Honda Accord charms with style, comfort

"Change the power, change the style, Change the rules" is the tag line from the marketing strong arm of Honda Corporation to smooth in the eighth generation Honda Accord.

Few vehicles over the past three decades have earned as much respect worldwide as the Honda Accord.

It hasn't achieved this by being particularly sporty, glamorous or provocative.

Instead, it has, every year in a continuously improving cycle, offered what most people want out of their daily transportation; in fact, more than 15 million Accords have been sold in the 30 years since the model was first unveiled in 1976.

Take any Accord for a test drive, and you'll find it comfortable, roomy, intelligently engineered and easy to drive. Research it, and you'll find it backed by an extra-solid reputation for reliability, a guaranteed strong resale value and a profound emphasis on safety.

Did someone say boring? I doubt that word would cross the mind of anyone who has seen the new Accord!

Still, one can hardly blindly believe the pumped-up marketing motto of a mega-corporation that produces 14 million engines every year, and that manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, scooters, robots, jet engines, ATV, water craft, electrical generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment, and aeronautical and other mobile technologies.

These guys might just take over the world one day, and find a way to make it run efficiently within a year or two.

You can tell I'm not a fan of large corporations, but I am a Honda fan! And the new Accord is a beautiful car all-round. The vehicle is now even more luxurious - an attractive and comfortable sedan with a sporty and luxurious image and enhanced fundamental performance.

How do you like the idea of a trusty engine that can go from fire-breathing 270 horsepower to running on only three cylinders when simply cruising at mid-speed?

Or how about a transmission that can automatically lock third gear through a turn, not allowing a sluggish up-shift or a brusque down-shift, so that full control is maintained on the curve entry, through the curve, and with ready acceleration on the exit to the straight? That's using the old noodle, Honda!

And those are just a few of the innovations that rock the new Accord.

From the outside the look is fresh, modern and sporty. It's a very elegant car, no doubt. I loved the bold line that runs along the side, just below the door handles; I think that single-handedly makes the car stand out.

The optional rear spoiler is also a nice touch - not too bat-winged, not too loud or crass, just an understated reminder of what speeds this vehicle is capable of.

The front I wasn't too enthused by, but that's just a matter of preference: I felt it remained a bit boxy, but the overall lines are superb, especially along the hood line up to the rear mirror.

Spacious and graceful

Jump inside and it's roomy, elegant and just perfect. The wider body size and lower floor have enabled Honda engineers to create a spacious cabin space while maintaining the Accord's sporty appearance - very well worked.

The dashboard is tilted forward, which is unusual but conveniently adds to the sense of freedom. Controls and gauges were placed so precisely that I wonder if Honda had secretly got hold of my measurements and built this one just for me!

The sound system was excellent, with Speed-SVC that automatically adjusts the volume in relation to the speed - not that there was any infiltrating noise; the smoothness was superb! - and at the same time the audio quality delivered from my "testdrive CD" was ambitiously clear.

Apparently the 17-inch Kevlar cone speakers are responsible for that exceptional sonic reproduction quality.

The rear seats were just as good as the front, and the Accord could easily be used as a business-class road limousine. Very good visibility from all seats combine with highly refined acceleration, cornering and braking performance, and Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system for a high level of active safety.

Collision safety is based on Honda's original G-Force Control technology, along with advanced seatbelts and pedestrian protection technology to provide a high level of passive safety too.

Additionally, above-average fuel efficiency and clean emissions as well as a high proportion of recyclable parts and materials give the new Accord advanced environmental performance.

But I felt it was in two areas that the Accord really excelled.

Firstly, the new Accord features sportier dynamic performance than its predecessor even though it is larger.

This is due to the manufacturing process utilising high-tensile strength steel panels that help reduce weight even while achieving higher body rigidity, combined with an improved double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that help keep the roll centre close to the centre of gravity, suppressing roll angle and helping provide stable cornering feel.

The result is a startling dynamic drive, for a family or business sedan which is trespassing into the luxury segment. The car is responsive and fast, especially the 3.5-litre engine model.

The second feature that really caught my attention, as introduced above, is the fabulous powertrain. The Accord's variable steering gear ratio (VGR) contributes to more responsive steering that faithfully translates the driver's intention and complements the energy and progression of the engine-gear unit perfectly.

The five-speed automatic transmission features suppressed shift shock for smooth, seamless acceleration, and that jewel of an engine is both suave and sprinty.

Honda's original i-VTEC technology achieves optimal intake and exhaust performance for powerful dynamic performance in all driving conditions.

The Accord's 2.4-litre L4 engine delivers 178 horsepower, while the 3.5-litre V6 engine delivers 271 horsepower of exhilarating power. The 3.5-litre V6 also features Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) which can run on all six cylinders, only four, or even glide along seamlessly on only three.

I believe this system offers an optimal balance between the performance that drivers crave and sometimes need, and the enhanced fuel efficiency that our wallets and our natural environment demand.

And if you are as sceptical as I am, let me tell you that you can hardly tell how many cylinders are firing at any particular time - it's completely behind-the-scenes. Smart.

Overall, I found the new Accord offers a sporty dynamic performance with a premium ride comfort. It is agile and safe. And economical. Comfortable and ... well, try it out yourself: quick, before another 15 million units are sold!