Bigger, better, bolder

Already a leader in the mid-size car market, the 2008 Accord is bigger and better than ever, with a slick new look and groundbreaking engine technology.

Remember the early Honda Accords of the 1980’s? Small, compact sedans and hatchbacks, you could almost say were cute.

And then there were the more recent versions, solid, reliable but admittedly a little bland to look at.

One glimpse of the new 2008 Honda Accord however, and it’s very clear that all those traits are a thing of the past.

To start with, the new Accord is anything but compact. It may be competing in the mid-size sedan market, but its combined interior and boot space actually nudge it into the full-size category. An inch wider, an inch higher and a full 3 inches longer, this is in fact the largest Accord ever made, offering the most interior space in the mid-size market, just a fraction more than the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.

And as far as that characteristically clean but rather non-descript exterior look that Accords have sported in the past, all that has been replaced by a more chiselled, powerful styling, highlighted by a distinctive ascending wedge running all the way along the waistline starting from just behind the front wheel arches. The nose of the car is higher, and the rear quarters have a very European feel.

A wide chrome trim frames the six-pointed front grill, and the headlights swoop deep into the front panel work.

Not that we want to besmirch Accords of the past of course. They have always been strong competitors and indeed are the second best selling car in their market segment in the US. But the 2008 Accord has definitely taken all that was good about its predecessors and improved on them across the board.

While the aesthetic enhancements are welcome, pleasingly, the most significant improvements are to be found under the bonnet. One thing Honda has always done well is to make great performance engines, and the options for the 2008 Accord are no exception.

To get this bigger-than-ever Accord cruising along comfortably, there are three engine options: a 2.4 litre four cylinder that produces 177hp, or an upgraded version capable of 190 hp, easily the best four in its class.

However, it’s the debut of the 3.5 litre i-VTEC V6 engine that is truly noteworthy. Growing from its previous 3.0 litres last year, it has an output of 268 hp at 6200 rpm, and makes 0-100 km/h in around 7 seconds. Let’s not forget that the Accord is traditionally marketed as a family sedan, not a sports car!

Powerful and quiet, it also achieves an overall improved efficiency rating despite its increased size, getting a reasonable 10 km/L on average.

This efficiency is due in no small part to the ingenious fuel saving cylinder-deactivation technology, unique to Honda.

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) allows the engine to run on six, four or three cylinders depending on the driving conditions.

This technology was originally used by Honda in its Odyssey minivan, but has been enhanced for the Accord.

The four-cylinder mode allows the Accord to cruise along highways with ease, while the six kicks in for uphills and accelerating. Meanwhile the three comes into its own for more economical city driving.

The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions.

Coupled to a 5 speed automatic shift-by-wire transmission, the gear changes are tight and smooth, and the cylinder configuration changes are altogether imperceptible.

The engine is also very clean, rating the Accord as a partial zero-emissions vehicle.

Moving ever closer to Honda’s luxury Acura brand, the interior of the Accord features high quality materials and a sleek finish. The driver enjoys wide leather seats in the higher EX-L spec, and leather covered steering wheel.

The dash features wide, elegant curves and embraces an array of controls that are sensibly placed, although perhaps a little too numerous.

Generously sized windows and the optional sunroof provide a light, airy feel inside and there is ample legroom for the rear seat passengers.

Strangely the Accord does not feature a rear split fold down seat, as you would expect from a car aimed firmly at the family market. This means that you can’t fold a part of the seat down for extra storage space while still having one passenger in the back. However, the 400-litre boot space should accommodate most trips to the supermarket. Performance and handling

wise, it is hard to fault the Accord, delivering a smooth ride while retaining a sporty feel. Head to head with the competition, it is definitely the more fun car to drive. Both the engine and gas tank are mounted lower in the new version, providing a lower centre of gravity, hence stability and control.

The Accord gets high marks for safety also with standard front, front side and side curtain airbags, creating a completely enveloping cushion in the event of a collision.

Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist helps detect oversteer or understeer in difficult driving situations, and ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are standard.

All Accord models also incorporate Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that disperses frontal crash energy over a wide area, keeping it away from passengers.

There is a wide range of trim levels available. The top of the line EX-L is likely to be popular in Macau, and includes 17-inch wheels, sunroof, leather upholstery and steering wheel, as well as a 7 speaker, 270-Watt sound system with in-dash six-CD changer.

The Accord has come a long, long way since its inception in 1976, and now with this the 8th generation, it has undoubtedly attained a level of superior quality, design and performance that will give the likes of the Camry and Altima some very stiff competition. And if you think sedan version looks good, wait till you see the very hot 2-door coupe, which is fitted out in completely different body panels to the sedan, and is expected to arrive in the territory by the end of the year.

by Mark Phillips
photos by Antonio Mil Homens

For more information on the 2008 Honda Accord, go to: http://automobiles.honda.com/accord/ or visit the Prosperity Motors Honda showroom on Rua dos Pescadores in Macau.