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Mid-size motoring according to Honda

By Ghaith Madadha - Sep 15,2014 - Last updated at Sep 15,2014

Often perceived as the thinking man’s mass market auto maker, Honda is a safe pair of hands maker that is at the same time often subtly sporty and highly innovative, and enjoys a dedicated clientele. Launched as a 2013 model year, the latest generation Accord is a spacious, easy-to-drive and thoroughly sensible mid-size saloon with understatedly handsome appeal.

Though a mildly face-lifted version has already begun appearing in some regional markets, a recent test drive of the soon-to-be-outgoing model’s zippy engine, direct driving experience and ergonomics make it still one of the few standout cars in a rather grey, functional and uninspired automotive segment.

 

Understated elegance

 

Not one for extravagant, wild or overstated aggressive or futuristic designs that are betrayed by dull driving and cramped interiors, the Honda Accord is, however, a handsome, refined, and understated design. Smart and practical in execution, the Accord’s big glasshouse provides good visibility and cabin space. Its big rear lights are easy to see; its large boot is accommodating; and its side mirrors extended away from the body for better aerodynamics.

Sized at 225/50R17, the Accord’s footwear looks suitably large in proportion to its body in terms of aesthetics, but are also compromised well to deliver the right amount of road feel, grip and suppleness over road imperfections.

An evolutionary design, the Accord’s elegantly flowing lines are tighter, sharper, and more detailed and designed. With deeper lower air intake wider at the bottom and prominent lower bumper ridges, recessed foglights subtly raised bonnet and deep twin ascending flank crease lines — at door handle and sill levels — the wide Accord has a subtly athletic presence and eager stance on the road. 

Twin chrome slats and thicker chrome grille outline and L-shaped lower lighting elements lend the Accord’s fascia an uncluttered, understated, clean and classy appeal. Smooth and flowing sportily into the rear deck, the Accord’s silhouette, however, doesn’t sacrifice space or functionality.

 

Smooth spinning

 

Smooth and revvy, the Honda Accord’s 16-valve variable-timing 2.4-litre, transverse, 4-cylinder engine develops 173BHP at 6,200rpm and 166lb/ft at 4,000rpm, and mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, should return 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.8-seconds or less and a top speed of around 226km/h.

Refined in operation, the Accord’s four-pot engine is progressive in nature, but once one approaches near its maximum torque point, it becomes noticeably livelier. Once revved into its high sweet spot the Accord’s 2.4 becomes more responsive and eager and will spin happily through to its rev limit. An under-square design engine with precise throttle response, the Accord’s engine also quickly winds down on throttle lift-off

The Accord’s 2.4 engine’s revvy characteristics has a certain sporting sensibility absent from many rivals and which would work well with a manual gearbox to better exploit the Accord’s potential and capable chassis. The five-speed automatic gearbox version tested, however, seemed to be tuned more for economical rather than spirited driving.

The Accord’s five-speed auto gearbox is one to be driven with firm throttle inputs if one wants decisive kickdowns and responses at low speeds. 

However, driven in a more relaxed manner, it delivers a smooth and clean shift, but for greater driver input, would have been better with sequential, or individually selectable gears, rather than three driving positions.

 

Clarity and comfort

 

A big car that seems to shrink around the driver, the Honda Accord’s driving dynamics stand out for their spot-on combination of comfortable and refined ride, and sporty and direct handling. 

Not a car that is overly stiff in an attempt to seem sporty or soft, wallowing and vague in its interpretation of comfort, the Accord gets it just right for its segment. 

And though it loses its predecessor’s sportier, more sophisticated and costlier double wishbone front suspension for more conventional MacPherson struts, the Accord nevertheless feels special in its segment in its smooth, sure-footed, agile and reassuring suspension, chassis and steering set-up and driving style.

Light and quick, the Accord’s steering is user-friendly for congested town driving and wrist-flick quick for winding roads. Stable and reassuring at speed, the quick steering delivers clarity through corners, with crisp turn-in and good feel and feedback. Threading through winding roads, body roll is well restrained, and its chassis copes in a fluent and sure-footed manner.

Sporty, tight and fluidly following road curvatures and textures, the Accord feels manoeuvrable, responsive, agile and expectedly good fun to drive through tight or sweeping corners and fluidly processes sudden direction changes in its stride. Its low-rolling resistance tires promote efficiency, but stickier tires would yet better complement its handling ability.

 

Airy ambiance

 

Nimble, eager and crisp in handling, the Accord is feels reassuringly stable at speed, and settles well on the rebound from undulations and sudden crests and dips. Taking road imperfections smoothly, the Accord’s damper and spring rates are well tuned for comfort, handling and composure. A big glasshouse provides good road visibility for when manoeuvring, while ergonomic, supportive, comfortable and adjustable seating allows one to find an upright and alert driving position. 

Airy and ergonomic with good refinement from noise, vibration and harshness, the Accord’s unpretentious cabin promotes a relaxed yet alert and confident driving position. A large speedometer and clear instrumentation are complemented by intuitively user-friendly and un-distracting controls.

User-friendly, functional and spacious the Accord features terrific front and rear space, where tall and wide passengers are accommodated well even when sitting in a row. Design is airy, elegant and uncomplicated, with cloth upholstery, logical layouts, big buttons and generally good textures and plastics, with harder textures not prominent.

Rear headspace is generous, adjustable steering travel is long, while A/C, USB connectivity and steering controls are standard, and dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, parking sensors and other options are available on the EX model and up. Safety systems include standard stability and traction control, front and side airbags, ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, all-round three-point seatbelts and Isofix childseat latches.

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine: 2.4 litre, transverse, 4 cylinders 

Bore x stroke: 87 x 99.1mm

Compression ratio: 10:1

Valve-train: 16 valve, DOHC, variable valve timing

Gearbox: 5 speed automatic, FWD

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 173 (175) [129] @ 6,200rpm

Specific power: 73.5BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 112.3BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 166 (225) @ 4,000rpm

Specific torque: 95.5Nm/litre

Torque-to-weight: 146.1Nm/tonne

0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds (est.)

Top speed: 226km/h (est.)

Fuel capacity: 65 litres

Length: 4,890mm

Width: 1,850mm

Height: 1,465mm

Wheelbase: 2,775mm

Tread, F/R: 1,584/1,586mm

Ground clearance: 141mm

Kerb weight: 1,540kg

Steering: Variable electric-assistance rack and pinion

Lock-to-lock: 2.56 turns

Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs/discs

Suspension, F/R: MacPherson struts/multi-link

Tyres: 225/50R17

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