SANTA BARBARA, CA -- Long the benchmark of the midsize car segment, the Accord fell from favour recently, surrendering its number one position in an increasingly competitive market.
The devastation in Japan was a big factor, greatly affecting supply of parts and product, but Honda has recently invested some $2 billion developing plants in North America.
It's a tough market. Buyers in this segment are careful with their dollars, and while fuel economy and value are important, they also want quality and a bit of style.
After nine uninterrupted generations, the Accord returns for 2013 with a few surprising changes.
The first change is its size: The new Accord is actually 90mm shorter than the outgoing model, yet it claims "class-leading cabin space."
The second is the replacement of the 2013 Honda Accord's double wishbone front suspension setup with MacPherson struts; which not only reduce weight and overhang, but provide a more settled ride with less vibration.
There's a stiffer chassis, a more sculpted exterior, several new technology innovations and a new line of fuel efficient "Earth Dreams" powertrains. About the only thing the new 2013 Accord shares with the outgoing model is "a few nuts and bolts," says Chief Engineer Shoji Matsui.
It's an attractive car, though being an Accord it's by no means ground-breaking or polarizing. New sculpted lines add some sophistication as do the ubiquitous LED driving lights. Honda claims the 2013 Honda Accord has the "quietest cabin in its class" thanks to increased torsional chassis rigidity, extra soundproofing, active noise control and the vibration-reducing suspension.
All the "user interface" areas have been reworked, there's a sweeping centre stack with fewer buttons and an 8" touchscreen. HondaLink connectivity accesses a variety of Cloud-based services using the owner's smartphone data. Thousands of music stations, audio books, Twitter, Facebook, and Yelp are available; and in an effort to reduce distracted driving, they're accessed through steering wheel or voice-activated controls.
New safety technology in the 2013 Honda Accord includes FCW (Forward Collision Warning) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning) with audible signals, and a slick new Lane Watch system that turns the passenger mirror into a camera when the right turn signal is activated. Great for reducing blind spots and seeing cyclists.
There are two new powertrains available when the 2013 Honda Accord rolls off the production line later this fall, with a plug-in hybrid to come later.
The "Earth Dreams" powertrains include a direct-injection 2.4L, 4-cylinder that's mated to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual; and a 3.5L V6 with automatic or manual --– both 6-speed. Estimated fuel economy (L/100km combined) for the sedan is 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 7.9 (V6); for the coupe 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 8.2 (V6 6AT) and 9.5 (6MT).
The plug-in 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 2.0L 4-cylinder/two motor system that can operate as a full-on electric, gasoline or combination of both. On a full charge, the Hybrid will have a range of 20-28 km, less than competitors but a quick charge of half an hour will top it up an extra 16 km.
The Accord will be available in a variety of trim levels, starting with the base LX up to the range-topping Touring model. Production has just begun, and 2013 Honda Accords should be arriving in Canadian showrooms by late fall.
The devastation in Japan was a big factor, greatly affecting supply of parts and product, but Honda has recently invested some $2 billion developing plants in North America.
 |
It's a tough market. Buyers in this segment are careful with their dollars, and while fuel economy and value are important, they also want quality and a bit of style.
After nine uninterrupted generations, the Accord returns for 2013 with a few surprising changes.
The first change is its size: The new Accord is actually 90mm shorter than the outgoing model, yet it claims "class-leading cabin space."
The second is the replacement of the 2013 Honda Accord's double wishbone front suspension setup with MacPherson struts; which not only reduce weight and overhang, but provide a more settled ride with less vibration.
 |
| The new Accord is actually 90mm shorter than the outgoing model. (Photo: Honda) |
There's a stiffer chassis, a more sculpted exterior, several new technology innovations and a new line of fuel efficient "Earth Dreams" powertrains. About the only thing the new 2013 Accord shares with the outgoing model is "a few nuts and bolts," says Chief Engineer Shoji Matsui.
It's an attractive car, though being an Accord it's by no means ground-breaking or polarizing. New sculpted lines add some sophistication as do the ubiquitous LED driving lights. Honda claims the 2013 Honda Accord has the "quietest cabin in its class" thanks to increased torsional chassis rigidity, extra soundproofing, active noise control and the vibration-reducing suspension.
All the "user interface" areas have been reworked, there's a sweeping centre stack with fewer buttons and an 8" touchscreen. HondaLink connectivity accesses a variety of Cloud-based services using the owner's smartphone data. Thousands of music stations, audio books, Twitter, Facebook, and Yelp are available; and in an effort to reduce distracted driving, they're accessed through steering wheel or voice-activated controls.
 |
| All the "user interface" areas have been reworked, there's a sweeping centre stack with fewer buttons and an 8" touchscreen. (Photo: Honda) |
New safety technology in the 2013 Honda Accord includes FCW (Forward Collision Warning) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning) with audible signals, and a slick new Lane Watch system that turns the passenger mirror into a camera when the right turn signal is activated. Great for reducing blind spots and seeing cyclists.
There are two new powertrains available when the 2013 Honda Accord rolls off the production line later this fall, with a plug-in hybrid to come later.
The "Earth Dreams" powertrains include a direct-injection 2.4L, 4-cylinder that's mated to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual; and a 3.5L V6 with automatic or manual --– both 6-speed. Estimated fuel economy (L/100km combined) for the sedan is 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 7.9 (V6); for the coupe 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 8.2 (V6 6AT) and 9.5 (6MT).
The plug-in 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 2.0L 4-cylinder/two motor system that can operate as a full-on electric, gasoline or combination of both. On a full charge, the Hybrid will have a range of 20-28 km, less than competitors but a quick charge of half an hour will top it up an extra 16 km.
The Accord will be available in a variety of trim levels, starting with the base LX up to the range-topping Touring model. Production has just begun, and 2013 Honda Accords should be arriving in Canadian showrooms by late fall.
Article Gallery