The Everyman's Sports Sedan

Is the mid-cycle refresh of the 9th generation HONDA Accord enough to keep it ahead of some of the best cars in the world?

For all the talk about SUVs and crossovers being the popular choice for people all over the world, sales for the mid-size sedan are still going strong. It seems that no matter how much SUV manufacturers like to advertise large cargo compartments or great off-road capabilities, they just can't trump good, old-fashioned attributes like affordability, fuel efficiency and reliability.
Amongst those four-door sedans is the Honda Accord, which has served multitudes over the last four decades or so. This week, we turn our thoughts to the prime variant of the newly refreshed 2017 Honda Accord. It's got a V6 engine and a Sport badge.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
Over the last 41 years, the Japanese 3-box car has grown in size with each of its eight generations, but its style quotient seemed to have plateaued. The 9th generation model, thankfully, possesses more flair and drama. The nip-and-tuck given in 2012 has given it a sharper and sleeker profile - resembling its upscale cousin, Acura. The new 2017 model - whose dimensions measure 4,905mm in length, 1,805mm in width and 1,465mm in height - is essentially the same car from 2012, albeit with a few tidbits that enhance its aesthetics further. The highlight of its facelift is the cluster of dazzling LEDs that play the part as headlamps, underlined by more LEDs that pose as DRLs. Separating the headlamps is a chrome-laden multi-bar grille; below it is a honeycomb grille flanked by fog lamp strips.
In profile, the Accord's sharp nose, slimmer bodylines and door inundations punctuate its sporting allure. And the well-spaced 18-inch wheel gives it both visual and dynamic balance. This is not a Ferrari, yet from among all the eight or so paint schemes offered, we thought the red went best on it. That, combined with the aforementioned attributes and a rear characterised by a Sport badge, a lip spoiler and two large oval exhaust tips, turns this family car into an aspiring sports sedan.
Entering the cabin of the 2017 Accord is easy, thanks to the smart access function and the new key. At just a click of a button, you can crank up the engine remotely to get the air conditioner working, helping you beat the heat on those summer days, or you can simply press the sporty red start/stop button. As soon as you slide into the cabin, one of the Accord's many fortes becomes obvious: quality and, specifically, fit and finish. It has that "unbreakable" feel. Equally commendable are the ergonomics, the reach and readability of the switchgear; the well-damped feel from turning a knob or pushing a button is another remarkable mark of quality.
The cabin upfront is spacious and complemented by large and accommodating seats, upholstered in supple leather. The seat bottoms may seem low placed to some, but endorse the sporty intentions. The driver's seat gets 8-way power adjustability while the front passenger has to make do with a 4-way arrangement. From a driver's perspective, you have a reasonably chunky 4-spoke steering wheel that can be adjusted for rake and reach, and a shift lever wrapped in the same leather; both devices are good to engage. As for visibility, large door mirrors and slender pillars ensure a fairly large spectrum.
The only confusing bit is that, in higher models like this V6 Sport, the in-dash 8-inch infotainment screen is accompanied by an unnecessary secondary screen that relays redundant information, one we could do without. Instead, reintroducing a physical volume knob, which is sorely missed, and a few physical menu buttons would have helped.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The cash cows for Honda are the models with the default 2.4-litre inline 4-cylinder engine. They are cheaper to buy and run. However, if you wish to avoid engine drone associated with a CVT transmission, and appreciate smooth engine operation and better power delivery, spare some more dough and get this V6 Sport model which engages a 3.5-litre V6 engine prepped with Honda's i-VTEC technology. Unlike an American sedan, it's not just about namesakes like displacement and cylinder count; V6 Sport delivers a healthy dose of horsepower to play with, specifically 276 horses that are ready to jump through the gates at 6,200rpm; it comes with a top torque rating of 343Nm available at 4,900rpm. Also, this engine loves the rev.
Sitting between wheel and crankshaft is a regular, but smooth-operating, 6-speed automatic that transfers power to the front axle, which may be the only chink in the powertrain armour. Typical to powerful front-wheel drive cars is some loss of pulling power right off the blocks. This is due to the lack of traction under heavy throttle. Even so, triple digits come up rather quickly: 7 seconds is all it takes to get to a 100 km/h. just don't mind the tyre screech along the way! But on the highway, where traction and power reach a compromise, the V6 power is almost as quick as premium sports sedans like the Infiniti Q50 or BMW 3-Series.
On the road, all recent generations of the Accord have demonstrated an innate sense of balance and poise - and this one is no different. There is plenty of traction to swing you around corners and bends without disappointment. The Electric Power Steering provides sufficient amounts of feedback and is fairly accurate. But the cherry on top of the icing is the composed ride quality that is happy to deliver the tired individual from office to home without adding to skeletal pain.
The 4-cylinder model is known to create large distances between petrol bunks, thanks to its frugality, while drivers of the V6 Sport model will pay a larger premium when refuelling. Honda claims a mixed cycle fuel economy of 7.8L/100km, giving the car a range of 800-plus km, which is entirely possible if you are taking to the highway; if your driving involves traffic stops and pedestrians, a 600 km range is well within reach.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
Just like an SUV, utility is the Honda Accord's middle name. Higher models like this V6 Sport get intelligent dual zone climate control. And unlike older Civics, which suffer from weak air conditioning, the HVAC system in this car keeps this 5-seater greenhouse cool and breezy. During our test drive, we played out music through the 7-speaker audio system through Bluetooth and USB ports. But for the Dh130,000 price tag, Honda could have equipped it with a premium audio system like Bose or Harman Kardon.
All bases are covered in terms of safety in the V6 Sport model, starting with eight airbags, parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts for child seats. You also get a rearview camera that provides three different viewing angles and Honda Lane Watch, which is an interesting technology unique to Honda. When operational, it shows your blind spot region on the multi-media screen via a camera mounted on the right side-view mirror. They should have done the same with the left side though. The Accord comes with ABS, VSA and others for safety on the road. You also get a power sunshade for the rear window, and the much-needed cruise control to pacify your calf cramps over long hauls.
VERDICT
The Honda Accord has always been synonymous with words like reliability and functionality; its residual value rivals the best-in-class, making this more of an investment than an expense. The facelift for the 2017 Sport models ushers out the dormant sporting appeal of this 5-seater - thanks to details like striking LED headlamps and rear spoiler - while the smooth V6 engine will satisfy your power cravings without burning a hole in the pocket. Perhaps that infotainment system's functionality and sensitivity need some work and the competition may beat it on certain metrics, but as an everyday "sports" sedan, almost nothing compares.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

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