What they said when the Honda Accord was new… (Jul 20 2003)
WHAT we're all waiting for in the new Accord is Honda's first diesel engine, due in the autumn, but meanwhile it's worth checking out what has been done with the latest generation of the sports saloon.
Well, it's bigger, for a start, creating some much desired extra room in the cabin. Only some, mind - the extra length comes in the overhang (increasing crash protection) and the wheelbase remains unchanged. But additional width and height pays off, and there have been some beneficial cabin design changes.
More telling are the build advances and the improved refinement of a car which has to compete with the likes of Saab and Volvo.
Although built in Japan, the new Accord had a lot of European input in its development. Certainly it has benefitted in driveability.
There's a wider track, torsional rigidity is up by 17 per cent and bending stiffness by 13 per cent. Add in suspension adjustments and the car is sharp to handle, the 2.4 Executive version on test throwing in Vehicle Stability Assist.
With its sporty nature, the Accord is not experienced at its best at slow speeds on roadworked town surfaces, but elsewhere it flows nicely and relishes challenges.
All models except the 2.0 SE have hydraulic power-assisted steering and responses are crisp, though it's a little lacking in feel.
Honda has put in a lot of work on noise suppression and there was a pleasant purr from the 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine, which, nevertheless, could deliver a nice snort through the two chrome tailpipes when you pushed hard on the drive-by-wire throttle.
The engine certainly has fair punch, with 220Nm of pulling power available and with a manual transmission the 0-62mph sprint time is 7.9 seconds.
The car I had was fitted with a five-speed auto box with sequential shift option, and that slowed things up a little. It also knocked the economy and upped the CO2 levels, but it is a seamless system and relaxing.
The lack of engine - and wind - noise does have one drawback in that it emphasises the drum off the road, a familiar Honda trait.
That apart, the Accord's new cabin is a good place to be. The test Executive model was dressed in black, both the leather upholstery and the soft-touch plastics, relieved by metal touches and the centre console wood effect. An ivory colour scheme is an alternative.
It's a restrained, stylish look in an Audi-ish sort of way, and with a touch screen for satellite navigation, zonal climate control and radio/CD player, the number of traditional buttons is kept to a minimum. Audio controls also feature on the steering wheel as well as all the cruise control operations. Full m
The new seating is comfortable and supportive, sporty and low slung. Electronic multi adjustment and reach and rake variation of the steering column ensure a fine driving position.
The sliding central armrest flips up to reveal a tray and good-sized container and there are twin drink holders front and back. But in-car storage is generally moderate. The boot, too, could be better. It's long but wheel arches and the rear suspension eat into the width, while a high lip hinders loading.
The grouses, I should say, are minor ones and the Accord is a good-driving car that is coolly-attractive to look at, with its broad shouldered stance and the high-powered wrap-around front lights the pick of its features.
Top-class safety measures - including curtain airbags - and Honda's renowned reliability, engineering and build qualities and residual values make the Accord an attractive proposition for both businessmen and families.
Words: John Scantlebury
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