After all, it was only 12 years ago that we saw the first Honda Legend, powered by a 2.5 litre V6 that set new levels of smooth and quiet performance, and with overall refinement that forced us to rethink our attitudes to Japanese cars.

Legend has now moved into its third generation, similar in size to its predecessor but looking bigger with its broader- shouldered styling, though some have criticised the lack of change to its appearance.

Honda has obviously adopted the `evolution before revolution' philosophy which avoids a car looking old before its time, and of course Legend Mk III maintains the theme of discrete luxury inside with walnut panelling and all-leather trim which is Australian grown and produced Howe leather, exported under contract to Honda

Having met the new model briefly on its release - in a dealer demonstrator - I was not surprised by the steering wheel's habit of automatically lifting away for easier entry and exit, returning to its memorised position when the ignition key is inserted.

Standard equipment includes cruise control, automatic climate control, a power sunroof and 8-speaker stereo with a 6-disc CD changer in a compartment of the console.

In pursuit of lower Noise-Vibration-Harshness levels, Honda uses honeycomb-construction floor panels which to reduce roadnoise, while double-layered body panels help create the relaxed ambience expected of a luxury saloon, but Legend also offers driving enjoyment.

The longitudinally mounted new 3.5 litre V6 drives the front wheels through a 4-speed auto with "Grade Logic Control", which I recall initially raised fears of a `thinking' self-changer that might be slow making up its mind.

However, it just means that the transmission downchanges when descending slopes for better control, and the shift lever is in a `gated' slot that makes it easy to use like a manual if desired.

During my initial brief encounter with this new model, a solitary check on fuel consumption yielded a figure of 12.9 L/100km (22mpg), yet on this occasion the first of three refills saw a figure of 15.1 L/100km (18.8mpg). But with my right foot brought under restraint the next two were identical...exactly 12.9 L/100, as before, so we'll assume that to be the average.

Double-wishbone suspension at all four corners endows the big Honda with a sumptuous ride at no great cost to handling. It is actually quite lively and responsive to driver input at lower speeds for a car of this size, but as speed rises it remains more limousine than sportscar.

The first Legend seemed almost revolutionary when it appeared, but while 12 years is hardly a blink in automotive history, Honda now looks to be following its own theory of evolution quite comfortably.