Honda Siel introduced its seventh generation avatar Honda Accord V6 VTEC on Indian Roads. The Accord is quite innovative, with its exaggerated wedge-design and large, triangular headlamps. With a technologically superior 3.0 liter V6 VTEC engine, the powerful Accord V6 is a force to be reckoned with.

 

The Accord gets two engines in India: a 2.4-litre four-cylinder and a superb 3.0-litre V6, both petrol, featuring VTEC technology. Accord engine incorporates a host of advanced technologies, highlighted by the adoption of Honda’s latest i-VTEC (”intelligent”) valve-control system. Developed from technology initially seen in the world of Formula One racing, Honda’s original VTEC (Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control) system changed the valve lift, timing and duration to suit the engine’s running condition.  The formidable pairing of VTEC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) results in several major improvements to drivability, including more power and torque at lower RPM levels, enhanced fuel economy and significantly lower emissions. City VTEC suspension has been primed and tweaked to soften the ride and more importantly reduce the harsh originating every time the rear set hit a rut.

 

The Accord is probably the pick of the D-segment cars, combining looks, a great cabin, talent, refinement and a blue-chip image. The most obvious external detail on the new Accord takes in the new cat’s eye type light assemblies which incorporate headlights, turn signal indicators and driving lights into one single unit. The front grille is a thinner stylised version of the Honda corporate grille which has already debuted in the likes of the Acura coupes. At the rear end there is familiarity in the treatment but there are detail changes in tail lights and bumpers.

 

There’s also a sophisticated suspension system, with double-wishbones in front and a multi-link set-up at the rear. The suspension sports uprated spring and dampers while at the same time the manner in which it has been laid out is also tweaked to complement the effectiveness of the new dampers.

 

Its original G-Force Control technology is aimed at maintaining the structural integrity of the passenger compartment by controlling and absorbing the G-force of a collision. The Accord’s front passenger & driver seats are equipped with dual-stage Smart SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) that open in two stages depending upon the severity of the impact thereby acting as the protective pillows to save life & prevent injury.

 

The wood-lined centre console looks superb, and the dash is clearly laid out and easy to use. All the design is quite driver-centric, which goes a long way in confirming the Accord’s sporty credentials. A major plus point is the large number of cubby-holes, designed to hold everything from sunglasses to water bottles and a huge stack of CDs— a must in a car designed to travel long distances. Equipment levels are good on both cars, especially the V6, which gets cruise and traction control. There’s a great deal of space, but seat comfort isn’t terrific: the front seats lack lower-back support, and the rear seat isn’t good. It lacks under-thigh support. Dashboard looks decidedly more up market and contemporary with steering-mounted switchgear for lights and turn signals. Rotary knobs for air con on centre panel are distinctive while leather upholstery will be standard on the top line versions. The new seventh generation Accord is roomier and better turned out with more leg, elbow and head room the rear seat occupants.

 

The 2.4 has a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, both of which work very well; the only flaw in the excellent auto is that it doesn’t feel very sporty, and can take some time to respond, which is exacerbated by the lack of a manual mode. Fuel efficiency is decent, with 8.0 and 12.1kpl with the manual, and 7.1 and 10.3kpl with the automatic on city and highway respectively.

 

One downside of the Accord is a very Oriental ‘lightness’ at high speeds, very different and not as confidence inspiring as the planted feel of European rivals. Broken roads see some harshness filtering through into the cabin, especially at low speeds. At high speeds, the steering also tends to feel a bit vague, and instead of staying planted in the direction you want it to point, it will follow road contours, making for a slightly unsettled high-speed experience.

Filed under: Honda Cars in India