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Accord d'hui

With a facelift that keeps up with the times, the new, cutting-edge Accord is bound to make more heads turn now, says ASHISH MASIH

FOLLOW THE LEADER The Accord's new tail-lights sort out a rather controversial rear section, while other subtle changes like mirror-indicators add further value

Although the current generation Accord didn't really need the facelift because it really was a clear winner and didn't have much competition to grapple with, yet Honda engineers decided it was time the Accord got one.

Styling and design

Although not much has changed cosmetically, the major visible difference on the exterior is at the rear. The oversized rear lamps are now replaced by smaller triangular units, which get integrated LED parking lamps. The central brake light is integrated into the boot-lid and the reverse lamps are placed along the number-plate housing on the boot. The rear bumper is slit at the boot lip and loading the boot with heavy luggage has become that much easier. While some are disappointed that it's only the posterior of the Accord that has received all the attention, there's no doubt that the new design makes the car look less bulbous, more sleek and dynamic from the rear than before. So the only chink in the Accords styling armory till date - ungainly rear lamps - is now resolved, giving this luxury mid-sizer a more desirable stance.

The attractive front end of the Accord, dominated by those eagle-eyed headlamps didn't require tampering and Honda has kept it largely untouched. There are minor changes, but so subtle that you might not be able to tell the differences apart, even with the earlier model parked beside. The four-cylinder, 2400cc variant, like the V6 earlier, now gets indicators on the side view mirrors, a trend that's catching on internationally. A new front grille is also part of the makeover.

Interiors and trim

Step inside from the front and you'll notice a metal rub-strip on the doorsill, which announces you are entering an Accord. The rear comes with a smaller strip without the Accord name. Small changes inside the cabin include wood inserts on the 2.4 Accord's steering wheel. A six CD changer is standard. The `Optitron' gauges, which are illuminated as soon as you place the key into the ignition slot, are simply brilliant.

Bits and more tech

Useful additions are the parking sensors, which you can see as two round blemishes on the front bumper and four at the rear. This is not something that the Skoda Laura is going to be too happy about. However, unlike the Laura, the Accord doesn't have a screen showing the objects' position in relation to the car. You only hear a beep that keeps growing while parking in tight spots. Parking this almost 5-metre long behemoth continues to be a Herculean task and asking someone to guide you would be a better idea if you want to your Accord to remain in pristine condition and safe from scratches and scrapes.

However, the best new feature is the introduction of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Brake Assist (BA) and should make driving hard into corners safer than before. But this is only on the V6, a gross oversight and we feel Honda should have offered this on the popular 2.4 variant as well.

Under the hood

The engine and gearbox options along with the suspension set-up remain untouched. Both engines remain refined and responsive units delivering linear power.

We would have liked Honda to offer the V6 with manual transmission as well. It would have made for one super quick car.

Other safety features like G-CON body shell, ABS with EBD and twin airbags remain as before. The 2.4-litre is still not the quickest, nor is the Accords low-speed ride the best in its class.

Honda expects to sell around 300 Accords every month. And with only a marginal price hike they should do that. Prices start at Rs 14.92 lakh for the 2.4- manual (an addition of Rs 28,000 over the last model) and the V6 retails at Rs 17.32 lakh (an addition of Rs 39,000), and ensure that the Accord's trump card of better value than the competition still holds.

These changes are a clever way of keeping the product fresh and appealing. The new features also ensure that any advantage on features like parking sensors that the competition has had is now negated.

Though the Accord still doesn't trump the Camry in terms of rear seat comfort or all out performance (2.4), it more than makes up in other areas, especially price.

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