Click to play video (flash required) Music by If…
My week with the Honda Accord Coupe V6 could not come at a better time: it has been almost one year to the day since this 2008 model was revealed in Detroit and almost exactly two years since I reviewed the seventh-generation Accord Coupe V6. The eighth-generation Accord is, once again, larger than its predecessor and the coupe more sculpted than the sedan, with the traditional flowing lines that all coupes should wear.
When launched as a concept in Detroit, I loved it; when the vehicle hit showrooms and pictures started popping up, I wasn’t feeling the design anymore. But now that it is in my driveway I think it looks fabulous — the blue on my tester especially brings out the curves and bold look of this design.
Powered by Honda’s 3.5 litre V6, the Coupe V6 puts 268 hp and 248lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. My tester is equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission (A 5-speed automatic is also available for no extra cost on the V6 model).
If you are familiar with Honda’s option packages, throwing out the letters EX-L NAVI will tell you pretty much all you need to know. For those who aren’t familiar, this is the top of the line Accord Coupe with power leather seats, automatic climate control, navigation system, XM satellite radio, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, traction control with VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), 270-watt AM/FM/CD Premium audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer) and much more.
I haven’t spent a lot of time behind the wheel just yet, but my first impressions are very positive. Although different both inside and out from the previous generation, this car certainly is an evolution in design and feels very familiar in many respects.
2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $39,680
For more information on Honda and the Accord visit Honda Canada
Day 2:
The more time I spend behind the wheel of the Accord Coupe the more it feels like a perfect fit. Honda did an excellent job with the ergonomics in this new generation, and interior-wise, I certainly am having difficulty finding fault with it at all.
Of course, with any coupe, there is a slight lack of headroom in the rear, but the Accord seems to have more than the Altima coupe I tested a few weeks ago; according to the specifications it is a whole 8mm extra, but it feels like more. In the front, the drivers seat is positioned low for extra headroom, although it makes visibility out the front more of a challenge.
The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows for the perfect driving position. The centre armrest slides back and forth to accommodate taller and shorter drivers; the only complaint I have is that the arm rest on the door is a tad low unless the driver’s seat is set to the lowest possible position.
The navigation system and HVAC controls are unbelievably easy to reach and use. The joystick for the audio system and navigation is just a finger’s movement away from the six-speed shifter where, your right hand is bound to rest. For the very lazy, the system can be controlled with one touch of a button on the steering wheel and the voice recognition system.
The only change from the previous-generation Accord that is not to my liking is the new gauge layout for the speedometer and tachometer. Actually, the layout, I believe, is identical; more precisely it’s the illumination of the display both day and night that I don’t like. I prefer the old car’s brightly-lit background. Some may prefer the new accented lighting as overall, it is pretty good.
I’m not sure what Honda will do with the interior of the next generation Accord, except make it larger. It’s darn near perfect!
Day 3:
It has been two years since I drove the previous-generation Accord coupe, but I do remember a few key points about the driving experience that seem to have changed with this new generation.
This new Accord coupe seems to ride a little firmer/sportier, although this could be almost completely attributed to the larger wheels with lower profile tires. That previous Accord that I drove sported 16-inch wheels, while this new vehicle has rather large 18-inch wheels with sport-oriented tires.
Another point to note is the folding rear seat in the coupe is a one-piece item, where as in 2006, the coupe had a 60/40 split rear seat.
The transmission feels similar in some ways to the previous generation’s, but is a little notchy in third gear. This seems to be a Honda quirk: I had the same complaint with the Civic Si, but it is outright annoying in the Accord, as you have to forcefully jam the shifter into third gear sometimes.
Acceleration is just as quick as before, if not quicker, and torque steer is plentiful if you pull away with authority. Unlike the old car, this Accord has a wonderful throaty exhaust sound! I found the previous generation’s exhaust too quiet to be sporty, but with this new one, Honda has added a bit of spice with some noise coming on around 3000rpm.
The Accord coupe feels to me like an ideal GT-type vehicle: quick and sporty when you ask for it, but quiet and comfortable on the highway, and with the practicality of five seats (in a pinch) and a generous trunk.
Day 4:
The Accord coupe has got to be the best car I have driven this year — okay, perhaps that’s not saying much, considering it’s only the third car I have reviewed in 2008, but I would put this Accord on my top-10 list for the past 365 days without a doubt.
The only changes I would make to this coupe would be to add something to make it easier to grab the seatbelt as you get in (ala the BMW 3 Series coupe), and a solution for that notchy third gear.
I averaged a very respectable 10.8 L/100km this week in the Accord. With its strong V6 engine and sporting attitude, I consider this very reasonable. I have tested smaller, less powerful cars and achieved much worse fuel economy. The use of regular fuel is a bonus, too, for a vehicle with as much get-up-and-go as the Accord has
Put this car on my list of favourites for 2008; it will take something special to bump it off.
*Rating out of 5:
2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6
Acceleration
[attach]2672[/attach]
Handling
[attach]2674[/attach]
Comfort
[attach]2674[/attach]
Interior
[attach]2674[/attach]
Audio System
[attach]2674[/attach]
Gas Mileage
[attach]2674[/attach]
*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $39,680
For more information on Honda and the Accord visit Honda Canada
the contents of this automatic machine translation we do not guarantee the accuracy, please visit the English original content.Welcome to AutoMK.com!
