First up
It's finally here and we'll admit straight away, we're really disappointed it won't be coming to India.
The 2013 Honda Accord is a luxo-barge if there ever was one - it's a ground-up redesign when compared to the older generation accord and looks like it has enough under the hood to go like stink. More on that later.
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Design and engineering
It looks aerodynamic, doesn't it? Honda's designers have taken pains to ensure exactly this. In terms of engineering, the body of the new Accord is made of high-strength steel, and using technology known as Revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering, the new Accord is supposed to have improved frontal crash safety.
Under the hood
The new Accord comes powered by a 2.4-litre inline-4 engine, mated to either a six-speed manual gear box, or a CVT auto. Another engine option is the 3.5-litre V6 engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto 'box. The 2.4-litre engine makes 187 bhp, while the V6 engine puts out a power figure of 276 bhp.
Feature flick
This one comes with quite a few features, too. To begin with there is the new HondaLink system, which allows you to stay connected with all the features on your smart phone, even when you put it away. There is also the new Honda LaneWatch system, a safety feature that essentially works as a blind-spot warning system.
Inside job
The insides of the car have been completely redesgined too. Buyers are offered a choice of black, grey and ivory leather or cloth upholstery on their cars. While seating has also been redesigned, there is also dual-zone climate control and what Honda hopes is simplified controls.
What else?
The Accord has always been a rather sharp car to drive - it steers and handles neatly. To improve things further, Honda has included a new MacPherson strut front suspension and a steel and aluminium front subframe. The new electronic power steering uses an electric motor as opposed to a hydraulic system to assist the rack and pinion steering.
Safety stuff
Plenty in terms of safety - both active and passive. The active safety features include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure, which is essentially an impact-absorbing body design to help prevent injuries in case of a collision. Passive safety features include airbags.
