| Twist the ignition key, and the Accord's 2.3 spins to life, settling
down to a quiet idle-quieter than the aircon fan at speed setting "2."
Look into the engine bay, and you'd be surprised that the Accord actually
has no sound insulation on the firewall. Revved slightly, the engine
produces a smooth clattering sound not unlike a sewing machine.
Ample low-end torque and fluid clutch action make launching from a stop
quick and easy. Quick prods of the sensitive throttle make
the car lunge eagerly forward, and it's always tempting to reach the VTEC
transition point, which ranges from 2300 to 3200 rpm. The previously
docile engine becomes Mr. Hyde at this point, revving quickly to its 6500
redline with a satisfying roar. The engine is quite happy above 3500
rpm, and keeping it in the correct gear is a pleasure with the precise
five-speed manual. One thing about the gearbox, though-a cold engine
and transmission make first gear very difficult to shift into.
Hopefully that will lessen as the car gains some mileage.
While the powerful inline 4 can bring you to a corner quickly, the new
suspension makes sure you go around it just as fast. The front suspension
retains conventional double wishbones, but it's been redesigned with a
lower roll center for reduced understeer. The rear now has five links
per side (upper and lower lateral links, a lateral toe-control link and
leading and trailing diagonal arms) which combine to give double-wishbone
geometry with a Watts linkage to control fore-and-aft wheel movement.
Both front and rear are mounted on subframes for easier and more precise
assembly. The suspension works well, absorbing bumps and road irregularities
with composure. Infamous Metro Manila overnight potholes (That wasn't
there yesterday!) are heard rather than felt.
The steering is rather heavy particularly at parking speeds, and turn-in
is consequently slow. Once into a corner though, the chassis behaves
predictably. Though understeer and body roll are still present,
the car is quite willing to change direction, even given sharp inputs at
the steering wheel. Brakes, front and rear discs with ABS,
haul the car down from speed with no drama or hesitation.

|
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| Silent, but torquey and fast. It's the new
Honda Accord. |
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| Boot is big, but spare tire causes unsightly bulge. |
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| Stable even at triple digit speeds. |
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