Inside, the Accord has all the vibrancy of a Japanese coal box. I'm
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| Colour palette was chosen by someone who lived in the 'dark ages'. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
sorry, but really, there's no nice way of getting around this fact. Because this is entry-level territory, Honda has stripped the car of visual pizzaz, leaving a lot of gray, albeit good quality plastic, all of which is one particularly dreary shade. The unusually firm but nicely contoured bucket seats are trimmed in a corduroy-replicating velour that harks back to the mid '80s Accord. And like corduroy, the trim collects string and fuzz, which can only be effectively cleaned with a lint roller. Honda has even matched the dashboard in a light-absorbing charcoal colour. Charming stuff, really. Praise goes to the excellent ergonomics, like the arrow-head shaped centre console with its clear controls; it's a stellar setup, but for the lone sunroof control which is on the dash, near the driver's door.
Compared to last year's car, mind you, there are some changes in here, albeit, minor ones. The instrument package now features three clusters with different, flattened fonts, and is devoid any colour, while splashes of chrome have been added about the interior vents. Automatic cars get a new perforated leather shift knob too. More importantly, though, is that engine and road noise have been further dulled by better insulation, further improving the Accord's already refined nature. Wind noise, however, was more intrusive than I remember it being, to a point where passengers inquired if I had any windows rolled down or the sunroof open.
While
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| Bar the warning lights, the Accord's instrument panel has even less colour. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
the trunk itself is about as wide and as deep as the Grand Canyon Iwell, maybe a scale model of the Grand Canyon), able to swallow up plenty of suitcases, the lid itself has been neglected. It's bare painted metal, with sharp edges, and exposed tail lamp housings. It also doesn't have a handle, and shuts with a resounding, un-insulated buzz as the license plate shimmies. My Volkswagen Jetta, in basic GL spec, and Toyota's bare-bones Corolla (gasp) no less, have felt trim covering the back panel, so why not this Accord which is nearly a decade on? Meanwhile, the Accord's rear seats aren't split-folding; the whole unit comes down at once, and on top of that you need to use the key to unlock it.
The four-cylinder SE model, such as this one, is a good place to be introduced to the Accord. It's the second lowest model, with an as-tested price of $26,750, but it comes with most of the goodies you'd want and need in a family sedan. It's the cheapest model to feature four-wheel disc brakes and ABS, and you get an alarm, plus a power glass sunroof. It also has a bit more of an upscale feel with chrome-accented bits, and 16-inch alloy wheels, a far sight better than the standard, plastic-covered steelies.
But, if you're looking for value, the basic DX-G is pretty hard to beat, as
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| It's difficult to beat the Accord SE's proposition of value for the dollar. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
it packs power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, ABS brakes, plus side and curtain airbags for $2,800 less. Can't bare the gray? Upgrade to the top of the line EX four-cylinder, and that pads the spec list with leather, and your choice of wood or alloy trim, dual zone digital climate control, and a six-disc CD player amongst other goodies. Throw even more money at the Accord and you can upgrade your engine to the 244-hp V6, which gains VSA stability control too, and the option of voice-activated navigation system. And let's not forget the hybrid, which is both the fastest Accord sedan and the most efficient one to boot, so you'll at least get some of your money back on fuel savings.
