The new Honda Accord has landed and I’m not exaggerating when I say that it’s a honey - on looks alone, it knocks spots off most of its rivals. The sculpted panels and muscular form combine to make this a very cool looking car. Aesthetically, it mightn’t be too far away from the outgoing Accord but it definitely looks edgier and more aggressive.
The tested model was the 2.0 EX i-VTEC, powered by a calmed-down and less extreme version of the same 2-litre VTEC in the Honda S2000; a car that I’d been testing the week before. This isn’t to say that the Accord lacks enthusiasm; it’s just been tuned to deliver it in a different way – there’s plenty of torque right up to sixth gear but no sudden power-bands; simply smooth, refined build.
The interior is airy, modern and relaxing – virtually all the good ergonomic qualities of the previous car have been retained but mounted on more visually pleasing instrument and control panels. Seats are comfortable and supportive and all of the switch and stowage mechanisms are slick. Passenger head and leg-room are impressive whilst visibility of the instruments, displays and your surroundings are all perfect. Road and wind noise is virtually non-existent, providing a cosseted feeling to the interior.
The EX trim level comes with all sorts of great features; heated front seats, automatic headlights and rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and front and rear parking sensors. Options include an Advanced Navigation pack (includes a really slick voice recognition system, rear parking camera, Bluetooth and a fantastic audio system) and Advanced Driver Assist System (includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Keep Assist).
The driving experience is exceptionally good; handling is predictable and sure-footed, the power-to-weight ratio is just right and everything feels tight and manageable. The set-up feels perfect - driver feedback couldn‘t be better. Torque is available in abundance from the nicely revving petrol motor and the 6-speed manual transmission in the tested car was spot on. 0-60 is dealt with in just over 9 seconds and the maximum speed is 134 MPH. Combined fuel economy is a thoroughly respectable 39.2 MPG.
There was very little wrong with the outgoing Honda Accord; a well-proven and reliable family car and executive steed; the Accord has been around for a while. This is what Honda‘s good at – they don‘t change stuff just for the sake of it, their cars improve and evolve with each generation.There‘s no point in messing with things that have taken time to perfect. Not only the perception of quality but the actual build quality of the car has improved, the looks are stunning and the cabin comfort is superb. This is one of the best cars that I‘ve driven and it‘s certainly among the best value for money.
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