Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Consumer's Eye

Ridgeline's windshield is heated

Automaker says feature was included as standard to help shorter drivers.

By Anita Lienert / Special to The Detroit News

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All of the hoopla surrounding the 2006 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck has focused on the lockable trunk in its bed -- an industry first.

But the Ridgeline has other consumer-friendly features that shouldn't be overlooked.

One of the best is a standard heated windshield, a feature that buyers typically only see on more expensive vehicles. Honda Motor Co. said it included the feature so that short men and women won't have to struggle to reach the windshield to scrape it in the winter.

The windshield's heating element is invisible -- located at the bottom of the windshield and hidden by the instrument panel -- so you aren't looking at the kinds of lines you see on a rear-window defroster.

Temperature sensors turn on the heating element when the temperature hits 39 degrees, well before you get to any freezing conditions. The device keeps the windshield wipers warm and pliable. It's automatic, too, so you don't have to press a button or throw a switch to get it to work.

"We were concerned that people wouldn't use it correctly," said Jim Keller, Ridgeline's assistant large project leader for design. "We didn't want to give them another button to worry about."

It is possible for consumers to get vehicle accessories that heat the windshield, but I like the idea of a factory-installed version. That way, everything is in place when you pick up the car and you've got the backing of the warranty as well.

Another cool feature on the Ridgeline is a "vortex generator" on top of the side mirrors. Don't be fooled by the fancy name. It's nothing more than little plastic ridges molded on top of the mirrors. As the air flows across the mirror, the ridges help to redirect the flow away from the windows.

"We were playing around in the wind tunnel and put some clay on the tops of the mirrors to see what would happen," Keller explained. "The ridges help to hold down wind noise and keep the cabin quieter."

You can reach Anita Lienert at ConsEye@aol.com.