Honda Accord 2.4 AT - Performance Review

The Accord is currently available with two engine options – a 2.4 litre inline four and a 3.5 litre V6. Although the V6 sounds delicious, the 2.4 does the job pretty well. This engine produces 180PS of power at 6500rpm and 222Nm of torque at 4300rpm. Just like all Honda engines, this one is super smooth and refined.

As I said, it doesn’t deliver a punch, but the Accord definitely feels capable. It’s like a soft spoken bouncer in a pub – polite all the way but potent when provoked. Give it some gas and the car accelerates smoothly. There is power everywhere and throttle responses are quick for a car weighing 1500 kilos. The exhaust note too turns sweet when revved hard.  The Accord stays an accomplished mile muncher, feeling very calm and composed cruising the highway at high speeds. The 5-speed gearbox feels good to operate and although the throws are not Jazz or City-like short, shifts are precise.

But what is really enticing about the car is its ride quality. The Accord utilses double wishbones at the front and a multilink rear. As Americans like it, it is set up on the softer side and the ride quality is plush. Be it broken roads, speed breakers or potholes, it soaks up everything brilliantly at all speeds. Expressway road joints? You see them coming, you hear a mild thud but feel nothing at all.

The soft ride takes its toll on the Accord’s handling and this is no corner carving tool. There is a lot of grip available from the 215-section tyres but there is a lot of bodyroll that comes with the size and suspension set-up. This can also be felt during high speed lane changes. The steering is light but feels very connected. It also becomes beautifully weighted at high speeds.

Verdict: The Accord 2.4 manual will set you back by about Rs 20.25 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai. At this price point, it stays a brilliant backseat car that you wouldn't mind driving yourself too. It comes loaded with all creature comfort, a capable (and refined) engine, luxurious interiors and superb ride quality. If you’re not so much of a brand conscious person, the Accord can be a great CEO car for half the price of a similarly sized German luxury sedan.

Also check:

Honda Accord Design Review

Honda Accord User Experience