Honda Accord VTi Luxury

Price and equipment
One of the standouts of the Accord package is the level of standard equipment. All new Honda Accords come with a dual zone climate control air-conditioning system, cruise control, power windows, remote locking, six-stack CD player and an input jack for iPods and other MP3 players. Plus there’s a full sized spare tyre.
In the Accord Luxury tested here ($36,490, or $6500 more than the base model) you also get leather seats, a sunroof, heated front seats and a powered driver’s seat. There’s also things like front foglights and larger, 17-inch alloy wheels.
Well laid out, easy to use buttons on the tactile steering wheel also make for easier operation of major functions, such as the volume control.

It makes for a comprehensive package that’s made better by the upmarket interior presentation. The made-in-Thailand Honda Acccord boasts restrained use of chrome as well as silver touches inside and a quality, tactile collection of interior plastics that are a step up from the asking price.

Under the bonnet

While the Accord is available with a 202kW V6 (complete with cylinder cutout technology) it’s the 2.4-litre four-cylinder that’s something of a drawcard for the Accord in an era of record fuel prices.

The Accord’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder manages a respectable 133kW of power, well down on the circa-200kW mustered by large six-cylinders. However the Accord’s 1565kg body is around 150kg less, though, easing the load the engine has to lug.

The engine does a reasonable job and is happy to be revved hard to glean better performance. It gets vocal towards the upper end off the rev range, though. Throw a few people on board, though, and the engine begins to struggle, particularly up hills.

The upside of the Accord – and it’s a big one these days – is relatively frugal fuel use. Its claimed 8.8 litres per 100km consumption is some 15 per cent than its prime Holden/Ford six-cylinder rivals. While you’ll generally use more than the offical fuel claim in regular driving, the Accord is still impressively frugal given its family car space.

Mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission the Honda Accord can sometimes be caught in the wrong gear but will shift cleanly and decisively. For those with some unleaded in their veins there are also paddles on the back of the steering wheel, allowing drivers to choose gears manually.

The Euro also has some foibles. Selecting ‘drive’ or ‘reverse’ generally leads to a mild thunk as the transmission engages. It’s not a major issue but is a notable glitch in what is an otherwise refined drivetrain.

How it drives
It’s clear the Honda Accord is not about driving excitment; that job goes to the slightly smaller, more nimble Honda Accord Euro. The steering is direct and alert, but it’s overly light and lacking in feedback. At slow speeds around town that’s not such an issue, but the Accord isn’t as involving at freeway speeds.

There’s good grip from the Michelin tyres, and the stability control system comes to the rescue if you push too hard on slippery surfaces.

Over bumps the Accord is firmer than initially expected, an indication efforts have been made to improve dynamics. There’s also some noise from the suspension over road joins and bumps, which is the main noise intrusion of what is otherwise a quiet vehicle.

Getting a comfortable driving position is made easier, however, with a tilt and reach adjustable steering column.

Comfort and practicality
Honda’s Accord has evolved from a small hatchback to a large sedan now a rival for locally-made stalwarts such as the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore. At 4945mm long the Accord is longer than a Commodore and just 25mm (2.5cm) shorter than a Falcon. At 1845mm wide it’s also only a few centimetres narrowed than the traditional Aussie large sedans. While smaller than the Falcon and Commodore’s, the Accord’s boot, is still a handy 450 litre volume and has a ski port hole as well as a folding function. However, the Honda’s boot hinges are the old fashioned goose neck style, which encroach on boot space for bulkier items.

That all translates to impressive interior space for the new Accord, something that’s amplified with the angled dash that sits relatively low. Rear seat space, too, is generous, even for large adults. The seats, though, could do with more lateral support.

The addition of seat heaters and leather trim helps create an upmarket experience, while those in the rear have rear-seat ventilation outlets to ensure better airflow.

Safety

The latest Honda Accord comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), an electronic stability control system (ESC) and dual front and front-side airbags.

Disappointingly, however, the entry-level Accord misses out on potentially life saving curtain airbags, a move taken to keep the list price below the $30,000 barrier. The Accord VTi-L Luxury and both V6 variants do, however, get the crucial safety device.

There’s also proper head restraints that can help reduce whiplash in a rear impact.
Overall verdict
Large car newcomer worth a look if driving excitement isn’t a priority.
Nuts & Bolts

Price
$36,490

Country Of Origin
Thailand

Warranty

3 years, 100,000km

Engine Size/Type
2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power
133kW at 6500rpm

Torque
222Nm at 4300rpm

Transmission/Driven Wheels

Five-speed auto, front-wheel drive

Body Style/Number of Seats

Turning Circle
11.5m

Kerb Weight
1565kg

Fuel Consumption
8.8L/100km

Fuel Tank Size
70 litres

CO2 emissions
209g/km