As the HFP is based on the EX-L V6 NAVI, it therefore includes every possible piece of kit available on a Honda today. Chief among them is the large, high-mounted display screen for audio and navigational functions. Although the interface is not of the tactile sort, the ample middle rotary knob is very intuitive and easy to manipulate.
Manipulating the large Coupe is not always as simple. As with most modern-day, slope-y-roofed, raked-windshield cars, outward visibility is challenged. With the lowered ride height and protruding front-chin spoiler, curbs and cement parking dividers can become an issue.
Once underway, the Accord gets going. When the go pedal hits the bulkhead, the 3.5L V6's 271 hp and 251 lb.-ft of torque revel at the challenge of getting the 1,550-kg (3,410-lb) Coupé up to speed. Although a little light on mush in the lower regions of the powerband, the V6 comes alive right around the 4,500-rpm mark.
Blissfully short, the 6-speed manual box's shift lever slots itself into every cog with next to no effort accompanied by a fantastic clicked-in sound. The action is positive and far more rewarding than in previous 6-speed Accords I've driven. The clutch pedal is light and once the friction point is mastered, getting stuck in traffic should not require calf-muscle replacement once out of the jam.
Despite the slam, the big Coupe still manages a comfortable ride. The lowered jounce over uneven surfaces cannot be altogether avoided, but if you keep to cleaner tarmac you'll be fine. Carving corners is more fun in this Accord than any I've taken for a spin in a dozen years, and by a large margin.
The standard 4-wheel disc brakes are fine for extracting momentum, however, if you feel as though your HFP is bound for the track, I would seriously consider upgrading the pads and perhaps even the discs - this is a heavy car. The variable-ratio power steering provides decent road feel and good precision. The Accord Coupe certainly is a sporty grand tourer.
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| When the go pedal hits the bulkhead, the 3.5L V6's 271 hp and 251 lb.-ft of torque revel at the challenge of getting the 1,550-kg Coupé up to speed. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Manipulating the large Coupe is not always as simple. As with most modern-day, slope-y-roofed, raked-windshield cars, outward visibility is challenged. With the lowered ride height and protruding front-chin spoiler, curbs and cement parking dividers can become an issue.
Once underway, the Accord gets going. When the go pedal hits the bulkhead, the 3.5L V6's 271 hp and 251 lb.-ft of torque revel at the challenge of getting the 1,550-kg (3,410-lb) Coupé up to speed. Although a little light on mush in the lower regions of the powerband, the V6 comes alive right around the 4,500-rpm mark.
Blissfully short, the 6-speed manual box's shift lever slots itself into every cog with next to no effort accompanied by a fantastic clicked-in sound. The action is positive and far more rewarding than in previous 6-speed Accords I've driven. The clutch pedal is light and once the friction point is mastered, getting stuck in traffic should not require calf-muscle replacement once out of the jam.
Despite the slam, the big Coupe still manages a comfortable ride. The lowered jounce over uneven surfaces cannot be altogether avoided, but if you keep to cleaner tarmac you'll be fine. Carving corners is more fun in this Accord than any I've taken for a spin in a dozen years, and by a large margin.
The standard 4-wheel disc brakes are fine for extracting momentum, however, if you feel as though your HFP is bound for the track, I would seriously consider upgrading the pads and perhaps even the discs - this is a heavy car. The variable-ratio power steering provides decent road feel and good precision. The Accord Coupe certainly is a sporty grand tourer.
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| The standard 4-wheel disc brakes are fine for extracting momentum. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |