Honda has introduced the all-new European-spec 2009 Honda Accord, a car that's wider and lower than its predecessor. How is the Euro Accord relevant to us Americans? It's essentially the same vehicle that carries the Acura TSX badge on our shores.
Styling is revised with sharper edges, a more muscular stance, and a more solid feel. A Tourer five-door model also is offered, allowing for greater cargo capacity and practicality, while still providing a sporty feel. Inside, the emphasis is unmistakably sporty, with sweeping silver trim on the dashboard and center console, strongly bolstered front seats, a black three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with silver trim, and floating backlit instruments with an LCD multi-information display on the center of the speedometer face.
Power options will vary slightly from our TSX, with three powertrains available: a 148-horsepower, 258 lb-ft i-DTEC diesel motor; a 154-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor; and a 197-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor. A six-speed manual is featured as standard on all three engines, with a five-speed paddle-shift automatic available on both gasoline motors. Manual equipped cars also feature a Shift Indicator Light that engages at the optimal shift points for fuel economy.
The Accord's suspension has been given the once-over for improved comfort and handling, receiving a wider track, an all-new front double-wishbone setup, and a new rear multilink rear setup with variable rate dampers. The vehicle's center of gravity also has been lowered -- all these changes together result in reduced body roll and more responsive handling, according to Honda. Electric Power Steering (EPS) also is new and is able to detect instability, automatically initiating steering inputs to guide the vehicle in such a way so as to regain control.
The Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) will be optional throughout the new Accord lineup, composed of three different control functions. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses radar to automatically keep a constant distance behind the vehicle ahead; Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), as the name suggests, detects when the Accord is leaving its lane unintentionally and provides steering input to prevent lane departure; and the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) warns the driver of an impending frontal collision, allowing for a greater chance of preventing the accident.
While Honda still hasn't spilled all the beans on its new European Accord, we'll be taking a closer look at the car in March at its official debut during the Geneva Motor Salon. You'll definitely want to keep it tuned to Motor Trend Online for all your Geneva show updates and even more photos and information live from the show floor.