SuIde402
With each successive generation, the Accord gains a size point. This time out, Honda has outdone itself. The 8th generation Accord is now bigger than the W211 Mercedes E-Class! Due to the Indian fascination with size, we get the American spec car vis a vis the European model.
The Honda Accord retains its position as one of the most practical luxury sedans available in India. Despite the 20 lakh cost, situation incredible good value and strikes the perfect balance between comfort, performance and reliability. The style of the Accord includes a decidedly European touch; in fact the side profile is really a blatant copy of the E60 BMW 5 series. Owners loved the super-aggressive front end, although not so much the trunk design. The massive size lends it a reasonable amount of street cred. Quality is solid, more than that of the previous Accord, but yet not within the league of its European competitors.
That said, overall quality is impressive and reeks of the precision oriented build all around. Team-BHP reviewers were in absolute praise from the soft seats that offer fantastic support, back and front, as the interior space is super generous. The driver's seat is supremely comfortable with lumbar support to boot. Just right are the driver ergonomics with every control falling easily to hand. The dashboard has a straight-forward design, but looks cluttered up due to the presence of excessive (30+) buttons. Chauffeur driven owners were pleased with the acres of space at the back too. Actually, they can have access to stereo controls and air-con vents at the rear. The standard equipment list includes all leather, 6 airbags, powered driver seat adjustments, rear air-condition vents, parking sensors, alloy wheels as well as an engine immobilizer.
The evolved 2.4 liter petrol churns out 178 BHP in its new state of tune. This, like several Honda engines, likes to high-revv and be driven hard. The 0 - 100 dash is dismissed off within 9.5 seconds. Urban driveability is nice too, though low-end responses aren't overtly sharp since peak torque of 222 NM is delivered in a high 6500 rpms. Overall, Accord owners were satisfied with its performance within the city and on the highway. The engine is very refined and devoid of any vibrations. However, at high rpms, it develops an aggressively racy observe that filters into the cabin. Enthusiasts appreciated this trait, chauffeur-driven owners didn't. The slick 5 speed manual gearbox is a joy to use, especially while quick shifting, and offers precise slotting. Available too is really a competent 5 speed automatic with paddle shifts for the convenience seekers.
