For the ninth generation of the Accord,
Honda offers a sedan slightly smaller than the former V6, offering both four-
and six-cylinder engine types. Which is good, because the 2.4-litre four is
merely adequate, held back by a five-speed automatic transmission. Move up to
the Accord V6 NT, which adds $5k over the $55k 2.4 NT, and the extra 1.1-litre
of capacity and additional gearbox cog are worth every cent. The 3.5-litre V6 goes better than okay. It has midrange
with meaning, and the performance is easy to extract, with nice urge at low
revs for town running. In faster going, the V6 kicks from 3,000rpm onwards, and
there's a final flurry beginning at 5,100rpm, where the high-lift cam operates,
though the limiter hits coarsely at 6,750rpm.
The
Accord doesn’t look as big as it is, it’s very long and very spacious
Up our torque-torture hill, nothing happens
in fifth gear at 100km/h but in fourth from 3,000rpm it's all go. On the flat,
this just crushes the four, as it should packing 206kW and 339Nm. Last time we
rated the Accord V6, it was good for a 7.5sec sprint, and five –second
overtake. This blitzed that, posting respective times of 6.54sec and 4.05sec.
Apparently fuel economy improves too, down from a combined figure of 9.9 to
9.2L/100km, and it drinks 91 unleaded. The engine evidently flicks between
three and six cylinders in Eco mode; can't say we noticed that happening. We
did notice an all-pervading calm in the cabin though where SPL readings averaged
under 74dB. Thank active noise cancellation for this. So a quiet refined
engine, and also a quiet, refined interior.
The
Accord has a classy and practical interior
We rate Accord V6 for its ride quality over
its handling, which is also pretty acceptable. Electric steering is new, and it
doesn't exhibit the usual shonky artificial weighting, though a little more
heft at open road speeds wouldn't hurt. It's better than many such systems.
Like other Japanese mid-sizers, there has
been a price creep over time. A decade ago, the top Accord V6 went for $45k.
The modern equivalent is loaded with gear, hence the price lift. There's the
collision mitigation, lane keep assist and active cruise control triumvirate,
along with a camera that shows what's in the left blind spot, and a big
eight-inch screen to display proceedings. On the luxury side, bank on leather
trim, eight-way powered and heated seats, satellite navigation, dual zone
climate air, a trip computer (no digital speed readout though), a system controller,
LED headlights and DRLs, and water-displacing external mirrors. There's even a
rear sunblind, tyre pressure monitoring, and powered sunroof. This certainly
isn't your regular rep Accord.
The
Honda Accord is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine
Despite being slightly shorter by 75mm, it
manages to squeeze in an extra 33mm of legroom, and the 457L boot can be
extended partially by rolling the rear seat back down, in one movement.
At $60k this comes up against Ford's $54k
Mondeo Titanium hatch, the turbo packing 176kW/340Nm. It also competes with
Mazda's Limited 6 sedan, a sportier, saucier affair costing the same but with a
high-tech 2.2-litre turbodiesel. As with all sectors, this is fiercely
competitive.
