Honda’s Accord strikes a chord with boomers

If you were born after 1990, you must be wondering why a car like the Honda Accord still exists. It is not a sport utility vehicle or crossover; it is not electric; and it is not Chinese.

For all intents and purposes, it is an automotive dinosaur. A relic of a distant past where combustion executive saloons were, well, quite executive.

Yet, good cars should not go out of fashion. And the new Accord is a rather good car.

The Accord’s styling is arguably its most aggressive since the model started in 1976, with Honda even deeming it fit to give it its “RS” badging. “RS” is associated with sportier-looking variants within Honda’s line-up.

Whether intentional or not, the stance is underscored by a more dynamic ride and handling spectrum, although it is the Camry which is slightly quicker in a straight line (0-100kmh in 7.2 seconds versus the Accord’s 7.8 seconds).

While both cars employ a continuously variable transmission, the Honda’s gearbox seems to pile on revs more eagerly. This, as well as larger wheels, contribute to slightly higher fuel consumption, with the test car averaging 5.3 litres/100km (versus the Camry’s tested 5 litres/100km).

But considering that the Honda is bigger and a wee bit heftier at 1,607kg, its efficiency is pretty decent. Measuring 4,971mm long, 1,862mm wide and 1,449mm tall, the new Accord is also a tad bigger than its 1.5-litre turbocharged predecessor, which it pips comfortably in fuel economy and performance.

Plenty of legroom except for centre occupant. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

In the space race, the Accord beats the Camry by a whisker. The Honda’s 2,830mm wheelbase (unchanged from its predecessor’s) is 5mm longer than the Toyota’s. This means legroom galore in the second row, although, like in the Camry, the middle occupant will have to contend with a sizeable transmission tunnel. A panoramic sunroof makes the cabin airier.

The Camry’s 500-litre boot is fairly spacious, and will just about accommodate a bi-fold bicycle. But the Accord has 570 litres of stowage, and the difference is quite discernible when you load up the same bicycle.

A 570-litre stowage which is easily accessible. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

Despite its generous dimensions, the Accord is sufficiently agile. It will negotiate U-turns on smaller roads and ramps on older multi-storey carparks with relative painlessness. On this front, it matches the dexterity of the Camry.

Features-wise, the Accord is mostly on a par with the Camry. Its doors unlock by touch, and lock when you walk away. It has wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired for the latter in the Camry), which pairs easily with the car’s 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (8-inch in the previous Accord).

I like its stylised digital clock, sited below the centre air-conditioning vents. It doubles as a rotary selector for quick access to useful functions, for instance, if you want to cool the cabin in a jiffy or heat it up (not irrelevant during these chilly weeks).

A contemporary cockpit with useful and friendly tech. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

The cabin is flawlessly fitted and finished, with not a hint of sharp edges anywhere. The cockpit is quite modern – neat and sleek, with no unnecessary interruptions to how the various amenities are lined up.

I do wish, however, that the cupholders are lined with a softer material.

Like most cars these days, the Accord is fitted with a suite of driving aids. The ones which make their presence felt most are the 360-degree parking camera and the adaptive cruise control.

The parking camera works brilliantly. But the cruise control is a hit and miss. While it works at crawling speeds, and will come to a full stop, it is not as responsive to changes in traffic as I would like.

This does not mar the overall sense of well-being at the wheel, though. There is obvious thoughtfulness and attention to detail all around, beyond fundamentals such as comfort and driveability.

A 2-litre engine and two electric motors reside beneath the bonnet. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

When you select navigation, for instance, visual cues are duplicated automatically on the instrumentation panel, but not the head-up display. The switches on the multi-function steering wheel are idiot-proof.

And perhaps in tune with its “RS” badging, there are four driving modes to choose from. And the shift paddles effect a good semblance of manual gear changes, which is uncommon in many cars – especially those with continuously variable transmission. Everything works dependably, with none of the glitches which often come with fanciful features.

An “RS” badging, a discreet rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels hint at the Accord’s slightly sportier stance.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

It is a shame that boomers are practically the only ones who know how to appreciate such a car.

Credits: The Straits Times. Author: Christopher Tan

Original Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/motoring/car-review-hondas-accord-strikes-a-chord-with-boomers