It’s very nice, but can the new Honda Accord take on the Audi A4, Mercedes Benz C Class and BMW 3 Series?
The latest ‘D’ sector car from Japanese car maker Honda wants to compete with the best compact luxury cars in Europe but in order to do that it's no use being just as good as the competition, it must be a lot better!
Why? Our inbuilt Euro-badge snobbery makes most of us quite conservative when it comes to choosing our cars. We all want vehicles that say something about us, that reflect our status (be it real or perceived) in society. Accord is fighting in a sector that makes up 20% of the Irish new car market.
The new Accord is an evolution of the old car. Now wider, longer and lower than the outgoing version it has sharp and interesting lines that could be mistaken for those of a posh Lexus IS. The bonnet features some nice creases while the grill and bumpers get a smart makeover. Accord is a big car but behind the wheel the driving experience is tuned so the car feels compact and responsive. Sharper steering and a snappy six-speed manual gearbox coupled to revised double wishbone / multi link suspension ensure the Accord has impressive handling.
On a favourite twisty route of mine the Accord proved to be a confident performer. The front wheel drive car is agile and a million miles away from the vehicle you’d expect a cardigan-wearing stereotype to own. This stereotype has been imported from the UK but sadly for Honda the firm will have to work hard to make the brand as desirable as the best German brands among younger drivers.
Inside the Accord is a spacious cabin that features very comfortable and supportive seats. The front seats get a wide seat base and back. In fact the back support is up there with the best offering a similar level of shoulder support as a Renault Vel Satis. The cabin area is wide and generous with a decent level of equipment as standard. One of my favourite toys (and there are many available for the new car) is the USB connecter that ensures any iPod or MP3 player can be used with greater control via the multi-function steering wheel and dash mounted control dial.
The engine range features a powerful 2-litre petrol, a 2.4-litre petrol and simply brilliant new 2.2-litre iDTEC diesel. Honda Ireland delayed the launch of the car until the last quarter of this year and by doing so has made sure all body styles and options are available for 2009 delivery. The Tourer is now even more practical but it is not a particularly attractive estate car when compared to the classic ‘lifestyle estate’ typified by the Audi A4 Avant.
Sadly a Honda will never be as prestigious as a C Class Merc, A4 Audi or 3 Series Beemer but if you can live with the badge the new Accord is in many ways a better car as you can get all of the trappings of performance and high equipment levels at a better price without wearing a predictable badge.
Prices start at €32,500 and there’s a diesel auto due in the Spring and a gorgeous looking Coupe on the way too.
Michael Sheridan
