2008 Honda Accord: Bigger & Stronger

Motoring Channel Staff - 22/August/2007

California, USA — Honda has taken the wraps off its 2008 Accord, which takes the mid sized car's design to new, if conservative, place. It features an angular style, but one that is unlike the overtly bold designs that are finding favour at Dodge and Chrysler. 

It's a far more subtle design but still squarely aimed at the North American market. In America both sedan and coupe models are offered, but when the car arrives in Australia only the sedan will be available. 

Honda Australia explains that the Accord Coupe is a right-hand drive model only, whereas the Accord Sedan body shell is a global car.

As is the case at present, Honda Australia will offer the Accord Euro alongside the Accord, but the company has yet to make any announcement in regards to the local deployment of the new 2008 model, only to say that it will be coming Down Under.

Taking their lead from the Honda Accord Coupe Concept that was unveiled at NAIAS, aka the Detroit Motor Show, the 2008 Accord models have an advanced, almost high tech look about them, while keeping well clear of anything too radical.

As well as the redesigned exterior, the new 2008 Honda Accord benefits from new interiors, more powerful engines, and a range of new features (none of which have been confirmed for Australia) such as voice activated satellite navigation, hands free Bluetooth phone functionality, and satellite radio.

The Accord is one of Honda's best-selling vehicles on a global scale, particularly so in the U.S., and to improve it's competitiveness the Japanese marque has boosted engine power on both 4- and 6-cylinder models.

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder Accord sedan used to develop 125kW (166hp) and now delivers 134kW (180hp). There is also a second 4-cylinder model in the States that is powered by the same 2.4-litre engine - the same one used exclusively in the Australian-spec Accord Euro (which is unlikely to be sold in Australia because it would clash with the Accord Euro) - and this has also been given a power boost from 140 to 149kW (200hp).

Honda's 3.5-litre V6 engine has also been modified to deliver more power, increasing from 177kW (239hp) to an impressive 203kW (273hp).

Gearbox options for the sedans remain at 5-speeds, both automatic and manual. The Accord Coupe meanwhile can be optioned with a 6-speed manual in addition to the other two transmissions. 

As well as improving performance, Honda has increased interior room in the Accord sedan by way of extending the body by 76mm. The conservatively styled new model is also wider by 28mm and taller by 23mm. The growth in the sedans body size and wheel base provides increased head and leg room, and is expected to yield more boot space.

In tandem with its conservative/luxury exterior design, Honda says it has improved the interior of the 2008 Accord with higher quality materials. Like the company's luxury Legend model (review here) the new Honda Accord sedan also gets a centralised control dial and LCD screen with which to operate and view the cars ancillary functions, not unlike BMW's iDrive system.

Honda has also confirmed the 2008 model Accord will offer power lumbar support along with other high end features, including an electro chromatic (auto-dimming) mirror, and a 6-speaker, 160 watt CD stereo as standard. The optional audio system features a sub woofer in addition to the six speakers, a 6-disc CD changer, and 270 watts of audio power.

Currently the entry-level Honda Accord costs $30,490 in Australia, for the 125kW 4-cylinder model with a 5-speed automatic. Honda Australia has confirmed that it will be offering the new Accord sedan alongside the Accord Euro in the future, but has not confirmed a timetable for the local launch.

Related articles:
- Honda Civic Type R (Road Test)
- Honda CR-V (Road Test)
- Honda Civic Type R - sedan (2007)
- Honda CR-V (2007)
- Honda Legend (Road Test)
- Honda Civic Hybrid (Road Test)
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)
- Honda Accord Coupe Concept (2008)
- Honda REMIX (concept)