By Peter Hill

AS A leading supplier of quad bikes to farmers and rural enterprises, it has long been anticipated that Honda would join other ATV makers in entering the market for side-by-side ATVs.

Now, it has done so with a two-model range, the Pioneer, with seating for two to four and powered by a 675cc petrol engine developing 36hp. With side-by-side ATVs continuing to gain ground on quad bike sales, Honda’s entry is understandable.

The Pioneer is clearly aimed at the sportier, more leisure-orientated end of the side-by-side spectrum, more akin to the Arctic Cat, Quadzilla Tracker and Yamaha Viking than the Kawasaki Mule, Kioti Mechron and Kubota RTV, with their more restrained styling and relatively frugal diesel engines.

But it can still perform a useful role as personal transport for attending to game in the woods, or sheep and cattle on distant pastures, without mucking up the sward or rutting tracks, as a tractor or pick-up would.

Weighing in at 574kg for the two-seater and 639kg for the four-seater convertible version, the Pioneer 700 tips the scales at about the same as its counterparts, with 582kg of payload capacity available for people and materials.

Honda puts the capacity of the tipping cargo box of both versions – which is assisted by a hydraulic strut – at 386kg and a towing capability of 680kg. More unusual is a convertible cargo box option of the Pioneer 700-4, which sits on the same wheelbase as the standard model but has two individual flip up seats to accommodate another one, or two passengers in the back.

This arrangement is not unlike the extra seats found in the back of a mid-large SUV, since there is a usable flat floor when the Honda’s chairs are folded away. If extra bods need to be transported, then the seats are readily available, together with safety belts and wide-opening access doors in the side of the load box.

Selectable two- and four-wheel drive is par for the class and the auto transmission runs the vehicles to a sprightly top speed of 42mph where the terrain allows. A three-speed transmission propels the vehicles, with ‘true’ engine braking promised to make steep descents a more relaxed affair,

At present, there is no road legal option for the Pioneer, which is priced at £11,500 for the two-seater and £12,625 for the four-seat version.

New Scottish dealer

GORD0N AGRI of Drymen has recently been appointed Honda ATV dealers for the Stirling, Glasgow and surrounding areas, writes Ken Fletcher.

The business will now sell the full range of Honda ATVs from the high-powered Rincon 680, through to the Foreman 500, mid-size Fourtrax 420, the compact Fourtrax 250 and the kiddies machine, the Sportrax 90. Also on the sales books will be the new Pioneer side-by-side vehicle in two and four-seater configurations.

Damian Butterworth, from Honda UK, commented: “We are pleased to appoint Gordon Agri Scotland to represent Honda in the west central Scotland area. They bring a professional dynamic and will serve the existing and new customers well."

Steven and David Gordon added: “As an established ATV dealer in this area we look forward to securing the continued custom of Honda ATV users. It’s an exciting time for our company, as the Honda brand is universally regarded as the No1 in the industry, so it’s a real honor to represent them.”