Combining the safety and space found in side-by-sides with the nimble handling and narrow footprint of an ATV, the Pioneer 520 UTV is described as a compact, versatile and powerful allrounder.
Succeeding the Pioneer 500, and sitting below the existing Pioneer 700, the longitudinally mounted four-stroke 518cc engine in the 520 is paired to a new five-speed transmission (automatic, semi-auto and manual modes).
The compact dimensions (1.27m wide x 2.66m long) and independent double-wishbone suspension setup (14.7cm and 14.9cm suspension travel front and rear respectively) not only allow the 520 to tackle tough ground and heavy cargo, says Honda, but also helps operators precisely negotiate narrow farm gates and spaces where larger UTV’s struggle.
The two-seater is capable of towing 454kg loads and the 520’s overall load capacity is 658kg. The 73.5cm long x 98.2cm wide x 24.8cm high gas-assisted tilting rear bed is designed to carry loads of up to 204kg. Folding flush with the floor, when open, the tailgate integrates four cup-holders and somewhere to sit on a work break.
Comfort and control has been increased by re-tuning the shock absorber damping, whilst the rear dampers have adjustable preload, allowing ride height to be adjusted to match the rear bed’s load.
The tread design and deeper blocks on the new and harder-wearing (24×8-12 front/24×10-12 rear) all-terrain tyres is said to result in improved grip on loose and wet surfaces. The front brakes comprise dual hydraulic callipers that grip on to 200mm discs, while the rear brake comprises a single hydraulic calliper on a 170mm disc.
The bench-style seat inside the cab comes with separate headrests and three-point seat belts. Available now, the Pioneer 520 costs £9,200 (exc. VAT).
