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By
EWAN KENNEDY
2 June 2008
Honda's Accord is bigger than ever and is now similar to the
Falcon and Commodore in its dimensions. Indeed, in this format
it’s officially classed as a ‘large’ car by the American
official definition. This car has been designed for the American
market and is a big success over there. However, the Japanese
maker is well aware of the push for lower fuel consumption and
emissions and has engineered its new Accord with these important
matters very much in mind.
Though
it’s still aimed at the Americans, this latest Accord has been
slightly firmed up in its suspension and handling characteristics
to bring it closer to Australian/European standards than
previously. On the road over the last week of driving we have
found it to have a pleasant feel, good handling balance and to
provide the sort of dynamics that will appeal to many drivers. The
full-on driving enthusiast will likely complain it’s still a
little on the soft side and that the steering is too light, but
most will be happy with it.
Frontal
styling of new Accord has a real look of elegance, with the
radiator grille having an upmarket European air thanks to clever
angles and bold use of chrome plating. The rear end isn’t quite
so tidy, but is of the style that’s not likely to draw remarks
from buyers who are likely to be on the conservative side.
There's
good interior space for four adults, with plenty of rear seat
legroom. The front seats are big and comfortable and simple to
adjust to positions likely to suit just about everyone. The rear
bench is nicely upholstered and styled and is a pleasant area in
which to travel. As a family car for Mum, Dad and three youngsters
it works extremely well and should be added to the short list by
those looking at the big family six-cylinder cars.
Our
test car was powered by a fascinating new design of V6 engine that
can run on six, four or three cylinders according to the power and
torque required from moment to moment. From the inside it’s all
but impossible to pick how many cylinders are firing as the
transition is seamless. There is some change in exhaust note if
you’re driving in a tunnel or beside a noise abatement barrier
on the road. But few owners will ever know how the car is being
powered. There is an ‘Eco’ light on the dashboard, but it’s
somewhat misleading as it will illuminate at times when the engine
is on six cylinders, but running in very easy conditions.
This high-tech V6 provides plenty of performance when asked to do
so and is pretty economical in the right conditions. Expect
running about town to use around 10 to 12 litres per hundred
kilometres, with country driving dropping this to eight to nine
litres per hundred. Easy paced motorway running will see the fuel
use falling below eight litres per hundred kilometres. This low
consumption seems sure appeal to many in these times of soaring
petrol prices.
A further
fascinating feature of the V6 engine is the noise-cancelling
system built into the car. In the manner of active noise-cancelling
headphones of the type popular on aircraft, the Honda system
listens to the ambient noise inside the Accord's cabin, and sends
out sounds through the stereo speakers that partially counteract
engine, and other, noises. The result is a car that’s all but
silent when travelling on smooth surfaces at moderate speeds.
Ally
that to the typically Honda engine smoothness and overall
refinement and there's a feeling that this car is from a full
class higher in price and overall image.
There's
also a four-cylinder 2.4-litre Accord, with 133 kW and 222 Nm,
that comes in at an impressively low price of just $29,990 (this
is only a recommended price and on-road costs have to be added).
Honda
Australia is pushing its new Accord hard in advertising as it
expects big things from this car. As mentioned it’s a large car
by American standards and there's no doubt that the local importer
would like to see it being considered by those who are currently
locked into the Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore and Toyota Aurion
trio. We certainly agree with Honda on this matter.
As
before, Honda is importing two quite different Accord models to
Australia. This just tested car is the American variant,
about-to-be-released smaller sportier Accord Euro may also be
worth your consideration when it arrives here late in June.
AT
A GLANCE
MODEL
RANGE
Accord VTi 2.4-litre four-door sedan - $29,990
Accord VTi-L 2.4-litre four-door sedan - $36,490
Accord V6 3.0-litre four-door sedan - $38,490
Accord V6 Luxury 3.0-litre four-door sedan - $46,990
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Air Conditioning: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: Standard in all models
CD Player: Standard in all models
Central Locking: Standard in all models
Cruise Control: Standard in all models
Dual Front Airbags: Standard in all models
Front Side Airbags: Standard in all models
Stability Control: Standard in all models
Traction Control: Standard in all models
SPECIFICATIONS
(Honda Accord V6 3.5-litre four-door sedan)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.471 litres
Configuration: V6
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Bore/Stroke: 89.0 x 93.0mm
Maximum Power: 202 kW @ 6200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 339 Nm @ 5000 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Front
Manual Transmission: Not offered
Automatic Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive Ratio: N/A
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4945 mm
Wheelbase: 2800 mm
Width: 1845 mm
Height: 1475 mm
Turning Circle: 11.5 metres
Kerb Mass: 1650 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
Towing Ability: 500kg (1200kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION
AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbone, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Multi-link, anti-roll bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: N/A
Standing 400 Metres: N/A
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Petrol 91RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 10.0 L/100km
GREEN
VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS
Greenhouse Rating: 5.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 8.5/10
STANDARD
WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000km
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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