Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
I’ve driven every generation of Honda Accord since inception and have always come away impressed. Even the ultimately bland styling years (the boxy second-generation from 1981–1985, the instantly forgettable fourth-generation from 1989-1993, and the ovoid sixth-generation from 1997–2002 come immediately to mind) were great cars for their era that were quite entertaining to drive. My first Honda Accord press car came from this latter generation, and I remember looking at it in disdain when first acquiring the keys and then after a week behind the wheel bringing it back with an entirely new respect for the car, the people who buy Accords, and Honda in general. I still feel the same way, although my level of respect has grown substantially.
This
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Inside, there has never been a more appealing Canadian-market Honda automobile. The new Accord has been given some premium touches to allow it to compete more readily with a recently upgraded mid-size class, such as a soft-touch dash top, full soft-touch door uppers in front and the same pliable surfaces covering the rear portion (and majority) of the back door uppers, not to mention other surfaces such as armrests. Chromed door handles complement brushed metallic centre stack and console surfacing, while a thick plank of wood-inspired trim starts at the front portion of each forward door and wraps into the
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Instead, the overall look of the Accord’s cabin is tastefully understated. A simple three-dial-style primary gauge package sits dead ahead of the driver (a tach on the left, large speedo surrounding a small black and white multi-info display at centre, and temp/gas gauges within a dial-like semicircle to the right), while twin large full-colour displays cascade down the centre stack above a dual-zone automatic climate control interface and a panel of quick-access infotainment buttons and knobs just below, the entire assortment letting everyone know that the
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Adding to the car’s tech appeal is HondaLink with access to Aha and other cloud-based services, which is standard on EX-L models, plus Honda’s HandsFreeLink Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity that also incorporates text messaging and e-mail functionality; standard across the Accord line. Proximity sensing remote access with pushbutton ignition makes the overall Accord Touring experience
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
I have to say the Accord’s driving dynamics might be unexpected too. Certainly previous Accords drove well, the model always being considered one of the sportier entries in its mid-size segment. This version moved the driving experience up a notch however, delivering an effortless athleticism that really sets it apart from its peers. The car feels light on its 235/45R18 Michelins, as if it has no rolling resistance at all, yet in the corners it grips with greater tenacity than some “sport sedans”, a term that oft gets misused.
Behind my test car’s chromed grille was Honda’s 16-valve, direct-injection, DOHC, i-VTEC,
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Practicalities
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The Accord Touring might be the most advanced car in its class for safety, however. The aforementioned rear camera is a multi-angle unit that not only protects the car from potential parking mishaps but is also like having eyes in the back and on the sides of the head for seeing children playing where they shouldn’t be, although my favourite new Honda-exclusive feature is LaneWatch blind spot display that projects a bright and clear right-side rearward image onto the infotainment screen when flicking the right turn signal, making for worry-free right turns and lane changes. The Accord Touring also features lane departure warning
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
To say this is the best Honda Accord yet is an understatement. The popular sedan made such progress from the 2012 to 2013 model year that it left many of its peers far behind, and the 2014 car, while unchanged, remains a solid bet for those looking to purchase a mid-size four-door. Pricing starts at $23,990 plus freight for the base LX model, whereas four-cylinder Touring trim can be had for $30,745.
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