Honda Accord 2.4 i VTEC EX 2011 Pictures 
gallery (19 photos)
The segment for large sedans has always been very competitive and caters for the buyer who can�t be bothered with the �premium� brands, and just wants a practical car with lots of space for the family or rep-goodies. These cars focus more on comfort than sportiness, but sometimes the manufacturers can�t ignore the fact that they compete with the German trio of 3-Series, C-class and A4. Honda�s Accord is a strong player in this market and has recently received a mild makeover to keep up with the competition.
The current version of the Accord is the eighth generation of a car which has been sold in different body styles across the world since 1976. The seventh generation European Accord was probably the sexiest of the lot with its compact size and Darth Vader-like face. It looked like something straight out of a Japanese modern art museum. Then the Accord took carbo-loading a step too far as it now looks like a Darth Vader who has made friends with Ronald McDonald.
The 2011 model received some minor tweaks, mainly around the nose section where new headlight clusters, a new grille design and new fog light clusters are the most notable changes. At the rear the changes are limited to a chrome strip connecting the tail lights, so it is almost impossible to tell the two models apart. The Honda looks like it was designed by someone with a samurai sword, as it is dominated by straight lines meeting at acute angles, but this gives it an authentic Japanese image and also the edge over some of its duller competitors. Some might find the design too Eastern-centric, but the overall style is one of understated class and features some fine detailing for the connoisseur. Adding the optional �GT aero kit�, which includes a front spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser, does make the Accord look much more aggressive and muscular and it should be the first option you tick if you want something with more visual oomph.
The interior continues the Star Wars theme with Honda definitely taking some inspiration from futuristic fighter jets. There are swooping lines coming from all angles while the dual level dashboard contains a digital screen displaying radio/CD player and climate control information. The leather steering wheel (adjustable for height and reach) contains controls for music, phone, cruise control and trip computer and although the buttons are well placed and easy to use it does make the steering wheel look quite cluttered. The speedometer (also housing the trip computer) and rev counter dials have been given the �machined aluminium� look, while the needles running on the outside rims of the dials are an interesting feature.
The centre console is jam packed with buttons for radio/CD player and climate control which are all well placed and easy to use. Honda made an effort to provide enough covered storage areas all around the cabin, and there�s also no shortage of cup holders for front and rear passengers. The heated leather front seats provide good lateral support, the driver�s seat is electrically adjustable and also comes with a memory function, just in case you have to share the car with someone. The boot appears to be gigantic, and you can probably fill it with a year�s supply of printing paper (or 467 litres to be exact), but it�s still some way off cars like the Skoda Superb (595 litres) and VW Passat (565 litres). Honda�s also thrown the kitchen sink at the Accord in terms of standard features, so you�ll find the EX model with auto lights, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, sunroof, parking sensors front and rear, dual climate control as well as USB and auxiliary connectivity. You can even keep your (non-alcoholic�) drinks cool in the glove box or centre console! Accord �6�, German competitors �0�.
Our test model was powered by Honda�s renowned 2.4 i-VTEC engine producing a healthy 198bhp and perhaps a slightly underwhelming 230Nm. It�s a smooth engine, linked to a super slick six speed gearbox, but it�s not particularly torquey. Peak torque is only available above 4200rpm, while you have to push the Accord to a noisy 7000rpm to get the maximum power out of it. The engine is very willing to be revved hard, but you find yourself keeping the revs above 4000rpm just to keep it in its powerband. If you�re not into high-revving fun it would be better to stick with the 2.2 litre diesel mated to a laid back five speed automatic gearbox.
As with most of its other products, Honda has nailed the chassis control with distinction. You can�t think that a car that obliterates potholes and any other type of crack or wrinkle in town can be thrown around in the twisties with such ease. If the British government don�t maintain the roads for the next 50 years your Accord won�t notice it as it just ignores anything which might make you bounce around in the car. Throw it into a challenging corner at a ridiculous speed, and it will provide you with �what are you on about� rhetoric. It doesn�t really invite you to have fun on a backroad, but if you are late for an appointment the Accord will not even blink while you attack a corner with enthusiasm. If ever there was a prize for a well-balanced chassis, the Accord should be on the rostrum.
But perhaps the Accord�s biggest party trick is the amount of safety kit it comes with as standard. These items are usually only found in cars at least twice its price. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) uses radar situated in the Accord�s grille to detect any car or object which comes too close to the Honda. If the closing speed goes above a specific threshold the driver is alerted by a warning which pops up in the speedometer dial and an alarm. If you somehow ignore this and the object is getting nearer the seatbelts are tightened while strong braking is also applied. How clever is that? But that�s not all. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) also uses radar to keep a specific distance between the Accord and the car in front when you�re using cruise control. One can also choose between different distances, but even the shortest distance is still safe. The ACC works very well, and the car moves up to its set speed if the car in front has moved out of the way, but don�t try using it in the rain! The most �spooky� party trick is the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) which nudges the car in the right direction (and sounds an alarm) if you cross a solid line without indicating. This system uses a camera fixed to the windscreen and requires the road to have properly marked lines and the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel, as it will switch off if it finds that you�re not even trying to keep the car on the road. LKAS also works very well and in conjunction with ACC it gives you the feeling that the driver is almost unnecessary. It won�t be long before we�re sitting in our cars with our feet up and reading an e-book while it does the driving for you!
�26 560 will buy you the EX petrol model with manual gearbox and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System, ie LKAS, ACC and CMBS). This knocks the socks of the �premium� Germans in terms of price and standard features and gives the other D-segmenters something serious to chew on. It might not have the charisma of the French, style of the Vauxhall Insignia or the sales numbers of the Ford Mondeo, but it probably has the most well balanced chassis in its class, and the best �safety net� this side of �35 000. The tech on the Accord might be slightly overwhelming, but it might just save your life.
CAR MAKE & MODEL
Honda Accord 2.4 i VTEC EX 2011 Pictures
CAR REF NUMBER
39578
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