Honda SA has added 2,0-litre models to its Accord range – a move that should broaden the appeal of the marque’s under-rated compact executive contender as it enters the final chapter of its model life. Priced at R225 900 – for the five-speed manual – and The Accord’s aggressive-front-end treatment, dominated by the V-shaped grille and prominent ‘H’ of the Honda badge, has become a common sight on South Africa’s roads. Integrated fog lamps, the powerful sweep of the bonnet line and the slim, multi-element headlights further express the Accord’s athletic design.
The compact executive can be distinguished from the opposition by its muscular shoulder line, chrome-lined window apertures, high bootlid, slim C-pillar and enlarged colour-coded rear bumper. Inside, the 2,0s feature supportive front bucket seats and individually-contoured rear bench seats upholstered in leather, while soft-touch, textured plastics and glossy wood veneers give the cabin an upmarket ambience.
The Accord’s three-spoke steering wheel is rake and reach adjustable, and features controls for the audio and cruise control systems. The interior dimensions of the Accord contribute to roomy accommodation, with ample leg, head and shoulder room front and rear. While on the subject of space, the Accord’s boot has a capacity of 459 litres, which can be extended by folding down the 60:40 split rear seat backrest.
The 2,0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine is equipped with twin overhead camshafts, Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve timing system and features an electronic, drive-by-wire throttle. The revised camshafts boosts torque output in the 3 000 to 4 000 r/min region, and the maximum output of the four-cylinder cylinder is 114 kW at 6 000 r/min, while the torque peak of 190 N.m is reached at 4 500 r/min.
The automatic gearbox features a sequential SportsShift mode, which allows the driver to manually select the ratio best suited to individual driving styles and conditions.
The manual version accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, and boasts a top speed of 217 km/h. The automatic transmission version reaches 100 km/h from rest in 10.3 seconds, while top speed comes is 215 km/h.
The Accord 2.0 shares its chassis and suspension layout with the other models in the Accord range. The independent front suspension consisting of double wishbones, gas-filled dampers and an anti-roll bar front and rear, ensures good dynamics and response, while providing high levels of refinement. A dual-circuit, servo-assisted braking system uses 300 mm vented disc up front and 260 mm solid rear discs.
Standard equipment on the Accord 2,0 models include a premium sound system with integrated six-disc CD changer and eight loudspeakers, electrically operated front seats, dual-zone climate control, auto headlamps and windscreen wipers, electrically operated glass sunroof, alloy wheels and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The front seats are heated, and the vanity mirrors in the sunshields are illuminated.
Safety features range from dual front, side and curtain airbags, side impact beams in the doors, front and rear inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioning, and ISOFIX child seat indicators, to ABS, EBD and emergency braking assistance (EBA).
Further in the Accord range are the Accord 2.4 Type S R and Accord 2.4 Executive. Both are powered by Honda’s 2,4-litre 16-valve four-cylinder i-VTEC engine, producing 140 kW at 6 800 r/min, and the maximum torque figure of 223 N.m comes in at 4 500 r/min