AS FAR as big cars are concerned, this year was set to belong to the FG Falcon, but support and sentimentality for Ford’s old-stager might yet be swept aside if Honda has anything to do with it. The eighth-generation, front-wheel drive Accord has come out with all guns blazing, thanks to a fresh new look, Commodore-rivalling interior room, a trick V6 with outstanding efficiency and economy, Camry-bothering pricing for the sub-$30,000 VTi versions, and a comfortable and refined interior package that looks and feels more prestige than proletarian. Make no mistake, then, the ‘big’ Accord from America via Thailand is a very real threat to the local sixes.

June 2006-February 2008
Released: Honda Accord Series II
Family Tree: AccordA pleasant and spacious interior and adequate performance from the 125kW/218Nm 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine or 177kW/287Nm 3.0-litre VTEC V6 could not mask the dead steering, some refinement issues and sloppy handling of the Thai-made, seventh-generation Accord sedan. This contrasted vividly to the sporty and involving Honda Accord Euro sedan from Japan, which runs rings around its larger and more awkward sibling. Three models were offered in five-speed automatic versions – the base VTi price-leader, V6 and V6 Luxury. The 2006 facelift involved a completely redesigned boot that left beholders in no doubt about the Honda’s middle-America aspirations.
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