Honda Accord breathes fire

The previous-generation Accord had a cracker of an engine in form of the 3.0-litre V6. Honda thought this was the right time to give the Accord a new fire-breathing V6.

The previous-generation Accord had a cracker of an engine in form of the 3.0-litre V6. Honda thought this was the right time to give the Accord a new fire-breathing V6. Hence, the 3.5-litre motor which makes a whopping 271bhp and 34.5kgm and promises to shock its more expensive competitors. This high-performing car costs a cool Rs 28.54 lakh.

Engine smoothness is one of Honda's hallmarks and this i-VTEC engine doesn't disappoint. The silky smooth motor revs to its 6800rpm redline without a hint of protest. Power output is apparent right from the word go. It offers strong punch from 3000rpm, with peak power rushing in at 5000rpm. Once past this mark, the Accord gathers a new character. The V6 zips from 0-100kph in a mere 7.8 seconds, which is a massive 3.9 seconds faster than the 2.4-litre Accord automatic. The five-speed auto gearbox responds quickly to the upshifts as compared to downshifts.

The system analyses throttle opening, engine speed and gearing to determine that the car is cruising and shuts off the valves and fuel injection for two cylinders, one on each bank. At lower speeds, the system uses only one bank reducing the fuel consumption. The system utilises all six cylinders when high output is required. The Active Control Engine Mount system dampens the vibrations and you can hardly tell if the VCM is operational.

The 'ECO' light on the instrument cluster flashes when the VCM works. It also features Active Noise Cancellation that negates the boom from the engine by creating sound waves from the car's stereo.

The Accord V6 retains the light steering, which is a boon in the city but feels too light at high speeds for a car that packs so much power. The suspension set-up is tuned to provide maximum comfort to the rear seat passengers.u00a0

Purists will notice the new chrome 'V6' badge, the seven-spoke 17-inch wheels and the twin tailpipes.

Internally, the only change is the new steering wheel with wooden inserts and cruise control. The interiors are spacious and comfy. The Accord V6 is a fast car for sure but Honda has priced it too close to competitors like the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class.

Though the car performs, it lacks the snob value that is standard with the BMW or Mercedes badge. At this price, brand value does matter. So is it worth it? You decide.

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