Sublime for the class: Honda Accord

While the midsize car market pales in comparison to the entry-level subcompact and the burgeoning SUV niche, it is still an important segment for any serious manufacturer. For a mainstream brand like Honda, the midsize category is their de facto “luxury” product, especially when the local manufacturer/importer lacks the upscale boutique brand of Acura that Toyota has with Lexus.

So the decision to continually bring in a midsize sedan like the Accord, though its contribution to overall sales may well be rather small, is a point of prestige. The Accord is representative of all the best technology that Honda can muster in a midsize family car: performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, and luxury, all at a price point that is aspirational for the majority of executives without broaching into true luxury car territory.

The Accord starts at P1,720,000.  That’s quite a leap from the smaller Civic or even the CR-V, whose most expensive variant stickers for P1,565,000. You won’t be seeing too many Accords in the supermarket parking lot, but you’ll probably see quite a few at the country club. While the Accord styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, a closer look reveals many pleasing details for the discerning buyer. Character lines on the hood and flanks give it a crisp, elegant look; the headlamps are expensive, dual projector LED sets with active cornering lamps; and the elegant cabin exudes a zen-like simplicity that will calm even the most stressed out passenger after a tough day at the office.

The “base” Accord uses a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams technology rated at 175ps at 6,200 rpm and 23 kg-m of torque at 4,000 rpm. Mated to a standard 5-speed automatic, the drivetrain delivers smart acceleration and a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. In mixed city/highway driving, I averaged 8.5-9 km/l, well within the acceptable range for a relatively large, 4-cylinder engine. With two other adult passengers on board, the car only begins to start straining to maintain velocity above 120kph.  The engine also emits a muted growl that you’ll have to strain to hear, as the cabin seems to enjoy a generous level of sound and vibration insulation, too. For those who want the hotrod version, they should look at the 3.5-liter V6 with 281ps, which is priced at P2,097,000 (a little bit more if you want the pearl white one).

Having owned a ’99 Accord in the past, it’s easy to note how the current Accord has managed to retain the positive traits of the nameplate despite having undergone many improvements through the years. For example, I always liked the driving position of the car and how it was so easy to drive and see out of. The driver’s seat has 10-way power adjustments to help you get that perfect driving position. The low cowl, dashboard, and large, expansive windshield enable a panoramic view out while letting your eyes instantly see the instruments in a split-second. The cockpit itself is a minor work of art with oversized instrumentation for the speedometer and tachometer, intuitive soft-touch buttons for the dual-zone climate control, and handsome, dark wood accents.

Visibility all-around is as outstanding as ever, making this a great car for road tripping and enjoying the scenery. Ride and handling are sublime as ever, striking a right balance between stability and comfort. The power steering system has remarkably good feel and heft for an electric system, and the front strut-rear multilink suspension delivers good compliance without feeling floaty. At the limit, the car ultimately understeers, but pressed at 7 to 8/10ths driving, it feels rather light and nimble for a relatively large sedan. Coupled with the supportive seats, paddle shifters, and responsive engine, it’s the kind of car that makes all but the dumbest drivers look very smooth. Unfortunately, it’s not equipped with cruise control; something that’s quite useful on long highway trips.

For rear seat passengers who’d like a little privacy or just some extra shade, the side windows have pull-up blinds and the rear backlight has a power-up sunshade. No doubt many customers will also employ chauffeurs for this car, so the rear armrest also includes an integrated remote for the stereo. Rear A/C vents also help turn the rear area into a virtual cocoon. Whether you’re seated in front or at the back, there’s enough headroom and legroom to stretch out and relax.

Like most mid- and high-end cars these days, the Accord is equipped with a touchscreen panel for the stereo and auxiliary features like the cabin lighting. Navigating the stereo does take awhile to familiarize, especially if you’re using a USB with hundreds of tracks. It’s best to fiddle around with it when you’re stationary as it requires your full attention.

For customers who’d like all the bells and whistles, they will probably consider the 3.5V as it also comes with a power moonroof, auxiliary front passenger seat controls that can be accessed from the backseat, Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity, a subwoofer to augment the standard 6-speaker stereo,  and ambient lighting, to name a few.

As it is, the 2.4S is already well equipped with front and side airbags (the 3.5V adds curtain airbags), antilock brakes, stability control, a multi-view rear camera, front and rear proximity sensors, smart key with pushbutton engine start, and even automatic leveling headlamps.

At its price point, the Accord goes toe-to-toe with competitors like the Toyota Camry and Mazda6. It’s not overtly sporty like the Mazda nor stiffly “corporate” like the Camry, but more of a balance between the pleasurable comfort expected of a midsize sedan while retaining the responsive driving traits that Honda is known for. It’s a sublime combination that quite lives up to its name.