'Tude is slang for attitude - as if you didn't already know. And here's a piece of news: The 2011 Honda Accord Coupe's got lots of it. Really. But on one condition; it must have the HFP package.
The Accord Coupe is the only other remaining beacon in Honda's line-up to its sporty roots, the other car being the Civic Si. Although there lies a chasm between the Accord Coupe and the Civic Si, the HFP package narrows that gap with tasteful aesthetic tweaks that make the HFP a serious looker. In fact, when parked, I was thoroughly enthralled with the car's stance and the way it sat there, determined.
The HFP ensemble, a $2,000 option on the top-of-the-line EX-L V6 NAVI Coupe which retails for $35,890, includes the following: 19" 9-spoke charcoal alloy wheels, side skirt extensions, fatter and deeper front and rear bumpers, and (most importantly of all) a sport-tuned and lowered suspension that drops the car a solid inch. Therein lies all the difference in the world.
The revamped 2008 Accord regained some of the edge that was lost when the previous 2003-2007 car landed on the market. That being said, the recent Accords have never captured our attention the way they did with the 6th generation, 1998 to 2002 (especially post-2001 facelift) vehicle. I want to blame the Honda Crosstour for mucking up the current car's overall styling, but it was never brilliant to begin with. The HFP group saves the day.
You'll not notice anything different on the inside other than a serialized limited-edition badge and some HFP embroidered floor mats. In this instance, it's all good as the Accord's cabin is a serious thinking and driving person's place. As with 95% of all Honda and Acura products, the seats are exemplary in every way. They provide support and love in all the right places. The driving position happens to be spot-on and most controls fall within easy reach.
Once comfortably set up behind the wheel, you'll immediately make note of the multitude of buttons strewn about, reminiscent of a luxury car. It will take time to get a handle on what's where, however, in no time flat will you appreciate Honda's careful fit and finish, a pair of elements that differentiate Honda from Toyota.
The Accord Coupe is the only other remaining beacon in Honda's line-up to its sporty roots, the other car being the Civic Si. Although there lies a chasm between the Accord Coupe and the Civic Si, the HFP package narrows that gap with tasteful aesthetic tweaks that make the HFP a serious looker. In fact, when parked, I was thoroughly enthralled with the car's stance and the way it sat there, determined.
The HFP ensemble, a $2,000 option on the top-of-the-line EX-L V6 NAVI Coupe which retails for $35,890, includes the following: 19" 9-spoke charcoal alloy wheels, side skirt extensions, fatter and deeper front and rear bumpers, and (most importantly of all) a sport-tuned and lowered suspension that drops the car a solid inch. Therein lies all the difference in the world.
The revamped 2008 Accord regained some of the edge that was lost when the previous 2003-2007 car landed on the market. That being said, the recent Accords have never captured our attention the way they did with the 6th generation, 1998 to 2002 (especially post-2001 facelift) vehicle. I want to blame the Honda Crosstour for mucking up the current car's overall styling, but it was never brilliant to begin with. The HFP group saves the day.
You'll not notice anything different on the inside other than a serialized limited-edition badge and some HFP embroidered floor mats. In this instance, it's all good as the Accord's cabin is a serious thinking and driving person's place. As with 95% of all Honda and Acura products, the seats are exemplary in every way. They provide support and love in all the right places. The driving position happens to be spot-on and most controls fall within easy reach.
Once comfortably set up behind the wheel, you'll immediately make note of the multitude of buttons strewn about, reminiscent of a luxury car. It will take time to get a handle on what's where, however, in no time flat will you appreciate Honda's careful fit and finish, a pair of elements that differentiate Honda from Toyota.
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| Once comfortably set up behind the wheel, you'll immediately make note of the multitude of buttons strewn about, reminiscent of a luxury car. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |