At last, a truly sporty Accord

The 2014 Honda Accord is a worthy contender for your cash.

Not only is the new Accord range-topper the nicest-looking, best equipped and safest Accord yet but it also goes upstream against the world-wide tendency towards smaller engines with a muscular V6 under its stylish bonnet for the first time.

Honda likes to punt its Accord as 'sporty", but to date it has somehow always lagged a bit, particularly in the punch department, against Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and others which Honda would like to regard as opposition for its own sedan. With the introduction of a V6-model, Accord can now seriously compete at the top end of the mid-size executive segment, which it could not realistically do before.

The new V6 certainly goes a long way to levelling the playing field with its 3,5-litre V6 i-VTEC engine which punches out 207kW and 339Nm, enough for a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.

Smooth, very smooth

At the Cape Town launch of the latest Accord range launch I drove the three new models, moving up from the 2.0-litre to the 2.5-litre and then into the driver's seat of the pack leader which has enough personality, go and cling to make it an immediate stand-out.

Honda has had a life-long excellent reputation for good gearboxes and the six-speed auto 'box reserved for its bigger version is an ultra-smooth, pure pleasure to use. The car feels faster and more powerful than the figures suggest and although it is longer, wider and taller than any Accord to date its tar-hugging abilities are impressive.

Leg and headroom spaces have been increased, particularly for rear passengers.

Finding a comfortable driving position is a doddle, thanks to electronic seats and a fully adjustable steering column. Visibility is good, the instrument layout is attractive and easy to read, and unlike many other modern cars, switches, gauges, dials and functions are logical and easy so that it doesn't require a degree in rocket science to adjust the aircon or change a radio station.

Honda cars and bikes have always been top-scorers in the handling department and the latest Accord is true to tradition with excellent brakes, sharp steering, and minimum body roll, even when being hustled through the corners.

Let out the horses

Honda claims its top model will glug only 9.2-litres/100km in the combined consumption cycle and will keep CO2 emissions levels down to 217g/km. although, as is the case with all car manufacturers, these figures are achieved in perfect laboratory conditions and should never be regarded as anything more than that. Actual on-road usage and emissions will differ depending on weather, road, traffic, and driving style and trying to match the claimed figures in real-life will be difficult, particularly with the V6 with its enthusiastic horses under the bonnet urging you to open the stable doors and set them free.

Boot space has also been boosted.

At the launch I also enjoyed the other two new models and even the entry-level 2,0-litre SOHC i-VTEC, carried over from the previous model, appeals, even though it only produces 114kW and 190Nm. Honda claims a time of 11.7seconds from standstill to 100km/h and a top speed of 200km/h.

The more stepped up 2,4-litre version is armed with a DOHC i-VTEC engine which uses Honda's Earth Dreams technology, dedicated to enhancing fuel efficiency and being friendly to the polar bears. This model kicks out 132kW and 225Nm and is capable of clocking 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds. Fuel consumption for this model is given as 8.1-litres/100km in the combined cycle with a CO2 emissions level of 192g/km.

Sporty looks

Both models have five-speed automatic transmissions and are pleasant, more sedate family and executive transporters than the growling V6, which is likely to appeal to more enthusiastic drivers.

All three models are available with Elegance, Executive and Exclusive trim levels and share the same attractive, sporty looks - the only immediately noticeable difference being the V6 badge stuck on the bum of the flagship.

The living quarters of the latest Accord are the most comfortable, spacious, and attractive yet with particular attention having been paid to the interior finishes, which have a smart European quality look and feel.

The new V6 certainly goes a long way to levelling the playing field.

click to enlarge

Besides the completely new dashboard with its high-tech interfaces for the car's infotainment and communication systems, the aircon has been upgraded, the seats are more comfortable, and the leg and headroom spaces have been increased, particularly for rear passengers (a source of some grumbling with previous Accords). The boot space has also been upped to 453-litres.

Meet i-MID

All three models now have a full-colour "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) control centre for electronic functions. It also houses the display for the rear view camera fitted to all three models.

A new audio system with touchscreen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling convenience, as well as a USB and auxiliary connection, is standard. In the 2,0-litre Elegance this is connected to six speakers, while the 2,4-litre Executive and V6 Exclusive models have six speakers and a subwoofer.

Other standard features across the range include electric windows, heated leather seats for driver and passengers as well as 8-way electrical adjustment for the driver's seat with memory function. Also standard is a multi-function leather steering wheel, outside temperature display, front and rear armrests, and a rear air-conditioning vent for the passengers' comfort.

All three models share the same attractive, sporty looks.

Like many new cars today the latest Accord has its own special bits of fancy and unusual equipment and one of the Accord's bragging bits of kit is an Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC) which cleverly uses microphones, a signal processor and audio speakers to counteract unwanted exterior sounds such as wind, road and tyre noise.

Get the LED out

Over and above all three cars are richly endowed with active and passive safety systems, including ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assistance (EBA), vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist, trailer stability assist (TSA), daytime running lights, multiple airbags and active head restraints which are standard in all three models.

The 2,4-litre Executive and 3,5-litre V6 Exclusive models also have LED headlights with auto-levelling, a High-beam Support System (HSS) and Active Cornering Lights (ACL) as standard.

The living quarters are well appointed and comfortable - and finding a comfortable driving position is a doddle.

click to enlarge

Honda's latest Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) - an award-winning safety system embracing individual elements such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System and a Collision Mitigation Braking System - features in the range-topping Accord 3,5 V6 Exclusive (too technical to discuss in detail here).

A worthy contender for your cash

In looks, comfort, class, style, safety and handling the new Accord certainly scores high enough points to muscle in on the terrain occupied by the fancy wagons of the mid-sized sedan segment. Now, for the first time really, it becomes a very viable choice, particularly for those who seek to be a bit different from the main stream.

All three models are covered by a three-year/100,000km warranty. For further peace of mind the Accord 2.0 Elegance and 2.4 Executive come standard with a five-year/90,000km service plan while in the case of the 3.5 V6 Exclusive a five-year/100,000km service plan is included.

Specifications

2014 Honda Accord | New Car Review | on Everyman Driver

2014 Honda Accord Touring Start Up and Review 3.5 L V6

2014 Honda Accord Touring V6 Start Up, Exhaust, and Review Tour