Think urban, and you think Element. Since its debut three years ago as a 2004 model, the Element has always had a gritty, urban appeal. For an SUV, it’s cool, arguably, one of the most successful marketing plays by an automaker – with a new vehicle – so quite some time. Consider: it’s a boxy SUV, loaded with plastic cladding and with a rubber sole interior. Now it’s really urban, thanks to the debut of the Honda Element SC – a gamer-gone-to-heaven Element to be offered as a newly designed variant of the existing Element. The most noticeable changes are fully painted plastic panels, which is now standard on all 2006 Elements, but a big change from 2005 to 2006. Other upgrades include a lowered stance – 3 inches – with a sport suspension that delivers what Honda says is “sports car-like handling” a front and rear body kit, projector beam headlights and a black grille. Inside, the cabin is dressed with copper accents and hues, and offers a more driver-centric instrument panel, featuring backlit LEDs. Also new are enclosed storage areas, designed for mp3 players and cell phones. Under the hood, the Element SC has a 2.4-liter engine that generates 10 more horsepower, up to 166. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the Element SC, though an automatic transmission will be offered. The Element SC, which will be available later this year, rides on 21-inch wheels. Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler
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About Brian Chee
Prior to joining Autobytel in the Spring of 2000, Brian Chee spent 15 years as a writer and editor in his native southern California, his work appearing in a wide variety of regional newspapers and online publications. As an editor at Autobytel, Brian has been quoted in numerous regional and national publications, including the Wall St. Journal and InStyle Magazine. He is responsible for writing, editing and planning content for three of the company’s consumer websites: autobytel.com, autoweb.com and carsmart.com. His “beat” includes vehicle reviews, features, news and Auto Show coverage. Brian considers himself a “SoCal” car enthusiast: the kind who grades a car on how it handles today’s urban and suburban reality of daily traffic gridlock, rising fuel prices and fast-paced lifestyles. Brian is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Automotive Press Association, the Motor Press Guild, and the California State University Advisory Board for Internet Writing. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism.
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