First Drive: 2011 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has never lacked any substance, having earned itself the title of ‘SA Car Of The Year’ in 2009, amongst other international titles. For 2011, Honda has updated the D-segment luxury sedan in the areas of refinement, safety and efficiency. It might not look it, but beneath the sheetmetal there are almost enough technical improvements to warrant a dissertation. Fortunately for you, we’ve put together a shortened version.

Subtle styling updates are the generally accepted practice when it comes to mid-life model updates, with the Accord being no exception. From the outside, the headlights have a crisper appearance, thanks to the clear indicator lenses that were previously orange. Range-topping Executive spec models are equipped with single-unit bi-Xenon headlights with Active Cornering Lights and High Beam Support System to improve night time visibility. The grille has been restyled with two central slats finished in the same chrome material as the outer grille. The fog light housings and lower air intakes have been revised on all models for a more aggressive and planted appearance. At the tail-end, the reverse lights and indicators are less pronounced, having received a light red tinge, while a chrome strip has been added to the boot, above the number plate. Three new colours have also been added to the range, namely: Alabaster Silver; Graphite Lustre; and Celestial Blue Pearl.

The Honda Accord’s interior has been given a more sophisticated feel, courtesy of dark silver interior panels, contrast against a bright silver finish on the door handles and handbrake. Subtle, but effective in ‘lightening’ the cabin, is the light grey stitching on the black leather-covered seats and gear selector. The driver’s instrumentation is clearer during daylight hours, thanks to brighter backlighting, and despite the busy dashboard with its multitude of buttons, sweeping and swooping lines, the Accord’s functions are easy to work with. Passengers travel in comfort, with some of the best interior space in class.

As mentioned, the biggest changes and improvements to the 2011 Honda Accord take place beneath the body work. Noise, vibration, hardness (NVH) levels have been reduced by between 10 – 15 percent through the use of higher density foam under the bonnet and dashboard, additional under-floor noise insulation and in the increased thickness of the rear windscreen glass.

The Accord’s safety and efficiency credentials have been given a boost by incorporating the latest technologies. Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) – which is available on the new 2.4 Exclusive models, comprises three separate technologies: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

In brief, CMBS employs a radar sensor in the Accord’s front grille and recognises when a collision is imminent. It then reacts in three stages if no response is received by the driver. Firstly, a visual and audible warning is issued, followed by a light tug on the driver’s seatbelt by the pre-tensioner and finally, the brakes are applied and all seat belts are pre-tensioned. LKAS operates within a speed range of between 70 km/h and 180 km/h, and uses images from a camera mounted inside the upper front windscreen to recognise which lane the car is travelling in. If the car begins to cross the lane markings without driver input on the steering wheel or the indicators, it provides the required steering action to keep the car in the centre of the lane – a potentially life-saving feature on long-haul journeys when driver fatigue often becomes an issue. Using the same radar as CMBS, ACC measures the time (thus distance) to the vehicle ahead, while vehicle speed and yaw rate sensors detect the vehicle’s driving parameters. ACC can maintain a set speed as per conventional cruise control, but in addition it can also automatically slow the car relative to the car in front, thereby maintaining one of three driver-selected following distances.

The Honda Accord is available with a choice of three engines. In the sedan, the engine choice comprises two four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engines with a capacity of 2.0-litres and 2.4-litres respectively, with transmission choices of either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The new, uprated, high-power, 2.2 i-DTEC turbodiesel engine offers maximum power of 132 kW at 4 000 r/min, together with 380 Nm of torque, available from 2 000 r/min. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox, it’s a punchy engine that motivates the Accord without effort, whilst still delivering fair overall fuel consumption at a claimed 5.8 L/100km.

Three specification levels are available across the Accord range. Elegance models feature 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats with leather trim. Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (BAS), a trailer stability assistance system (TAS), and electric power steering (EPS). The Executive specification includes all of the above, but also adds cruise control, a sunglasses holder, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with a driver’s side memory function, steering wheel-mounted satellite controls for the sound system, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Exclusive specification takes luxury and convenience levels a step further, with a USB/iPod connector for the sound system, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic bi-Xenon headlights with Active Cornering Lighting and High Beam Support System, front and rear parking sensors and a premium audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer.

The Accord’s styling makes it one of the most striking designs in the D-segment – akin to a well tailored business suit – and it’s appeal is further bolstered by the addition of the latest engine and safety technology. But…in a market segment dominated by the German ‘Big Three’, and with Volkswagen keen to make it the ‘Big Four’ with their new Passat, the Honda Accord may continue to lag behind in the brand cachet stakes, especially when it’s on par in terms of pricing, despite its credible build and engineering.

Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

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