It does not come as much of a surprise to see that most
two-door coupes with mid-sized sedan platforms haven't stood the test of
time. Trying to desperately infuse a dose of sportiness into an
otherwise boring car, many are little more than less-practical versions
of their four-door counterparts.
There is one survivor of this hard-fought battle: The Honda Accord Coupe. It's a rare breed, really. The Toyota Solara, which could cure sleep apnea merely by looking at it, is long gone, and 2013 marks the final year for Nissan's short-lived two-door Altima. In some regards, Honda has the front-wheel-drive two-door coupe market all to itself.
As heinous as the thought may be, we can't help but wonder why it still exists. With the penultimate decline of manual transmissions and a lack of interest for this type of configuration from the general public and enthusiasts alike, it's easy to question Honda’s logic in offering the Accord Coupe. I'm scared to imagine its sales figures compared to the sedan, let alone for the top-of-the-line model with a manual transmission.
It pumps out a healthy 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-litre V6 engine. The problem is, it sends those horses and torques to the wrong axle compared to the likes of the rear-wheel-drive six-cylinder Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, which all fall into our tester's price bracket. Contrary to what the coupe body style may have historically suggested, the two-door Accord doesn't exactly scream sporty at first.
Outside, it is much more refined than the lamented eighth-generation Accord. The chiseled edges have been softened while proportions are sleeker; the ninth-generation Accord is smaller than the outgoing model after all. The 18-inch wheels, sweeping roofline and C-pillar, along with the narrow headlights and taillights certainly make the car understated and decidedly mature. The amount of chrome may be polarizing to some, what with the grille and various trim pieces all around, but it adds to the car's understated appeal.
Still, it doesn't come across as sporty, but the interior helps a bit. The cabin feels tight and the low-slung seating position is surprisingly driver-oriented, something completely unexpected in the Accord Coupe. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is bright thanks to its two-tone leather seats, and piano black and silver trim pieces.
The layout has been thoroughly reworked for 2013 with top-notch materials all around. The dashboard is soft to the touch, and while there are some areas with hard plastic, they are solid and far from cheap. As with any two-door coupe, the doors are rather large, and in the same breath, some may find them to be heavy and cumbersome, especially with its low seating position.
Forward visibility is superb, yet the thick C-pillar creates a significant blind spot when looking back. Not to worry, though, as our particular tester is equipped with what Honda calls LaneWatch: a camera mounted on the passenger side mirror that does wonders for changing lanes or sharp right turns. When it is activated by the turn signal or a button on the stalk, it relays the information onto one of two screens on the centre stack. Yes, the Accord has two screens, which is terribly redundant considering they can both be set up to display the information.
So, with a sleek yet understated exterior, a refined interior and 278 horsepower sent to the front wheels, where is the Accord's inherent sportiness associated to two-door coupes? Better yet, why does this car still exist in Honda's lineup?
The answers to both questions lie within the bright red start button. Honda could have opted for a more sedate colour — black or grey, for instance — in keeping with the Accord Coupe's refined character. But it didn't. Press the button and the car comes to life, omitting a surprisingly menacing burble from the two chrome exhaust tips out back. Yes, an eyebrow-raising burble, like a beast awakening within the car.
Grip the S2000-inspired shift knob and things begin to materialize. Like it or not, until the NSX hits dealers in 2015, the Accord Coupe is the most enthusiast-oriented car up Honda's sleeve. The Accord's shifter clicks into each gear with long yet tight throws, and the slightly early clutch bite makes it easy to hoon about. Steering is well weighted — not too light yet not too heavy. Considering the power steering system is electronic rather than hydraulic, there is a decent amount of feedback from the front wheels to the driver. As the revs climb and the engine rumbles, it's clear the Accord Coupe has a split personality.
That is, until torque steer comes into play under spirited acceleration, a common occurrence with many front-drivers. It's less of a deterrent and more of a reminder that you're not in a tire-shredding Mustang GT or even Honda's former surgical knife known as the S2000. Rather, you're in a sharp, understated two-door coupe that sometimes likes to have fun, even if it does send power to the wrong axle. Maybe it doesn't make sense from a bean counter or a gear head perspective, but the Accord Coupe is the closest we can get to a Honda with muscle.
Type of vehicle: Front-wheel-drive two-door coupe
Engine: 3.5-litre SOHC six-cylinder with i-VTEC
Power: 278 hp @ 6,200 rpm; 252 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution
Tires: P235/45/R18
Base price/as tested: $35,445/$35,445
Destination charge: $1,640
Fuel economy L/100 km: 11.5 city, 7.1 highway
Standard features: Six-speed manual, ABS, stability control, traction control, EcoAssist, electric power steering, LaneWatch blind-spot monitor, back-up camera, forward-collision warning and lane-departure alert, LED headlights and daytime running lights, rear lip spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome door handles and exhaust tips, heated and power-adjustable mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless entry with push-button start, power door locks and mirrors, AM/FM/CD/AUX premium audio system with seven speakers and 8-inch display, GPS navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-adjustable and heated leather seats and more
Options: Six-speed automatic with paddle-shifters
Source;
http://www.driving.ca/research-car/roadtest/Road+test+2013+Honda+Accord+Coupe/8487957/story.html
There is one survivor of this hard-fought battle: The Honda Accord Coupe. It's a rare breed, really. The Toyota Solara, which could cure sleep apnea merely by looking at it, is long gone, and 2013 marks the final year for Nissan's short-lived two-door Altima. In some regards, Honda has the front-wheel-drive two-door coupe market all to itself.
As heinous as the thought may be, we can't help but wonder why it still exists. With the penultimate decline of manual transmissions and a lack of interest for this type of configuration from the general public and enthusiasts alike, it's easy to question Honda’s logic in offering the Accord Coupe. I'm scared to imagine its sales figures compared to the sedan, let alone for the top-of-the-line model with a manual transmission.
It pumps out a healthy 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-litre V6 engine. The problem is, it sends those horses and torques to the wrong axle compared to the likes of the rear-wheel-drive six-cylinder Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, which all fall into our tester's price bracket. Contrary to what the coupe body style may have historically suggested, the two-door Accord doesn't exactly scream sporty at first.
Outside, it is much more refined than the lamented eighth-generation Accord. The chiseled edges have been softened while proportions are sleeker; the ninth-generation Accord is smaller than the outgoing model after all. The 18-inch wheels, sweeping roofline and C-pillar, along with the narrow headlights and taillights certainly make the car understated and decidedly mature. The amount of chrome may be polarizing to some, what with the grille and various trim pieces all around, but it adds to the car's understated appeal.
Still, it doesn't come across as sporty, but the interior helps a bit. The cabin feels tight and the low-slung seating position is surprisingly driver-oriented, something completely unexpected in the Accord Coupe. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is bright thanks to its two-tone leather seats, and piano black and silver trim pieces.
The layout has been thoroughly reworked for 2013 with top-notch materials all around. The dashboard is soft to the touch, and while there are some areas with hard plastic, they are solid and far from cheap. As with any two-door coupe, the doors are rather large, and in the same breath, some may find them to be heavy and cumbersome, especially with its low seating position.
Forward visibility is superb, yet the thick C-pillar creates a significant blind spot when looking back. Not to worry, though, as our particular tester is equipped with what Honda calls LaneWatch: a camera mounted on the passenger side mirror that does wonders for changing lanes or sharp right turns. When it is activated by the turn signal or a button on the stalk, it relays the information onto one of two screens on the centre stack. Yes, the Accord has two screens, which is terribly redundant considering they can both be set up to display the information.
So, with a sleek yet understated exterior, a refined interior and 278 horsepower sent to the front wheels, where is the Accord's inherent sportiness associated to two-door coupes? Better yet, why does this car still exist in Honda's lineup?
The answers to both questions lie within the bright red start button. Honda could have opted for a more sedate colour — black or grey, for instance — in keeping with the Accord Coupe's refined character. But it didn't. Press the button and the car comes to life, omitting a surprisingly menacing burble from the two chrome exhaust tips out back. Yes, an eyebrow-raising burble, like a beast awakening within the car.
Grip the S2000-inspired shift knob and things begin to materialize. Like it or not, until the NSX hits dealers in 2015, the Accord Coupe is the most enthusiast-oriented car up Honda's sleeve. The Accord's shifter clicks into each gear with long yet tight throws, and the slightly early clutch bite makes it easy to hoon about. Steering is well weighted — not too light yet not too heavy. Considering the power steering system is electronic rather than hydraulic, there is a decent amount of feedback from the front wheels to the driver. As the revs climb and the engine rumbles, it's clear the Accord Coupe has a split personality.
That is, until torque steer comes into play under spirited acceleration, a common occurrence with many front-drivers. It's less of a deterrent and more of a reminder that you're not in a tire-shredding Mustang GT or even Honda's former surgical knife known as the S2000. Rather, you're in a sharp, understated two-door coupe that sometimes likes to have fun, even if it does send power to the wrong axle. Maybe it doesn't make sense from a bean counter or a gear head perspective, but the Accord Coupe is the closest we can get to a Honda with muscle.
Type of vehicle: Front-wheel-drive two-door coupe
Engine: 3.5-litre SOHC six-cylinder with i-VTEC
Power: 278 hp @ 6,200 rpm; 252 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution
Tires: P235/45/R18
Base price/as tested: $35,445/$35,445
Destination charge: $1,640
Fuel economy L/100 km: 11.5 city, 7.1 highway
Standard features: Six-speed manual, ABS, stability control, traction control, EcoAssist, electric power steering, LaneWatch blind-spot monitor, back-up camera, forward-collision warning and lane-departure alert, LED headlights and daytime running lights, rear lip spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome door handles and exhaust tips, heated and power-adjustable mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless entry with push-button start, power door locks and mirrors, AM/FM/CD/AUX premium audio system with seven speakers and 8-inch display, GPS navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-adjustable and heated leather seats and more
Options: Six-speed automatic with paddle-shifters
Source;
http://www.driving.ca/research-car/roadtest/Road+test+2013+Honda+Accord+Coupe/8487957/story.html
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