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Indeed, this is a sad reality facing Honda’s executive car. With such fierce and heavily competition in the compact sedan and compact sport utility vehicle market, there’s a definite squeeze in the executive car class. And that’s a shame really, since the Accord’s still a wonderful car to drive and to be driven in. For all the things it lacks in the features and looks department, the Accord makes up for it with a solid drivetrain. For instance, the V6 engine still delivers the best thrill ride this side of a roller coaster: 100 km/h comes up in around 7 seconds and it’s creamy smooth to boot. The 5-speed automatic may be de rigueur nowadays, but it’s nicely mated to the engine’s character. Not only does it handle the power very well, it promotes excellent fuel economy too: 8.65 km/L in my tests.

Another thing worth praising is the Accord’s suspension system which balances the comfort with the sporty. Though at the limit, it still can’t match the Germans (it feels floaty at around 190 km/h), the Accord manages to be fun, planted and secure. The suspension does it job excellently, absorbing even the worse of road ruts. The steering’s quite responsive and well-weighted too—although like any Accord thus far, understeer’s still the order of the day when driving at the limit. Brakes are equally good as well, something you’d come to expect from a car capable of sudden gushes of acceleration. Replacing the old traction control system is VSA or Vehicle Stability Assist which is Honda-speak for electronic stability control. This system not only curbs wheel spin, but keeps the vehicle pointed in the intended direction.

So there you have it—despite the Accord’s driving dynamics (powerful engine, responsive chassis, obedient steering, and excellent brakes), properly designed cabin and complete safety features (four airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control), it needs to call more attention to itself. At its 1.7 million price range, the Accord is treading ground populated by poverty-spec German luxury compacts (with badge kudos and nothing else) or large Japanese land yachts with all the fancy toys. The Accord cannot simply offer an infallible driving experience; it has to offer much more. The Accord has to be a parking lot standout, something to make its owner shout “I have arrived”, at least the same way the Toyota Camry does. Honda shouldn’t fret. They have gotten all the ingredients right for a potential winner here, they just have to push the right buttons to come out with a box-office champ.