ON THE ROAD: HONDA ACCORD 2.2 I-DTEC

Accord Has Always Been Underrated In SA.

True, and with not much logical reason, apart from the fact that we are a country of brand snobs who never want to try out anything new. Nevertheless those who dare take the road least travelled often find a pot of the sweet stuff at the T junction.

Guess You Like It Then?

Very much. I’ve actually liked the Accord since the previous generation came to South Africa in the early 2000s. This one is arguably the finest example yet. Admittedly it’s lost some edge as far as looks go, but I reckon that was the aim anyway; go a little conservative on the styling an attract a more mature clientele. Maybe I’m just more mature then.

Then why the anonymity?

I honestly don’t know. The Accord has everything going for it and then some. My 2.2 I-DTEC for example, has a turbo diesel engine pushing out 110kW and 350Nm, which is pretty much in the mix as far as the segment. Folks don’t realise that this car competes with some real heavies, the likes of Audi A4 2.0 TDI, BMW 320D and the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI. With boxing gloves on, pound for pound I reckon it would come out head high. Plus it looks good too. Perhaps people just don’t want to pay for a Honda what they could pay for a similar German premium product, I don’t know.

How’s That Powertrain?

Quite strong as you can see from the figures. And very frugal too. Just check out the average fuel consumption figure for proof. Honda committed a lot of resources towards ensuring its quietness, reducing vibration up front and installing extra noise padding. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons the company has come so late into the diesel game. Torque is accessible early in the action through the 6-speed manual gearbox. Expectedly the gear lever doesn’t conjure up the same short-throw feelings as the S2000 or the Civic Type R, but it is sporty enough.

How’s About All That Blue Inside?

Yes the instrument cluster background lighting is a little on the blue side. At night it looks really good. While the Accord is made solid and boasts the same type of spec as its premium rivals, some of the build materials lack that luxurious feel. Bluetooth connectivity, dual climate control, a radio/ CD player, a USB port, seat warming functions for the front leather seats, electric windows and side mirrors, as well as an optional electric sunroof are just some of the comfort items found inside. It’s a large, comfortable family car that feels its size...

So It Lost Its Driveability?

Not so much. Yes it is a little softer than before and the steering is not as sharp. Yet looking at its rivals you can spot one or two with similar feedback issues, so that won’t rattle the discerning buyer’s cage too far.

Overall Impression?

An exceptional car. Well-appointed, high quality build, strong diesel engine and very driveable. Sadly it’s not from Germany and therefore seems to be priced well out of its league.

QUICK STATS

HONDA ACCORD 2.2 I-DTEC

ENGINE: 2.2-litre (2199 cc) 4-cylinder turbo diesel

GEARBOX: 6-speed manual

POWER: 110kW at 4000rpm; 350Nm at 2000rpm

0 – 100KM/H: 10.6 seconds

TOP SPEED: 209km/h

FUEL AVERAGE: 7.1 l/100km

FUEL RANGE: 915km (combined)

CO2 e: 177 g/km

PRICE STANDARD: R363 900

NATURAL RIVALS: Alfa Romeo 2.4 JTD, Audi A4 2.0 TDI, BMW 320D, Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI, Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI, Volvo S40 2.0D

*PRICE RIVALS: Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTD, Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Cabriolet S Tronic, Audi A4 2.0 TFSI, BMW 130i auto, BMW 320D, BMW X1 sDrive 2.0D, Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT

BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Medium

*A price rival falls within R20 000 or so of the subject’s price on either side of its price spectrum for cars over R350 000, R10 000 for cars of between R250 000 and R350 000 and R5 000 for cars below R250 000.