New Beginnings - OpenRoad Driver

Car Profiles by Gerry FrechetteAuto FeaturesHonda Accord 2008There is a reason the Honda Accord is one of thetop selling cars in North America year after year. Many reasons,actually, such as value, economy, practicality and reliability. Forthe latest eighth-generation version of the Accord, available in sedanor coupe, Honda has added to those attributes with a larger interior,better performance, more technology and more assertive style.The sedan is longer, wider and taller, resulting in passenger volumesome three percent larger than before and a bigger trunk. Thestyling of both models is more expressive and sporty, something theprevious generation could not claim to be.The sedan and coupe are each available with two versions of thefour- and six-cylinder engines, depending on model. The basic LXsedan gets a 177-hp four, while the EX and EX-L models of bothbody styles have a new 190-hp, 2.4-litre version. The V6 engine is anew 3.5-litre unit with 268 hp, and Variable Cylinder Managementthat enables it to run on three, four, or all six cylinders dependingon the demands placed on it. Power is up across the board, but fuelconsumption isn’t. Again available is a Coupe with six-speed manualtransmission and performance upgrades.All models are very well-equipped, especially on the safety side.Standard are four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, side-curtain airbags,active head restraints, vehicle stability control and traction control.Driving the Accord shows that Honda has certainly paid attentionto its dynamic performance, as it is agile and lively feeling. Add thatto its practical attributes, and you have the new benchmark in affordablemid-size sedans.Specs ACCORD...............................................................• Base price: $25,090 (coupe);$27,990 (sedan)• Body type: 2-door, coupe or4-door, sedan• Layout: front-engine, FWD• Engine: 2.4-litre, DOHC 16-valve4-cylinder; 3.5-litre, SOHC 24-valve V6• Horsepower: 268 @ 6,200• Transmission: 5-spd automaticor manual• Brakes: 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD• Length: (based on sedan EX-L V6)4,935 mm (190.6 in)• Width: 1,846 mm (76.6 in)• Height: 1,476 mm (71.1 in)• Wheelbase: 2,804 mm (110.4 in)• Weight: 1,637 kg (4,431.3 lbs)• Fuel Economy: (city/hwy) 11.0/6.7L/100 kms• Warranty: (mo/kms) 36/60,000comprehensive 60/100,000 powertrainOpenRoad driver |18Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consult Middlegate Honda for complete details.