The New Honda Accord has been more than 30 years in the making.

Set to move the Accord into more upmarket territory than before, the new sedan matches "a sleek, sophisticated shape to a sumptuous interior and poised, involving dynamics".

Honda are calling it a another step forward.

"The all-new, eighth-generation Accord is ready to set an entirely new benchmark for the automotive mainstream with the most dramatic styling, the largest passenger space, and the greatest range of technology in the vehicle's 32-year history," reckons Yoshiaki Nakamura, newly appointed President of Honda South Africa.

"It elevates the Accord nameplate into even loftier territory than before, while providing its occupants with a premium-grade motoring experience."

Larger, wider and lower

Larger, wider and lower than its predecessors, the premium sedan's front-end treatment features a bold grille with its prominent "H" logo; a longer, taller bonnet; and aggressively flared fenders.

It also looks more athletic — with its chiselled lines and sculpted contours, muscular wheel arches and tapered profile — and is 20 percent stiffer than before, thanks to an advanced body construction that uses 42 percent ultra high-tensile steel.

Its 2705mm wheelbase is 35mm longer than before, while the 1840mm width represents an increase of 80mm. The width increase has allowed the front and rear track to be widened by 75mm, which benefits stability and handling. And despite this increase in size, it weighs five percent more than its predecessor.

Inside job

Keeping with the "more is more" trend that seems to be the catchphrase of the new Honda, it's also the most luxuriously appointed Accord yet: think soft-touch surfaces, plush leather upholstery, metal trim accents.

Representing a substantial upgrade in terms of layout, equipment levels, materials and overall execution, the cabin is also significantly quieter, thanks to reductions in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and improved noise insulation measures.

The instrument panel is geared towards he driver by the location of key controls and switchgear, while ensuring that the circular instrument dials (with their blue and red backlighting and floating needles) are in direct line of sight. The trip computer with its LCD readout delivers information on vehicle and trip mileage, instant and average fuel consumption, range, average speed, journey time and outside temperature, as well as front and rear seatbelt status.

The sculpted front seats, with their wrap-around side bolsters, feature full electric adjustment which complement the rake and reach-adjustable steering wheel. At the back there's more legroom thanks to the car's increased size — which also benefits the now 467-litre luggage compartment.

Passive safety equipment ranges from front, side and curtain airbags to active front head restraints, and inertia reel seatbelts with front load limiters and pretensioners, while convenience features haven't been overlooked. Across all models these include audio systems, standard Bluetooth hands-free telephone interfaces, a trip computer, a multifunction steering wheel, electrically operated seats, windows and mirrors, and standard leather upholstery.

Power and performance

The Accord 2.0 models employ a four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft and Honda's latest i-VTEC variable valve timing. The new unit is rated at 115kW, with an associated torque peak of 192Nm so the six-speed manual version can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 215km/h. Economy figures are 7.2 litres/100km in the combined cycle and 5.9 litres/100km for the extra urban cycle.

The Accord 2.4 i-VTEC Executive's 2.4-litre powerplant pushes out 148kW, linked to a torque peak of 234Nm — significantly more muscle than the previous version. Improved valve timing, a higher compression ratio and a new exhaust manifold are among the most telling changes.

Again, there's a choice of six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. In manual trim, the 2.4 Executive hits 100km/h from rest in 7.8 seconds and is capable of a 227km/h top speed. In terms of fuel economy, the manual achieves numbers of 8.8 litres/100km in the combined cycle and 7.0 litres/100km in the extra urban cycle.

But no passenger car is merely about the straight-line figures. Front double wishbones and a multilink rear design are intended to ensure "accurate, predictable and responsive road manners".

Large disc brakes front and rear and dynamic safety aids such as latest-generation ABS anti-lock brake control, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and TSA (Trailer Stability Assist) provide a safety net.

Motion-adaptive EPS (Electronic Power Steering) employs the VSA sensors to recognise instability in slippery conditions, or when cornering or braking, and then initiates steering inputs aimed at regaining stability, allowing the driver to retain control.

The new Honda Accord models go on sale in mid-June 2008 and come with a five-year/100 000km service plan, a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a one-year roadside assistance package.

Pricing
Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC Manual: R237 500
Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC Automatic: R250 500
Honda Accord 2.4 i-VTEC Executive Manual: R280 000
Honda Accord 2.4 i-VTEC Executive Automatic: R293 000