Test drive Honda Accord 4 doors 2006 - 2008 sedan

Vienna waltz

Honda Accord Price: Not determined for sale: Since June 2008
The new European Accord is different from the American counterpart as a Viennese waltz from the usual slow dance. It seems that the movements are the same, but only the Viennese waltz is an order of magnitude faster and more dynamic. He seems to specifically emphasize the sports features in the character of the European. For the first eighth-generation test drive, Honda has chosen the surroundings of the Austrian capital
Meet: Before us is the eighth generation of Honda Accord. The times when the design of cars was created under the influence of fashion alone, remained in the deep bowels of the twentieth century. Nowadays, the main driving force of designer thought has become the policy of manufacturers, which, in turn, is governed by the laws of evolution old as the world. In modern auto business there is a real struggle for survival. And the rules of this struggle with the Mesozoic era almost did not change. The new, eighth generation of Honda Accord is the brightest evidence. The European Accord presented at the Geneva Motor Show differs from the American -made American, as a tyrannosaurus from an ordinary turtle. It is understandable: on the American continent, Accord, in fact, is only one opponent of Toyota Camry. And it was precisely to fight him that the American was formed and bloated from his own significance. In Europe, completely different laws. Here, Accord has much more enemies, and their teeth are much sharper. Tolstoy the flabby American in the old light would be gobbled up without even choked. Therefore, for the European market, Honda once again built a completely different Accord sports, fit, with predatory squint of narrow headlights and a tiger grin of a radiator lattice. In a word, the way European fans of the brand are used to seeing him. This Accord can already fight for a place in the sun with the most dangerous German predators of its segment. After all, it was to the fight with Audi, BMW and Mercedes that an Accord was prepared in the Land of the Rising Sun. And prepared, I must say, not bad!
The mouth of the air intake at the bottom of the bumper has become slightly wider. In the corners of the eyes on both sides of the familiar V-shaped radiator grille there were influxes that gave the Accord muzzle an even more aggressive look. The back of the car was also changed. The shape of the lanterns has become much more complicated and interesting, but the main designers have completely processed the design of the trunk cover. Instead of trapezoidal forms, U-shaped contours are now taken as a basis, so the rear bumper has become much thinner and more elegant.
The interior of the eight looks an order of magnitude more modern than the interior of the ultra -conservative predecessor. At the same time, the number of new -fangled decorative inserts is minimized. And those that are, only emphasize the grace of lines, not dominating over the general style. Together with a large area of \u200b\u200bglazing, the falling contours of the central console visually increase the already quite spacious interior.
But it's time to hit the road! To the turning of the key in the ignition lock, Honda responds with a pleasant, barely distinguishable whisper of a 201-horsepower gasoline engine. Although, in terms of power units (2.0 and 2.4 liters), the new Accord engines line fully repeats the seventh generation, you should not be deceived. Under the hood of the eighth Honda Accord, a completely new motor is hidden, fully complies with the super -fierce standards of Euro 5. Moreover, it is gratifying that the engine has become not only noticeably more environmentally friendly, but also more powerful. The improvement of the proprietary Honda system for adjusting the gas distribution phase I-VTEC, a decrease in the resistance of the exhaust system, an increase in the compression and diameter of the valves made it possible to make new 2.4-liter engines more economically and 11 hp. more powerful. And the Double Click system with a sharp press on the accelerator pedal automatically includes a lower gear for more intense acceleration. And although the maximum power is already achieved on the border of the red zone, one click on the pedal is enough for the VIP Terminal building to be far behind and Honda escapes into the operational expanse of the direct as an arrow of the Avtoboban.
On the parquet of European roads, Accord feels perfectly. The front suspension on double transverse levers is a light evolution of the inheritance, which was obtained from the seventh generation, with one significant difference. In front, a double -circuit depreciation system is now used that prevents the suspension through the sharp increase in the load. Together with a decrease in the center of gravity, increasing the track and hardness of the body, these changes positively affected controllability without loss in comfort.
The seven -cens -disabled system of dynamic stabilization VSA, which will now be delivered in all the trim levels of the car, does not interfere with the driver at all. At the same time, the new VSA practically nullifies the innate insufficient switches of Accord. In addition, coupled with an electrical power with a variable (depending on speed) degree of amplification, the new generation of VSA allows you to equip the Accord with an innovative adaptive system of steering MAEPS (Motion Adaptive ESP). If the car loses stability on slippery coating or with a turn of turn too fast, the system automatically creates an auxiliary force on the steering wheel, telling the driver the correct direction to rotate the steering wheel. According to the first sensations, MAEPS is a real find for those Russian drivers who, despite the lack of experience, sometimes fundamentally do not accept obsessive intervention in their actions by controlling electronics.
A short program of the Vienna waltz for Accord behind. At the first acquaintance, the new Honda simply captivates: it is beautiful, dynamic and malleable. But as soon as the eighth generation of Accord reaches Russia, our acquaintance will certainly be continued during the obligatory dance at the Dmitrovsky training ground, which will show how good the Honda is good in daily use.
Double anti -guide
For the new Accord, for the first time for this model, a front suspension with a variable degree of depreciation is installed. During depreciation at low speed, the oil flow is limited, which ensures a more clear sports management. However, with a sharp increase in the speed of vertical movement of the wheel when moving along the uneven coating, the passage cross section of the shock absorber increases and the depreciation force decreases. The introduction of a double -circuit depreciation system not only beneficially affected comfort, but also protected Accord from unpleasant suspension breaks.

Driving
Gives pleasure. The adaptive system of steering helps on long trips, but electronics do not dominate the driver.
Salon
The outdated design of the seventh generation Accord was replaced by a modern interior with excellent ergonomics.
Comfort
At the traditional high level for Accord. The suspension has become more comfortable, the sound insulation of the salon is better.
Safety
Eight eirbegs with a two -phase opening and active headrests allow you to put the highest score.
Price
Not determined.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Double -circuit suspension, Double Click, Innovation Design.
- For a car with a pronounced sports character, the 201 - horsepower engine is quite modest.
Specifications
Mark and model - Honda Accord 2.4 I -VTEC
Dimensions - 4726x1840x1440 mm
Engine - gasoline, 2354 cm3, 201 l.S./7000 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 5 -speed
Dynamics - max 227 km/h; 9.5 s to 100 km/h
Competitors-Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series
Our opinion
The updated Accord has become much better than its predecessor, especially with regard to interior design. New electronic systems, an adaptive steering wheel that guides the driver’s actions in critical situations, should like car fans who are a huge number in Russia.

Author: Vladimir Makkaveev
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [May 2008]