y Package only)
Cassette player (base Element only)
All season floor mats
Carpet floor mats
Rear cargo tray
Neoprene seat covers
Armrest
Interior trim panels (metallic and blue)
Steering wheel cover
Skylight sunshade
Cargo net
Cargo cover
Tailgate seat back
Privacy curtain
Interior bike attachment
Table leg kit
Seat bBack nNet

Hard-body truck styling with composite body panels provides rugged and functional exterior.

Overview
Element body styling centrescenters on a bold two-tone theme with integrated composite body panels that will stand up to more wear and tear than a typical paint job. The composite body panels provide a worry-free place to lean things like bikes or snowboards without jeopardizing the paint finish on body sides. The side cargo doors are free of a B-pillar to provide easy loading of equipment.

In its early concept stages, a lifeguard station formed the design inspiration for the Element’s general shape with upright angles and the arched roof follows the curve of a surfboard. The design evolved into a rugged two-box SUV shape with traits developed to support a young, active lifestyle. With its wide opening side cargo doors, rear tailgate, large interior and durable body panels, Element provides the right features to operate as a base camp and a general hang-out spot. Open the doors and the Element becomes multi-functional. Lean stuff against the sides. Sit on the tailgate or "sidegate." Stand out of the rear skylight when stationary. The options are much greater than a typical SUV, truck or car – or anything currently on the market.

The cargo doors are designed for maximum utility and easy load-in with a best-in-class opening size of 1410 mm (55.5" in). Because the Element does not have a B-pillar (the pillar mounted vertically between the top and the bottom of the vehicle in the middle) loading boxes and other bulky items is much easier than a traditional four- or two-door design. From a safety standpoint, the deletion of the B-pillar is compensated for with a reinforced vertical beam in the structure of the rear door, reinforced lower side sills, and floor and roof cross members. When shut, the base of the doors connects tightly to the body side sill with a hook and catcher system. Overall, the design is anticipated to achieve a five-star side-impact rating, the highest possible from the U.S. Government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The side cargo doors feature an "interlock" safety lever to insure that the front doors always open first. Rear passengers can reach forward and open the front door to exit the vehicle if nobody is in the passenger seat. All seat belts have been specially constructed into the design of the vehicle to not interfere with door functionality. The front doors offer 3-position opening, and can reach an opening angle of up to 78 degrees. The rear doors use a forged steel gooseneck hinge and can open at an angle up to 90 degrees.

Composite Body Panels
Composite body panels are used as fenders to guard against scratches and create a two-tone look. Base Element models receive a standard gray surface while the Y Package features composite body panels to add a metallic-look. Constructed of polypropylene and featuring no paint, the

panels are useful for leaning equipment and gear against the vehicle sides. The fuel access door, located on the driver side rear fender, opens manually like a traditional truck instead of by a remote lever – a unique feature among all current Honda automotive products.

Clamshell Tailgate
The rear tailgate drops down pickup truck style with the lower section forming a continuous surface with the interior cargo area when open. Perfect for tailgate parties, the tailgate can seat hold two 100- kg (220- lb.s.) people. (when the vehicle is parked, of course). The glass upper part of the tailgate hinges from the top of the roof, opening up and out of the way. The long overhang provides shelter from rain, sun and snow -– a useful feature for loading equipment during inclement weather.

Removable Rear Skylight with Tilt
Element Y Package models equipped with Real Time 4WD feature a rear skylight that tilts up and can be removed. Measuring approximately 508 x 762 mm (20" x 30" in.), the skylight conveniently stores in a soft-shell case behind the rear seats on top of the floor. It accommodates ventilation, hauling tall objects and sleeping under the stars among other things.

Element incorporates extensive noise absorption materials and vibration control technology to provide a quiet, refined driving experience. At 100 km/h, Element registers a 65-decibel reading, similar or better than other vehicles in this price range. Road noise due to rough pavement is also minimized.

Xenoy Rear Bumpers
Element’s rear bumper uses a highly efficient and resilient internal material called Xenoy in place of standard foam. Capable of absorbing more energy per stroke, this material helps achieve a short rear overhang and reduce rear impact costs. Element is the first Honda product to incorporate a Xenoy rear bumper.

Hood protector
Rooftop carrier (e.g. bikes, snowboards, skis, etc.)
Side steps
Tailgate deflector
Trailer hitch
Rear bumper trim
Fog lights
Door visor
Front and rear splash guard kit
Aluminum wheels
Exhaust finisher
Security system
Keyless entry

Satin Silver
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Eternal Blue Pearl
Sunset Orange Pearl
Galapagos Green Metallic

Composite Body Panel Colours
Metallic Dark Gray (Y Package)
Dark Gray (base Element)

Element’s engine provides a balance of high power and torque, good fuel economy and low emissions.

The Element powertrain uses Honda’s latest engine, transmission and emissions technology to achieve quick acceleration, good fuel economy and meet strict LEV II - LEV emission criteria. Two transmission choices are available: a standard 5-speed manual and an available 4-speed automatic. Honda’s Real Time 4WD™ system is available on Y Package models and comes equipped with a 4-speed automatic.

2.4-Litre i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine
The dual-overhead cam i-VTEC engine delivers 160- horsepower and 161- lb.-ft. of torque. The i-VTEC system (the "i" stands for "intelligent") combines Honda’s patented VTEC system (Variable Valve Timing and lift Electronic Control) with Honda’s cam position-adjusting VTC system (Variable Timing Control) to enhance low rpm RPM torque while extending high rpm RPM horsepower. This potent system gives the engine a broad torque curve that starts early at low RPMs, similar to a larger displacement engine with more cylinders, while still delivering high revving horsepower.

i-VTEC = VTEC + VTC
Most modern engine designs produce either high horsepower and low torque or low horsepower and high torque, or a bland variation of the two. Honda’s i-VTEC-equipped engines solve this dilemma, delivering both high horsepower and high torque. The combination of conventional VTEC technology with VTC provides the engine with strong low- and mid-range punch as well as a robust high end by adjusting the opening and closing of cylinder head valves while the engine is operating. To accomplish this, the i-VTEC "intelligent" valve timing system adjusts and optimizes camshaft duration (VTEC) and timing (VTC) as the engine transitions from low-speed to high-speed operation. Controlled via a computer and hydraulically activated, i-VTEC constantly evaluates engine load, rpm, throttle position and other factors to adjust the phase and duration of the camshaft. Element’s i-VTEC systems operate with a two-rocker configuration on the intake camshaft. The exhaust camshaft is not i-VTEC-controlled.

Another benefit of VTC is the internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) effect created by the valve overlap. Internal EGR reduces pumping losses and eliminates the need for a separate EGR valve. The i-VTEC cylinder head is made of pressure cast aluminum alloy. Its four-valve per cylinder design has double overhead camshafts activated by a silent chain drive to ensure extremely precise control of the cam phasing. The VTEC system is comprised of the following primary components: VTEC rocker arm, VTEC spool valve and computer controlled VTEC hydraulic actuator. Similarly, the VTC system is comprised of the following primary components: computer-controlled VTC hydraulic actuator, VTC spool valve and cam sensor. Depending on conditions, VTC can vary the phasing of the intake cam (change its position relative to the crankshaft) by +/- 25 degrees in infinite increments. VTC activation is accomplished hydraulically via a spool valve that sends high-pressure oil to passages in an actuator located in the cam’s drive sprocket.

Range of i-VTEC Operations:

Exhaust System
Element uses a rear-mounted high-flow exhaust system with one under-floor catalytic converter to minimize tailpipe emissions. By mounting the exhaust manifold on the rear side of the engine,

the distance from the combustion chamber to the catalytic converter can be reduced. This minimizes the time before the catalytic converter reaches operating temperature. The catalytic converter applies two ceramic bricks of 900 cell and 600 cell construction. The muffler is aesthetically hidden from view, and the tailpipe exit has a clean, integrated look.

Five-speed Manual Transmission
The five-speed manual transmission features a lightweight and rigid aluminum die-cast housing. Multi-cone synchronizers used on first through fourth gears contribute to a smooth, fluid shift feel while reducing throw distances. Inside, the instrument panel-mounted shift lever facilitates quick, direct gear changes.

The four-speed automatic transmission delivers exceptional smoothness, economy and intuitive shift points. Features include Honda’s lockup torque converter for efficiency and power and Grade Logic Control for less gear hunting. The automatic’s gearshift lever is a console-style unit mounted on the centre of the instrument panel within quick reach of the driver.

Available on the Element Y Package and paired with the 4-speed automatic transmission, the Real Time 4WD system delivers added traction in snow, rain, mud and sand -– especially on steep slopes and rutted dirt roads. Real Time 4WD sends power to the rear wheels when the primary front-wheel-drive system experiences slippage. The system consists of a power take off (PTO) from the transmission that distributes torque to a propeller shaft that runs to the rear differential. The rear differential contains two internal hydraulic pumps – one driven by the propeller shaft and one driven by the rear wheels -– that circulate fluid through an internal multi-plate clutch system. When wheel slippage occurs, the flow rate is greater from the propeller shaft pump and forces the clutches to progressively engage, sending up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear wheels in slick conditions and 30 percent in dry conditions. The system operates automatically and only when needed, requiring no intervention on behalf of the driver to activate. It offers significant fuel efficiency and packaging advantages over conventional four-wheel-drive systems that use bulky, heavy running gear and rarely see heavy-duty off-road use.

Rugged chassis with excellent handling dynamics and low floor.

Overview
Built on Honda’s versatile Global Compact Platform, Element utilizes a rugged chassis that supports a wide suspension and a low, flat floor. Element features a firm and well dampened ride that targets high stability and an overall fun-to-drive feel. The firm steering tuning ensures a connected feel to the road, while an ultra-tight turning radius provides incredible low speed manoeuvrability. A toe-control link independent strut front suspension and a compact double wishbone rear suspension deliver sure-footed handling. Element’s suspension design facilitates light-duty off-road use.

Structurally similar to the 2003 CR-V, Element is slightly bigger in every exterior dimension except for length. Main chassis differences include 16-inch wheels (vs. 15-inch wheels for the CR-V), a slightly wider track, a compact rear damper, a lower floor height and structural adjustments to allow for no B-pillar construction. While the design and shape of components appear similar, chassis dimensions have been adjusted to provide a wider track and lower floor.

Braking System
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard equipment on all models with 282 mm (11.1" in) ventilated front discs and 282 mm (11.1" in) solid rear discs. Element Y Package models add an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The EBD system enhances braking performance on dry and wet surfaces by adjusting the front and rear braking force to compensate for factors related to passenger load and cargo positioning.

The toe-control link independent strut front suspension delivers quick, responsive handling by maximizing each front tire’s contact patch with the road throughout the range of suspension travel. Since Element has a wide track compared to other products in the Global Compact Platform family, control arms and related components are larger. The rear compact double wishbone suspension provides a smooth ride with crisp and predictable handling by letting the tires move slightly rearward over bumps. A compact rear damper and spring assembly is used to facilitate the low, flat floor. Front and rear stabilizer bars are used to enhance cornering ability.

Element tracks straight using the latest steering box technology from Honda. Similar to systems used on larger vehicles, the Element’s power steering features internal dampening valves to reduce kickback over potholes, bumps or while off the beaten path. It also provides a smooth and natural "on-centre" feel when the vehicle is on slightly crowned highway stretches, adding to long distance driving comfort. Another benefit of this system is the high level of responsiveness, making for a sporty feel with a short delay time between driver steering input and response. Element has an ultra tight turning radius of 10.4 m (34.2 ft).

The 2003 Element rides on 16 x 16.5-inch, five-bolt pattern wheels and P215/70R16 99S tires. Silver-painted steel wheels with a black centre cap are standard on base models. Silver alloy wheels are standard equipment on Y Package models. The tire package provides a great balance of all weather performance, fuel economy, comfort, noise and wear characteristics.

High levels of safety with smart-linked body structure and advanced technology.

Overview
Element is expected to meet or exceed the highest rankings possible for government front and side impact safety tests (five stars) and the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal offset crash tests (good performance). To accomplish this, a smart-linked unibody structure is used that is designed to progressively absorb energy and isolate the passenger cabin from forces. The lack of a B-pillar is compensated for by a network of cross members, door braces and the use of high-tensile steel, and a hook and catcher system to protect the cabin just as well as if it had a B-pillar.

Inside, the supplemental restraint system features standard dual-stage driver’s and passenger’s front airbags and the LATCH system for installing child seats. Front seat belts feature dual pre-tensioners that pull the lap and shoulder belts toward the occupant in the event of a collision.