Honda Accord – a cut above

Written by Damian Murphy
Monday, 19 December 2011 09:27

Honda Accord owners are geniuses, even though they might not be aware of it. This car blew my socks off. It’s quite literally one of the best cars money can buy – and I’m not even talking big money. This is an elegant sedan that is both gorgeous inside and stylish outside. The exterior oozes sophistication and the interior redefines class. The Honda Accord should compete in a league above the one it is in, and I’d hasten to say that for 2011, this is the most complete package I’ve had the privilege of driving.

The Accord boasts a host of fine specifications that put it in a class of its own. These fine features include dual-zone climate control, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory function and heated front seats with leather trim. It also has Bluetooth phone connectivity, six airbags, vehicle stability assistance, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist. The model I had, the 2.4l iVtec Exclusive, also has a USB/iPod connector for the sound system, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic bi-Xenon headlights with active cornering lighting and high-beam support system, front and rear parking sensors and a premium audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer.

The Accord is no small car, so it’s a little tricky getting into tight urban spaces, but the space doesn’t go to waste. The boot can hold a massive 467 litres. There’s ample space in the rear of the Accord – two Springbok locks can fit in there with ease – but the room in the back doesn’t come at the expense of that in the front. The driver and front passenger are charioted along in the absolute lap of luxury.

For such a big car, the Accord doesn’t shy away from performance elements. The 2.4 litre engine delivers a respectable 148kW and a healthy 234Nm of torque, which means that the open road is nothing more than a playground for the adventurous that choose to push the Accord a little outside their comfort zone. The manual six-speed gear box changes superbly well, offering a fluid shift between the gears and a direct responsive drive that instils a sense of confidence. The gearbox not only delivers great performance, it also adds to the superb fuel economy of this massive sedan. Believe it or not, the fuel economy in the Accord was better than that of most ordinary hatchbacks we’ve reviewed this year. It does 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in a shade over eight seconds and can reach a top speed of 227 kilometres per hour.

Saying the Accord is my car of the year may seem like a very bold statement to make considering the number of cars we’ve had the privilege of testing so far in 2011. But in my opinion, this car is superb value for money. It over-delivered on all my expectations, and it made me feel happy whenever I was behind the wheel. Entry-level models start from R303,000, and the range is priced all the way up to R401,200 depending on specs.