MOTORNETNEWS ROAD TEST - JULY 2008
HONDA ACCORD V6 AND VTi
The new Honda Accord model range starts with the 4-cylinder VTi sedan at $29,990 and finishes with the Luxury V6 at $46,990. Motornetnews tested both these models but this road test is more about the V6 than the lower priced VTi, 4-cylinder model. The main feature of the luxurious V6 is the capacity for the V6 engine to run on 6, 4 and 3 cylinders depending on the load and driving conditions. The test covered several thousand kms on an interstate trip from Melbourne to Brisbane so there was plenty of opportunity to try out this fuel-saving feature.
The only way you can tell that the engine is using less cylinders is that a small ECO light shines on the dashboard - there is no difference in the 'feel' of the car and, as the engine is super quiet, you can't tell by the sound. Where you can tell is that the distance between petrol stations increases!
The road performance of the V6 is sports car-like in its ability to accelerate rapidly to the speed limit - and beyond if you're not careful - in a smooth surge of power. The 4-cylinder car does this in a more sedate manner. It is a roomy, large car, superbly finished and loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment.
OUTSIDE:
The
styling has been designed to make the Accord look like the elegant large saloon
that it really is! The bold grille, latticed air-intake, stylish alloy wheels
and the excellent paint work give the car an air of luxury even before you sink
into the deep leather seats. The pumped-out guards are completely filled with
the large tyre/wheel combinations and there is a stylish crease line extending
from the top of the front guards, through the door handles to the top of the
taillights.
The rear end features a lot of detailled sculpting and the V6 has twin oval chromed exhaust pipes that let those who have been overtaken that the car ahead means business! The insulated bonnet opens on gas struts but reveals an engine layout that is not really in keeping with the rest of the smooth styling. Access to most areas is good but the oil dipstick is reached by leaning over the hot engine as it is placed in the centre of the motor.
INSIDE:
The interior of the Accord is very roomy with lots of head and leg room for four adults in luxurious comfort or two with three children or smaller adults. The front seats cosset the driver and passenger with plenty of lateral and lumber support while the rear bench is shaped nicely for two although even the middle section would be quite comfortable for a child.
The driver's seat has power adjustment, the front seat belts are height adjustable and the 4-spoke, leather-clad wheel is adjustable for rake and reach so it is easy to get the right position for safe and comfortable driving.
The
interior is highlighted with leather upholstery (V6) or quality cloth (VTi),
fake wood and some brushed silver features on the dashboard, wheel and console.
The audio and air-conditioning controls are quite a maze of small switches and
buttons and look a bit daunting at first sight. They are, however, well labelled
and become quite user-friendly after a while.
The dash is very modern with shapely curved design topped by a wide information screen - satellite navigation is optional and very easy to use - at the same height as the main instrument dials in the hooded binnacle ahead of the driver. With the remote audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel and the excellent information readouts, the driver is kept well informed and in control.
The electric sun roof is standard on the Accord Luxury models and an option on the entry level cars. Covered and illuminated vanity mirrors are fitted and there are well-designed pop-out cup holders. Storage areas are dotted about the cabin with door pockets, arm rest bins and a smallish glove box. There is a lockable ski port in the rear seat.
LUGGAGE AREA:
The wedge shaped styling of the Accord and high boot line result in a luggage boot that is very big. It has a solid floor, quality trim all through and the boot lid has an interior recess for closing. Under the floor is a full size alloy wheel and a proper spare tyre plus one of the neatest tool kit storage compartments you will ever see!.
While the boot area is large enough to swallow most family's luggage there is no rear seat split fold system and the only way to accommodate long items is through the ski port.
ON THE ROAD:
The
3.5-litre, 202kW V6 engine develops a high torque figure of 339Nm but at a
relatively high 5000 rpm. The five-speed auto transmission, however, has been designed
to take the maximum advantage of the engine's characteristics and the result is
a smooth surge of power from rest to the speed limit. Overtaking B-Double trucks
on the highway is accomplished in a flash as the Accord's powerful engine blasts
you past in just a few seconds.
The engine and the whole car is quiet at all speeds with very little tyre roar on the coarse chip bitumen so loved by Australia's road makers. It is a relaxing car to drive and the Variable Cylinder Management works unobtrusively and keeps the economy figure well down. This large, fast car will cruise at the legal limit all day using around nine litres per 100kms and urban driving returns less than 11 l/100km. The overall average on the trip was 9.5.
The 2.4-litre, 133kW engine does slightly better around the suburbs but not all that much better as it is working harder to pull this large car. It does develop its 222Nm of torque at a lower rpm of 4300 and this helps around town.
PRICE: $46,990 (V6 Luxury) $29,990 (4-Cylinder VTi) plus on-road costs.
STANDARD: V6 Luxury - Dual front, side and head airbags; ABS brake system with Brake Assist & Electronic Brake Distribution; Air-conditioning; Alarm System; 17" Alloy Wheels; Cruise Control; 6-stack CD Player; Central Remote Locking; Driving/Fog lights; Heated Front seats; Engine Immobiliser; Leather Upholstery; Power Mirrors, steering, sunroof and windows; 6-speaker audio system; Seat Belt Pre-tensioners; Traction Control; Trip Computer and Vehicle Stability Control.
OPTIONS: Satellite Navigation.
