New Honda Accord review, test drive

TIME FOR AN UPGRADE

Finally we stop. The light is perfect to take some shots of the cabin, and it seems like a good time to inspect the interiors. Indian car buyers have always loved the space and comfort the Accord provides, and they are unlikely to be disappointed here. Space is huge, despite the shorter wheelbase. There’s just as much legroom, due to more efficient interior packaging, and shoulder and head room are also improved. I climb in the back, where many Accord owners in India will sit, and am immediately comfortable. Thigh and back support is super, the seat has just the right amount of firmness and there’s plenty of space for my legs. What’s also nice is that Honda has improved the quality of the doorpads – it feels much more like a luxury car now.

Also significantly improved is the new, more upmarket dashboard. No, the insides don’t ‘pop’ and make you go all weak in the knees as they do on an Audi, but the luxury car vibe here is real. Wood accents, leather and chrome have been blended in a classy manner and the layered centre console with its twin screens is nicely designed. Yes, there are a few cheap bits, but the insides feel so upmarket in general, it’s a pleasant surprise. And the Accord is well-equipped too. There’s an electrically operated rear sunshade, touchscreen controls, a system that mirrors your phone on the touchscreen (HondaLink), lane departure warning and an Eco driver mode.

Honda’s spacious Accord, at one time, was one of the most popular full-sized executive cars in India. It delivered a lot of car for the money, and Indian customers loved it. Today, that corner of the market has become more luxury oriented. Honda’s answer is this nicer-looking, more luxuriously appointed and better-driving new Accord. Expected here at between Rs 26 and 30 lakh, it is unlikely to fundamentally change the dynamics of the market when launched towards the second half of the year. But if you are looking for a comfortable, nice-to-drive and well-equipped car that also offers an added dose of dependability and bulletproof reliability, this could be it.