That said, the handling of the chassis is better than the steering would suggest – it goes around corners quite nicely. However, it’s no sports car and won’t be happy if pushed.
COMFORT
The whole interior feels good and solid, there’s nothing wrong with it, but it doesn’t feel particularly premium or classy. The quality of materials is average and the seats are comfortable enough for long journeys.
Hondas of late have all had attractive dashboard designs, and the Accord is no exception, with swooping curves and multiple layers and a shield-like expanse of buttons in the centre. Higher level models have plenty of leather on the seats and door cards but it’s quite a cheap-feeling hide.
A nod to the environment is given by an Eco light that flashes on the dashboard if you’re using the throttle in a particular efficient manner –not mashing it to the floor for example.
Sound insulation and wind noise reduction is good, making the Accord a fairly quiet vehicle to run about in.
PRACTICALITY
There are plenty of storage options around the car, with a cubbyhole under the dashboard in the centre console, deep door pockets and good amounts of room under the centre armrest. Between the armrest and the gear stick is another cubbyhole and two cup holders. The glove box has plenty of room and there are more door pockets in the back.
There’s a decent amount of room for three passengers in the back – no headroom or leg space worries to be had here.
FEATURES
Standard features in the entry-level 2.4-litre LX model include 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, manual air con and cruise control, as well as fabric seats and audio controls on the steering wheel. Music fans will be glad of the auxiliary socket for MP3 players.
The EX adds 17-inch alloys and a six-CD changer while the EX Leather package covers the seats in hide and includes fog lamps and a sun roof.
The 3.5-litre is available in LX trim with xenon headlights, 17-inch alloys and a sunroof, parking sensors and dual zone AC, as well as active noise control, which uses the stereo to counteract the boom of the engine. The top-level EX includes leather seats, fog lamps and an upgraded stereo.
SAFETY
Safety features are largely standard across the range. All model feature ABS with electronic brake force distribution as well as Vehicle Stability Assist – Honda’s name for electronic stability control. All five occupants get a three-point seatbelt while the front occupants get airbags and active headrests to reduce whiplash injuries.
The 3.5 EX also gets front side and curtain airbags.
COSTS
The Accord represents decent value, with prices starting at 75,999AED for the entry-level 2.4 LX and rising to 109,999 for the 3.5 EX with leather.
Official fuel economy figures aren't available, but Honda Middle East says you can expect around 9l/100km in the 2.4 and 11.1l/100km in the 3.5.
Major services are due at 40,000km and 80,000km and at the time of writing (January 2010) cost 1,010AED.
PERFORMANCE
