Although the clutch in my tester had a fairly light push, it was on the grabby side like a kid at Hallowe'en. Once my pre-alzheimer brain adjusted for the quick hook-up, shifts repeated themselves with rapid-fire quickness and precision. The shifter is nicely located right where most palms should naturally fall. Its throws are short, notchy and well defined. Not to mention plentiful: As in six forward gears encouraging maximum use of the engine's powerband. Now that's inspiring. Both five-speed manual and automatic transmissions are also available, with the former only on the base 4-cylinder.
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| Exclusive to the EX V6 six-speed manual transmission coupe is a set of 17-inch aluminum rims with low profile tires. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Accord Coupe is suspended on independent double wishbones and coil springs front and rear. Handling further benefits from front and rear stabilizer bars and variable power assisted, speed sensitive rack and pinion steering. Exclusive to the EX V6 six-speed manual transmission coupe is a set of 17-inch aluminum rims, plugged into low profile P215/50R17 93V Michelins. Lower trim levels receive either 16-inch aluminum rims or 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers.
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| Honda's cars have always been big on safety, the Accord Coupe EX is no exception, and is well equipped with many standard safety features and 4-wheel disc brakes. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Honda has always been big on safety. All trim levels of the Accord Coupe are equipped with an array of standard safety features, such as front seat dual-stage dual-threshold airbags, driver's side airbag; passenger side airbag with occupant position detection system and a child seat anchor latch. Also included on all units is 4-wheel anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution.
Apart from the base Accord Coupe (LG-G), which utilizes rear drums, all braking systems are 4-wheel disc. I found the brakes on my EX tester to be extremely powerful, and nicely predictable. No premature anti-lock intervention was evident. Brake modulation was a "piece of cake" (sorry, I had promised no epicurean cliches) and required little effort from the left foot.