2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Much new has not happened with the Honda Accord of the 2006 model year. A few small revisions to the sheet metal cover and an intelligent cruise control - that's it.
Freshly strengthened by Stefan Grundhoff, Honda wants to stand up to the seemingly overpowering middle class competition from home and abroad. In the last two years, Honda has been able to draw attention to itself, particularly with its 140 hp diesel engine. It stands strong in the feed and was able to stash some prices. But real Honda fans don't let the high-revving gasoline engines get in the way - the core competency of the Japanese with racing experience. Speed instead of cylinder is the motto that not only attracts many people in Germany.
Restrained refreshment
For a facelift of the Accord, however, Honda could have digged a little deeper into their bag of tricks. Because at first and second glance, hardly anything has changed with the new Honda Accord Tourer. The changes to the front and rear of the 4.75 meter long Japanese are, to put it mildly, extremely cautious. The chrome-rimmed radiator grille and the larger roof spoiler are hardly noticeable.
In the interior too, the modifications were more likely to be administered in homeopathic doses. So much remains as it was before: The controls for the new instruments are well processed and clearly laid out. But the operation of the automatic air conditioning and multifunctional screen is still not completely convincing. In return, the seats can be properly adjusted and the handy steering is very easy to hold.
Intelligent distance cruise control
The well-placed control units in the spokes of the steering wheel are now joined by two unappealing control satellites for telephones and the new cruise control system. After some premium manufacturers have already submitted the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) is now also available in the Accord 2.4i Executive. The way the system works is very simple and provides a significant plus in relaxation, especially at moderate freeway speeds.
In addition to setting the speed, the driver sets the required distance to the vehicle in front and only has to worry about steering. The safety distance is maintained via the sensor, which is hidden in the self-confident Honda logo in the radiator grille. If the distance to the cars in front is too small and emergency braking is imminent, the adaptive distance control reports acoustically and visually to the driver, who can then initiate further steps.
Pleasant motorization
With the 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, the Honda is extremely pleasantly motorized. 140 kW / 190 PS and 223 Nm torque, in conjunction with the five-speed automatic, ensure superior propulsion. Those who don't want to cruise all the time get their money's worth, but should leave it with the much more dynamic manual gearbox.
As is typical for Honda, the long-stroke four-cylinder is easy to turn and is really fun from 4,500 tours. The four-valve engine only runs out of air at just under 7,000 revolutions per minute. The bottom line is just under 220 km / h and a sprint potential of 0 to 100 km / h in just under ten seconds. Here you can feel that the automatic swallows some of the agility and ensures an increased consumption of a good ten liters of super per 100 kilometers.
The chassis offers a good compromise between firm and comfortable; the steering is extremely precise. So it is fun to drive the almost 1.6 ton Japanese on winding country roads. At the limit, the Accord Tourer is pious; pushes gently and predictably over the front wheels.
Comfortable space
The space is also comfortable. Long journeys can also be enjoyed relaxed in the rear. Flaw: The belt points are too low for tall passengers and the headrests cannot be adjusted. The trunk not only shines with the low loading sill, but also with an electric opening and closing mechanism that can be operated using the key and switches on the dashboard and flap.
Behind the rear door that swings open is one of the largest luggage compartments in its class. It is 576 liters in the normal state - if you fold down the split rear seat, you can look forward to 1,657 liters. Thanks to the «Quick-Flat-System», it can be folded down with little effort. Briefly pull the lever on the backrest and the seat cushions fold vertically behind the front seats. The resulting area is around 1.80 meters long and 1.30 meters wide.
Almost 40,000 euros
The base price for the well-equipped Honda Accord 2.4i Tourer Executive starts at 31,550 euros. The well-coordinated five-speed automatic costs 1,750 euros extra, but it doesn't have to be for active pilots. Sensible comfort extras such as heated leather seats (1,650 euros), DVD navigation system (expensive 2,550 euros) and adaptive cruise control (1,700 euros) drive the price of the station wagon close to the 40,000 mark. At least as standard: various airbags, electric seats, xenon lights, ESP, dark rear windows and 17-inch aluminum rims.
