The New Honda Accord Handling and Interior
Published: 12th February 2008
To create a more involving, communicative drive, the Accord development team used the highly-rated BMW 3 Series as a benchmark, and enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the new car’s greater agility. A lowered centre of gravity, a wider track and the all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity mean that the Accord more readily reacts to driver input. Handling is more responsive and confidence-inspiring and body roll has been reduced.
Speed sensitive electric power steering is standard on all models and the new axial system features a high output, low inertia brushless motor which provides excellent steering feel at higher speeds for a sense of stability and confidence. A quicker steering ratio has also been adopted in keeping with the Accord’s more agile chassis characteristics.
Premium interior with high-quality materials and outstanding fit and finish
Inside the Accord, the car’s dynamic characteristics are reflected in the driver-focused cabin, with a dashboard that extends from the centre console to sweep around the front seats, creating a cockpit-like design. The width of the car has allowed this without intruding on driver or passenger space, thus maximising comfort levels.
The dash itself features ‘floating’ backlit instruments, with an LCD multi-information display contained within the centre of the speedometer face. Controls positioned on the steering wheel allow the driver to cycle the display through multiple screens of information. A new feature is a service reminder that presents the driver with either the distance or days remaining to a required service, with an enlarged warning symbol appearing when the due date is imminent.
Meanwhile, stylish and highly supportive front seats have larger bolsters while a new internal structure is designed to reduce any transmission of vibration.
The three spoke steering wheel follows a similar design to recent Honda models, and holds a complete suite of controls – including audio, cruise control and mobile telephone control. It is fully adjustable for reach and rake, with an extra 10 degrees of tilt adjustment compared to the previous Accord.
Clever storage solutions ensure the car is as practical as ever, including two centre console side pockets; a lidded storage area to the side of the steering wheel; large front door pockets able to hold bottles and maps; bottle holders in the rear door panels, and a large centre console box.
Honda Accord
Our Honda Accord Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Accord range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £19,300 - £24,950
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 8
We have road tested the Honda Accord, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Honda Accord Review - Apr 2005
Honda Accord Review - Sep 2003
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
