However, the overall ergonomics are more than questionable. As is often the case, Honda chose to bury the dash in an avalanche of buttons of all kinds – whose size isn’t always in proportion with the user’s fingers – that control the stereo, air conditioner and navigation system.
Even the voice command feature needs some getting used to and requires multiple interventions to be truly efficient.
Inspired ride
I have to admit that the first time I got behind the wheel of the Honda Accord Coupe, I had a few doubts about its capabilities. Its size having increased over the years, one could easily imagine that its middle-class outlook would have gone the same way.
But I was wrong! Motivated by a 271-hp V6 supported by a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, the Honda Accord Coupe tackles the road with surprising aplomb.
Note that Honda considerably modified the coupe’s suspension to eliminate unwanted roll in corners while efficiently preserving occupant comfort. The car still pitches ever so slightly when pushed, even though the engineers increased the size of the front and rear sway bars. Some will say that’s normal, since the Accord Coupe is still first and foremost destined for everyday use and its owners will only rarely push it to its limits. It is, in fact, designed for worry-free, daily use.
The direction is precise, though not excessively so, and acceleration on corner exits is sometimes hesitant, which leads me to doubt the efficiency of the automatic version.
Conclusion
Despite everything and even with the few downsides listed above, the Honda Accord Coupe is surprisingly sporty and precise in its reactions. Although there is reason to question its relevance. The well-equipped version like our tester commands way more than $30,000, and there is a veritable slew of other sports coupes to choose from in that price range.
True, the Accord does have a certain appeal in that it offers a higher level of comfort than a conventional sports car. But at that price, I would have expected a better compromise.
Even the voice command feature needs some getting used to and requires multiple interventions to be truly efficient.
Inspired ride
I have to admit that the first time I got behind the wheel of the Honda Accord Coupe, I had a few doubts about its capabilities. Its size having increased over the years, one could easily imagine that its middle-class outlook would have gone the same way.
But I was wrong! Motivated by a 271-hp V6 supported by a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, the Honda Accord Coupe tackles the road with surprising aplomb.
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| Motivated by a 271-hp V6 supported by a close-ratio, the Honda Accord Coupe tackles the road with surprising aplomb. (Photo: Honda) |
Note that Honda considerably modified the coupe’s suspension to eliminate unwanted roll in corners while efficiently preserving occupant comfort. The car still pitches ever so slightly when pushed, even though the engineers increased the size of the front and rear sway bars. Some will say that’s normal, since the Accord Coupe is still first and foremost destined for everyday use and its owners will only rarely push it to its limits. It is, in fact, designed for worry-free, daily use.
The direction is precise, though not excessively so, and acceleration on corner exits is sometimes hesitant, which leads me to doubt the efficiency of the automatic version.
Conclusion
Despite everything and even with the few downsides listed above, the Honda Accord Coupe is surprisingly sporty and precise in its reactions. Although there is reason to question its relevance. The well-equipped version like our tester commands way more than $30,000, and there is a veritable slew of other sports coupes to choose from in that price range.
True, the Accord does have a certain appeal in that it offers a higher level of comfort than a conventional sports car. But at that price, I would have expected a better compromise.
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