Honda Accord: Executive excitement

MANILA, Philippines - Two things keep the younger set from opting for, and buying, bigger cars.

First is, of course, the steeper price compared to compacts. The second is more of an image thing. Just like soccer-mom vans and station wagons, the executive class of vehicles has been traditionally known for rather safe, sometimes tepid designs that excite neither owner nor the world at large.

For a new generation of moneyed professionals, pogi points factor in as heavily as practicality – perchance even more.

One could make a case that Honda Accord designers were keenly listening to this semi-marginalized segment – that underserved niche boasting both financial independence and verve. We recently had a chance to take the Honda Accord 3.5 S-V (the lower variants sport a 2.4) for a protracted test drive, and found it both spunky and refined.

In the looks department, the car has an aggressively-styled fascia – the big, gleaming Honda logo framed by familiar silver and black. The Accord’s HID eyes look menacing as well. Smooth-flowing lines inevitably lead you the rear, equally muscular courtesy of a mean looking pair of taillights and matching jutting bumper.

Underneath the hood is a 24-valve V6 that boasts Honda’s vaunted i-VTEC now with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) technology. The latter is designed for higher energy output even while promising enhanced fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. How? It partially stops the “action of some cylinders through freely controlled engine displacement,” according to company literature. All told, the Accord generates a maximum of 275 horses at 6200 rpm – surely nothing to sneeze at.

Those familiar with the Civic and the excitement of driving one need not fret about the larger Accord. Its so-called Variable Gear Ratio steering system makes the Accord an adroit, nimble performer – with a small turning radius and sport steering. You will almost forget you’re driving a bigger car.

The intuitive Gear Shift Management Control, on the other hand, eliminates unnecessary gear shift-ups in situations like cornering – when you ease off the pedal but do not necessarily intend to slow down.

The ride is dampened with independent wishbone suspension with springs up front, and a couple of independent multi-link double wishbones with springs at the rear. Your back and your behind will definitely thank you for this.

Inside, the Accord is simple and elegant. After all, it is an executive-class car. The air-conditioning system is literally and figuratively a blast – a must-have in this hot and humid country. Legroom and headroom is spacious as can be expected. The 3.5 variant also features an electric sunroof when weather and ambience permit, and the electric rear sunshade is a thoughtful and welcome addition, too.

I’m not personally a fan of wood accents in cars, so I’m grateful the Accord uses it sparingly as with touches in the leather-wrapped steering wheel and panel. The dark-grain color helps to subdue it, too.

Owners will definitely appreciate other niceties like the non-glare dash and legible gauges. As it strives to be known for eco-friendliness, Honda has even integrated an “Eco” green lamp that lights up as a reward for fuel-efficient driving habits (namely: easy on the revs there, mister).

Still, the Accord is meant to be enjoyed, of course. That means you will be sorely tempted to stretch your legs and let ‘er rip. It is not merely a domesticated vehicle that takes you from point A to B. The strong acceleration and the driving experience make the in between so very memorable, pogi.

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The Accord 3.5 S-V AT V6 is priced at P2.03 million, with the Brilliant White Pearl going for P2.05 million. The 2.4 S AT variant is at P1.68 million.