Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive
I know a few people that have previous generation Honda Accords, but not one of these guys would even vaguely consider the new one.
Let’s get the heart in the issue. Previously Honda built two Accord models: a lesser and sportier one for Europe which was aimed at the kind of person who would otherwise aspire into a BMW 3-Series or Audi A4, and after that there was another Accord for your Americans and also other global markets, and which needs no explanation other than the fact that it competes with the Toyota Camry.
The Australians, who can’t seem to decide whether they’re Benjamin or Billy Bob at the very best of times, got both versions while South Africans only received the European one. All was happy in Accord Land until Honda decided that this was will no longer worthwhile to create a separate Accord for Europe. Honda SA then concluded that an American Accord was superior to no Accord. I can’t say I agree, but let’s take a look at what it has to offer.
BIGGER, SMOOTHER
IOL mot jan15 Honda Accord b There are three engines on offer and the range-topper, featured here, is powered by a 207kW 3.5-litre V6.
At face value it’s clearly bigger and more conservatively styled than its predecessor. The previous Euro Accord was no oil painting, but its squared-off lines give it presence on the road. The new one takes the opposite approach. At worst you might call it prone and bland to parking lot misplacing. At best you could state that it’s elegant, well proportioned and generally easy on the eye – there’s not a single line unnatural here. Not really a single thing to get enthusiastic about either.
Moving inside and cranking her up, a glaring Americanism jumps out at you. The infotainment system won’t work until you’ve used the touch-screen to click on “I Agree”. That protects Honda from being sued, when the system completely reprogramme your mind to not concentrate on the road ahead, resulting in a crash. Such customers are actually far better off pursuing that lawsuit against McDonalds for… you know… that traumatic incident on the scale the other day.
Once you’ve signed your life away, the rest of the experience is as comfortably numb as David Gilmour could ever imagine. The eight-way electrically-adjustable seats are cosy and covered in durable-looking leather and the cabin surface materials give off premium vibes. Additionally, the interior construction could seriously put granite quarries away from business.
The car’s boost in size translates into roomy accommodation, the Accord providing a good amount of stretching space for those within the back, although taller-than-average adults might find the back roofline a little restrictive. For the record, this Accord has gained 16cm in overall length, 1cm in width and 2.5cm in height, on the previous European model. It should still meet most needs, even though boot capacity of 453 litres is strangely less than what a Ballade can swallow.
EFFORTLESS V6 POWER
Load it up all you could like though, as the 3.5-litre V6 model which i sampled just casually handles everything you throw at it. There are no such difficulties with the V6 version, which pushes 207kW and 339Nm, although my Star Motoring colleague tested the two-litre version this past year and was disappointed by its sluggishness. It does whatever you ask of it smoothly and briskly, though it’s normally aspirated so you do lose a reasonable amount of steam at altitude and with 1630kg to pull, it never feels electrifyingly fast.
IOL mot jan15 Honda Accord c The cabin is not exactly stylish however it is functional, solidly built and well finished.
I took it on the 700km highway trip and it just ticked over quietly, hardly over the 2000rpm mark, at the national limit and yes it barely ever noticed a hill. I have a much more-than-sneaking suspicion that the 7. l/100 recording about the trip had been a technical glitch, even though if only I could throw a fuel consumption figure at you. Forgive me if I’m wrong, Honda.
The quiet cabin and supple ride quality made for a largely fatigue-free journey and I really wasn’t disappointed by the lack of meaty steering feedback through the bends because by that stage I wasn’t expecting any type of sporting delight from this car. You turn the controls and it goes where you would like it to without much in the form of effort.
VERDICT
Should you own one of the latter cars then you should recommend this to your dad instead, at this point it’s clear that this new global Accord is worlds apart from the Euro-focused version that came before it on our market and. If he secretly begrudges Toyota to have given up on the Camry than the might just be an ideal fit, while all sporty edges seem to have been eroded, the new Accord really does impress as a luxury car with bags of space, so.
Only thing is, he can have a Lexus ES at this particular price level, not to mention the many German mid-sized sedans which are within not too difficult stretching distance of the V6 model’s R576 300 selling price. The 2.4-litre Accord may appear like a better deal at R471 300 if that’s over budget. Just don’t overlook the even cheaper Mazda6 and Hyundai Sonata.
FACTS
Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive
Engine: 3.5-litre, V6 petrol
Gearbox: Six-speed automatic
Power: 207kW @ 6200rpm
Torque: 339Nm @ 4900rpm
-100km/h (claimed): 7.2 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 200km/h
Consumption (claimed): 9.2 litres per 100km
Price: R576 300
Warranty: Three-year/100 000km
Service plan: Five-year/100 000km
ALTERNATIVES
BMW 520i (135kW/270Nm) – R601 449
Chrysler 300C 3.6 (210kW/340Nm) – R589 990
Lexus ES 300h EX (151kW/213Nm e) – R557 300
