7 February 2011
The Accord V6, a perennial favourite with middle management young guns, has received a mid-life makeover with a difference. Honda has seemingly forgotten to change anything, or so the average punter might think from the vehicle's front view.
Perhaps that's OK though, the Accord's face has never been too disagreeable, nothing too intricately styled but well suited to the, well...suited.
The rear end has been more obviously resculptured, but to our eyes it still lacks passion in its design. However, managerial types may find a curious appeal about it. It's as exciting as a pie graph; with approximately 23% removed to create two slice-shaped LED tail lamps.
As with the outgoing Accord V6, a Mugen enhanced variant tops the range and improves the looks with the inclusion of sporty 17-inch alloys, a body kit and spoiler. The Mugen versions also add a stainless exhaust system, which ups the engine's output by 5% and gives a raspier exhaust note.
The real advantages over its predecessor are under the surface. While the 3.0 litre V6 remains at 177kW, the same as the old Accord, it has received newly designed cylinder heads that incorporate the exhaust manifold into the head
This is an intriguing development, in our combined 120 years of industry experience; no one at the AA's technical offices had seen this type of head design before. The advantages are clear though, namely weight reduction and improved serviceability.
The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic, which has been reprogrammed for smoother shift quality, but still sporty operation. We missed not having a sequential manual override that has now become the norm in the Accord's class. Performance is strong however. In a performance test conducted by Honda New Zealand the Accord, driven by Aaron Slight, launched from 0-100 in 7.5 seconds, and ran a standing quarter mile time of 15.3 seconds.
Noise vibration and harshness levels are among the best in class, even in the base model, which at $39,000 has no problems embarrassing pricier executive cruisers in this department. Handling errs towards comfort rather than agility, and mid-corner throttle feathering is required at pace to keep understeer in check. But if you were in the market for a dynamic handler you'd opt for the nimbler Accord Euro wouldn't you?
Spec for the entry level includes Honda's Stability Program, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), front, and side airbags, cruise control, 6-disc CD changer, alarm and immobiliser and a tilting/telescoping steering column. There is mid-spec sport variant which offers mainly minor cosmetic enhancements for an additional $3000.
At $43,800 the Accord V6L seems the best value for money and offers curtain airbags, leather interior,
rain sensing wipers and a sunroof. For the rising star of the boardroom though, the top spec'd V6L Mugen will have the accounts department writing a cheque for $52,300.