Honda debuted the Accord brand in India in 2001 with the 6th- generation model. It was a good no doubt, but it looked too bland, too much like the then City for buyers, especially when cars like the very Jag-ish Hyundai Sonata and sharp Ford Mondeo were running about. Then came the 7th-generation Accord, which floored everyone with its looks. Everyone bought it in droves; then Honda launched the 221bhp Accord V6, which showed many boy-racers how it was done. It was powerful, but the fuel efficiency figures were woeful. Things like that never bothered Honda, though – they always learned from their mistakes. They’re back with the most powerful Accord ever, the 8th-gen V6, and invited CarWale to have a go in it.
The new Accord V6 distinguishes itself from its more common 2.4-litre, four-pot sibling with a few subtle external touches. A new grille, snazzy alloy wheels, a ‘V6’ badge and the suggestive chrome-tipped twin tailpipes are all that give the game away. This Accord’s V6 powerplant has grown from 3.0 litres to 3.5 litres. Power has leaped from 221bhp to an incredible 275bhp, with torque to match. Yet, the ARAI fuel efficiency figures state nearly 10kpl. Honda have, as always, developed technology to help you have your cake and eat it, too. Let’s start with the obvious: the gearbox is now a five-speed automatic, opposed to the earlier four-speed. What gives it its incredible efficiency is ‘Variable Cylinder Management’. VCM shuts off the fuel going to two or three cylinders when the extra power isn’t needed.
The Accord ups pace effortlessly at any speed. It doesn’t make a difference to this car if you’re accelerating from 40kph to 60kph, or 140kph to 160kph. A slight hesitation, a downshift, a lovely snarl from under the hood, and you’re being propelled rapidly towards your destination. Of course, the car’s weight makes itself felt in corners, and the steering’s variable rack robs it of feel, but as an interstate cruiser that makes a statement while still getting you to your destination refreshed and on time, there is no competition to the Accord V6, available for between Rs 24.8 and Rs 25.35 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. Keep an eye out on CarWale’s road-test section for a full road-test.
