8 February 2011
It's always been a theory of this reviewer the development team responsible for past V6 Accords must've been a bit different to Honda's other designers/engineers of the day.
For instance, I could never imagine an Accord V6 designer joining the Civic type-R design team for a few drinks after work, or challenging the NSX boys to a game of Jai Alai.
As good as the old Accord V6 was; well laid out, practical and superbly engineered - a distinct lack of flair had been engrained, and the vehicle suffered for it. Great car...but a bit boring.
With the new generation however the Accord has really come out of its shell. The design is eminently more muscular and the sculptured body exudes a genuine executive presence, which is a perfect accompaniment to the power-suit of its managerial cliental.
Dare it be said in Mugen form it even goes too far. The 'performance enhanced' variant also adds enough unsightly plastic to the bootlid, to turn any boy racer green with spoiler envy.
It's grown considerably, now more than ever offering an attractive alternative to the Aussie big sixes. Dimensionally it's larger than a Commodore and this certainly seems reflected by the ample cabin space on offer.
Even the entry level V6S delivers executive levels of comfort, but with leather upholstery, brushed aluminium trim, electrically adjustable/heated front seating, sunroof and rain sensing wipers the mid-spec V6L is perhaps the best bang for buck. Shame a fuel/trip computer is only made available on the range topping V6N, along with Honda's intuitive satellite navigation system.
In fact, borrowing heavily from Honda's $86,000 Legend flagship, the Accord rivals the top dog in terms of technology.
Accord stereo facia
The standard 270 watt, 6-disc MP3 CD player, 7-speaker audio system - including the 8" subwoofer not only produces beautiful sound, it doubles as an active noise cancellation system.
Recording external ambient noise and emitting a counter sound wave to reduce road and wind noise.
Safety features include six airbags, active headrests, Honda's stability control (VSA) and an intelligent G-Force Control passenger protection zone.
Dual zone climate control is also standard fitment, on the top spec model however it is guided by GPS to heat or cool the cabin dependant on the position of the sun.
Indeed, the Accord's creature comforts have been developed with advanced 'geek' technology, normally reserved for sci-fi novels. But it's the engine that's the vehicle's piece de resistance.
These days, cylinder deactivation is the name of the game, if you're to have a large capacity engine with a modicum of acceptable fuel economy. Mercedes and Chrysler have dabbled with this technology, but Honda have employed the cleverest version to date.
When the full force of the Accord's 202kW, 3.5 litre engine is required (cold running, mid-heavy acceleration, steep inclines) all six of its cylinders are firing to develop a punchy 340Nm of torque @ 5000rpm.
When cruising at motorway speeds or under light acceleration two cylinders can be deactivated to reduce the employed capacity to 2.3 litres, the change is imperceptible to the vehicle's occupants a small 'Eco' lamp being the only telltale the vehicle is running as a four cylinder.
In extreme 'lean cruise' conditions the V6 can run on only three cylinders, a configuration that would surely create an unpleasant vibration if it weren't for the brainpower among Accord's engineers.
Intelligent, electronically controlled engine mounts are used to monitor the engine's vibrations, precisely manipulated with electrical current to even out any trace of unwanted resonance.
Performance wise it rivals the sportier of Holden's V6 line-up, but benefitting from markedly greater levels of refinement and economy.
Accord driving
It also adds a further dimension in driver's involvement with F1 inspired paddle shifters for the 5-speed transmission.
Chassis dynamics also impressed during our drive through the South Island's undulating state highways from Nelson to Christchurch.
This is especially true of the Mugen performance tuned variations - available on all VS,VL, and VN models - which provide superb grip and sharper steering with 18-inch sports wheels and tyres. Although some may find the ride firmer than what they enjoy.
At first, I was scared the new Accord V6, for all its nerdy technical boundary-pushing might have suffered the same fate of its predecessors, and been a bit of a bore. But nothing could be further from the truth. Clearly targeting the likes of Falcon and Commodore, this V6 Accord is Nerd's revenge embodied.
It's now - finally - visually dynamic and exciting to drive in addition to being technically brilliant.