Honda Accord Coupe 2008

By Benjamin Cyr

Finally, she’s got some  character!

Since the end of the’80, the Honda Accord stood as a reference in the auto industry due to   assembly quality, its legendary dependability, top resale value, roomy interior and all around solid performance. This year’s brand new generation seems as promising and offers a different look than does the competition. Our tryout version is the V6 Coupe with classy lines that catch the eye. Personally, I don’t appreciate front rectangular grille, but to each is one.

Two motorizations

Let’s concentrate on what the new Accord offers. The basic motorization is 2.4 litre, four cylinder. It produces 190hp @ 7000revs/pm and 162lb-ft of torque: it relies on a five-speed manual transmission or an automatic with the same speeds. The engine’s smoothness and fuel economy are noteworthy. What’s more, the horsepower manages fair acceleration, 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds. If you want more oomph, try our tester, the V6; we opted for the six speed manual. The 3.5 litre, V6, will give you the ‘pithily’ 268hp @ 6200 revs/pm and 248lb-ft of torque that will glue you the seat during acceleration. As a matter of fact, the 100k/h takes all of six seconds and the quarter mile, 14.4 seconds. So, despite superior weight than the preceding generation, acceleration gains, mainly because of the extra 300cc. In the past, Honda’s V6 engines lacked torque at low revolution but believe you me, times have changed.

Road-test likes:

•   The look of the vehicle which shows more originality than the previous generation;
• the V6’s power which produces surprising accelerations;
• the cab’s no flaw finish and assembly;
• the 2008 batch’s increase in driving satisfaction even with the extra weight;
• the interior really does house four occupants and their baggage; 
• the comfort and lateral support of the sport seats;
• the complete standard package;

Road-test dislikes:

• the plethora of buttons that dot the central console creates confusion and demands  a lengthy adaptation;
• the traction control system intervenes too often, especially in winter driving;
• the occasional difficulty in hitting a gear on the manual transmission;
• the price of our coupe EX-L version, including the navigational system, closes in on $40,000.