Striking Accord

Japan’s executive triumvirate of Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Cefiro/Teana have been at loggerheads for the longest time. But each of them has followed its own development path, resulting in three very different cars today, even though they still target more or less the same customers. And how their evolutionary paths have diverged.

In its pursuit of maximum comfort and minimum effort, the Camry has dialled out any semblance of character, that intangible automotive asset which can spell the difference between an ordinary commute and a joyful journey. This Toyota is fuss-free and also fun­ free. The Teana, previously known as the Cefiro, has thankfully stopped copying the Camry and started innovating. The end result is a modern Japanese Lancia in all but name; a handsome saloon almost artistic in its design and quietly luxurious to boot. The Accord, meanwhile, has neither the elegance of the Teana nor the pillow-smooth ride of the Camry. Instead, the big Honda is big on handling and “feeling”. Yet it is also roomy and comfy, in line with Camry-class requirements.

The previous JDM Accord, which spawned the speedy Euro R, was significantly smaller than the “Thaicord” (as we like to call the “official” Accord) and sat on a shorter 2670mm wheelbase. Honda took the opportunity then to spec up its larger Thai-made Accord with luxury equipment and ,a state-of-the-art 3.5-litre i-Vtec V6, shipping the vehicle to Japan as the fifth-generation Inspire, positioned just below the Legend flagship.

The unofficial new JDM Accord is still smaller than the official Kah version, but it has grown in dimensions and is now closer in size to its relative that’s rich in tom yum. The difference in body lengths is a noticeable 215mm and the Thai car rides on a generous 2800mm wheelbase, which is almost 100mm longer than that of the “Japanese” car. Width and height, however, are pretty evenly matched, Most importantly, the latest JDM Accord looks good, in an understated sort of way.

Under the bonnet is where the newcomer really scores. Rated by JDM standard, the 2.4-litre inline-4 engine promises 206bhp and 232Nm of torque, versus the Thaicord’s 180bhp and 222Nm. A slick 5-speed automatic, with handy paddle shifters as standard, continues to transfer the juice to the front wheels. The extra energy on tap is delivered in a progressive and effective manner, and the engine revs easily to the redline as it achieves serious figures on the “floating” speedometer. The suspension stays on top of things throughout and the steering feels properly connected to the tarmac, both attributes giving us the confidence to go even faster where allowed to.

Inside the cabin, there is plenty of space for occupants and oddments alike, albeit still a little less than what you can enjoy in the huge Thai-made Accord, The dashboard is solidly built and logically laid out, with the driving position typically Honda in its outward visibility and sense of control. Supple leather, quality plastics and no sign of pseudo-wood anywhere reinforce the impression of quality, while electric everything ensures convenience for everyone, Refinement levels, even when pressing on, are high enough to challenge the Legend. Keeping the Accord motoring out of harm’s way is an array of airbags and safety systems, which include a clever Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering that actually “nudges” the driver to steer correctly during an unstable driving situation.
There you have it, the new JDM Honda Accord. Whether judged on its own merits or viewed as an alternative to the Group Test cars coming up after this story, it will definitely strike a chord with drivers who dislike the Camry.

Tags: Accord Camry Cefiro