Honda Introduces All-New Accord

Now entering its eighth generation, the Honda Accord is what many peoplevisualize when thinking about a midsize sedan. Then again, like the Civic, the Accord sells in troves; in fact, it’s the brand’s best selling car in the United States. To keep the ball rolling, Honda has given the new Accord a makeover from the ground up, making it larger in all dimensions and wrapping its sophisticated new structure in sportier, but slightly boxier styling that was previewed earlier this year with the Accord Concept car.

The new Accord is available with three different engines. The first is the familiar 2.4-liter inline-four, though with an advanced form of variable valve timing that results in 177 horsepower over the current 160 hp. Torque stays the same at 161 lb-ft. The next engine is also an inline-four, though thanks to tuning it makes an impressive 190 horsepower, though torque is only 162 lb-ft. This engine should mimic the typical Honda high-performance inline-four, complete with the zingy, high-revving powerband and good overallfuel economy. Finally, Honda is introducing a brand new V6 engine that is bigger than before. Measuring 3.5 liters in displacement, it has 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Provided you don’t count Acuras as Hondas, the new Accord is the most powerful car that Honda has ever sold in North America.

Having learnt a thing or two from the Accord Hybrid (now discontinued), the V6 model of the Accord will continue to feature a cylinder deactivation system for better fuel economy. It’s a more advanced system than before, and can shut off either three or four cylinders out of six. All engines are available with either manual or automatic gearboxes, though, the new V6 with cylinder deactivation can only be had with the automatic. For those buying the Coupe, the V6 of identical output can be had with a six-speed manual sans the fuel-saving device.

For those expecting Honda to pull another spaceship-style interior like the Civic, they’ll be glad to see that the new Accord features a much more conventional layout with analog instruments. The new center console is a thin, high-mount design, and includes a center-mounted display for climate control and stereo information. Cars with the available navigation system feature the Acura-style control knob in the center rather than a touch screen unit. Though Hondas are known for their fine fit and finish, the new Accord will feature improved quality materials.

Following the brand’s “Safety for Everyone” philosophy, the new Accord comes absolutely packed with standard safety equipment. All models, even the most basic ones receive a full count of airbags (including new dual-chamber side airbags), ABS, stability control, and active head restraints. The new Accord will go on sale this autumn, with pricing to be announced closer to its arrival.