While a sales sensation in the USA, the V6 Honda Accord hasn’t spun the wheels of buyers here, but that may be about to change now the latest model is offered with a four-cylinder engine.

This four into six twist could be a game changer for this big new Accord, although Honda mixed and matched its motors in a similar way in the late 1990’s. With the arrival of compact Euro Accord in 2002, this model took on the four-cylnder mantle and the larger Accord went solo as a V6. In these days of rationalisation in the car industry to drive down costs, there was a compelling case to add a four-cylinder option to the V6 Accord. Toyota do it with the Camry although they rebadge their V6 as the Aurion, but the two cars are essentially the same. It seems American buyers like the choice of four and six cylinder motors in their large cars these days.

A combination of superior refinement and impressive passive and active safety features could prove a winning formula for this Accord. Factor in affordability with prices starting at a competitive $45,990 at it looks an even more attractive proposition. The big seller is expected to the high spec NT version that retails for $55,000 in four cylinder form, while the 3.5 litre V6 costs anextra $5,000.

The real talking point with this Accord is its Helping Hand technology that aims deliver the driver to their destination in a more refreshed state, by taking care of the small but important driving tasks. Top of the Helping Hand list for doing this is Adaptive Cruise Control for automatic speed adjustment and distance monitoring during motorway cruising. Lane Assist keeps the car safely centered in the traffic lane. Perhaps best of all, is the Collision Mitigation Braking, that uses radar to detect sudden stops by drivers in front and gives you time to respond t by automatically slowing the vehicle.

Someone on the design team for the new Accord must have had a “light bulb” moment, when they dreamt up the High Beam Headlight Support System to automatically control high-low beam switching. In many ways the Helping Hand system is a precursor of the sort of the safety technology that will be common in most new cars in a few short years. Full credit to Honda for bringing this level of safety technology to an affordable large sedan, although it's not surprising for a company that invests $7 billion in research and development.

Performance is well looked after with the choice of an all-new 129kw 2.4 litre 4-cylinder motor, while the thrill seekers are catered for with a heavy hitting 205kw version of the 3.5 litre V6 from the previous model. Honda have spent some serious time and money in developing both engines to muscle up more in the mid rev range power. The four-cylinder power plant features a new iVTEC system for greater smoothness and throttle response. A lot of the focus of the revamp of the V6 was on achieving greater fuel economy. As part of this efficiency drive, three of the six cylinders are sidelined when the car is cruising on light throttle openings at highway speeds.in effect you end up driving a three-cylinder, six cylinder car, albeit for relatively short periods of time.

The V6 is the power play maker in the new Accord range with its strong and incisive performance. It is ideally suited to the cars luxury cruiser image, and perfect for mowing down the miles on the North American freeways that are its natural habitat. It is this ability and the share aggression of the engine that helped to make this one of America’s best selling cars. Minimal engine and road noise from this lusty six, means there is almost a deafening silence in the cabin, so there is little sensation of just how quickly the car is moving. The four cylinder is a smooth and willing, but slightly dull performer.

In four cylinder form the Accord is teamed to an efficient five-speed automatic that does a reasonable enough job of shuffling the gears. However, it lacks the finesses and polish of the six and even seven speed autos found in a number of its rivals. The V6 model fares a little better with its six-speed automatic, that runs a slicker and more effective gear changing operation to compliment the assertive performance of the six-cylinder motor.

A huge passenger compartment is one of the strong selling points of the new Accord with plenty of room for occupants to really spread out and relax in. Those with a hankering for the wide-open interior spaces will simply adore this car. Its chunky conservative lines are slightly less adorable.

The suspension upgrade to the previous model certainly helped raises its road holding game and is built on even further with this model. The steering turn is sharper and offers some welcome increases in road feel, while the car isn’t as easily unsettled by bumpy or undulating surfaces. As admirable as the handling gains are, this is still car built for the comfort loving American car buyer and the cossetted ride, does trade off a bit of the cars agility over more demanding roads. The four-cylinder model with less weight over the front wheels felt the more nimble of the two road test cars. This was especially noticeable when negotiating roads with plenty twists and tight turns, where it was quicker and more assured and responding to these conditions, that the heavier V6.

The verdict

This made for America Honda Accord is ideal for those looking for a big, comfy and well-appointed sedan, but it’s not the sharpest tool in the handling and road holding shed.

Reviewed by Bob Nettleton