Things just keep getting bigger.  Mental as Anything first sang about it in the late 70's, but cars have been doing it since they were invented.  The Honda Accord is no exception - starting its life in 1976 as the (only slightly) bigger brother to the diminutive Civic - it's been progressively growing in each of its subsequent incarnations.

There are still two distinctly different Accords available here - the American designed ‘Accord' we tested and the somewhat trimmer Japanese designed and built ‘Accord Euro' we'll be testing soon.

The larger Accord, which is imported from Thailand, is available with a 2.4litre 4 cylinder engine (‘VTI' and ‘VTI Luxury') and with a 3.5litre V6 (‘V6' and ‘V6 Luxury'). The entire Accord range uses the same 5 speed automatic transmission.  Our test car was the VTI Luxury.

Dual zone climate control air conditioning is standard across the range, as are steering wheel mounted paddle-shifts, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, a 6 speaker/6CD MP3 capable in-dash sound system, an adjustable steering wheel which telescopes & tilts and a full-size spare.   The Luxury, for an extra $6.5k, gets an electric sunroof, auto-headlights and rain-sensing wipers, leather seats (heated up front), an 8‑way power adjustable driver's seat and 17" alloys.

As we've come to expect from Honda, it's easy to jump into and adjust seat, wheel and mirrors to your own liking in a matter of seconds and immediately feel at home.  Controls are where you expect them to be without taking your eyes off the road. Audio controls and Cruise control buttons are placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel, within thumbs reach.

Across the range the Driver and Front Passenger are protected with dual stage (& dual threshold) front airbags along with dual-chamber side airbags. Front and Rear side-curtain airbags aren't available on the VTi, but they're standard on the VTi Luxury and both V6 models.  Seatbelts are 3-point all round with pre-tensioners up front.  Four wheel discs (front ventilated) have ABS with EBD & EBA and of course there's traction and stability control.

We drove out west of Melbourne towards the Brisbane Ranges National Park, between Geelong and Ballan.  Our trip ranged from freeway to narrow twisty country roads, with the odd stretch of gravel just for variety.  While the VTi Luxury is no sports car the 2.4litre engine moved our Luxury's 1,565kg without any fuss. The F1 style paddles come into their own in the twisty hilly bits and really enhance the car's driveability in these conditions.  The Michelin tyres, while a touch noisy on some surfaces, hang on well and the car really just goes where you point it without any surprises. We never pushed the Luxury beyond its (or our) limits, so didn't get to experience the ‘Vehicle Stability Assist' and most drivers won't, but it's reassuring to know it's lurking in the background to save you from yourself.   On the open road or freeway, the VTi becomes a very quiet and comfortable cruiser.  The 4 cylinder engine produces a respectable 133kW at 6,500rpm and Honda suggest you will use at least 8.8litres/100km on average. 

The VTi is priced at $29,990 while the VTi Luxury will set you back $36,490.  The V6 and V6 Luxury weigh in at $38,490 and $46,990 respectively. Honda provides a 3 year/100,000km warranty.

Tested July 2008
Vehicle provided by Honda Australia Pty Ltd