Honda Accord

September 18, 2002 - One of the longest-running model names in Europe, the Accord, makes its seventh-generation debut at the Paris Salon in September, with European sales commencing in early 2003. The previous model was unusual in being offered in three unique exterior body styles in the three main regions (USA, Japan and Europe), albeit sharing many components under the skin. This time Honda has rationalised the line-up, dropping the European 5-door hatchback derivative, and is aiming to re-position the Accord in Europe with more aspirational 4-door models such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, Saab and Volvo. To underline this new target, a sporty lifestyle estate derivative will also be offered from next year.

"The difference in Japanese and European customer appreciation for certain design features has become much smaller," said Masahiro Watanabe, assistant chief designer at Honda's Automobile Design Center in Wako, Japan. "So versions for both markets are almost identical now." Production is also now shifted back from UK to Japan.

Meanwhile, the US built Accord sedan has a longer and wider body to accommodate V6 engines and shares no exterior panels with the Europe and Japan versions. The interiors, however, share most parts including the basic dashboard and centre console. The US also continues to offer a coupe version.

Emphasising its sports saloon credentials, the familiar Honda front face has become more aggressive with a stern expression and sharp outlines to the projector-type headlamps. The grille also becomes more chiselled, with an enlarged H-Mark emblem in the centre. The side view is characterised by a simple body section, with a high beltline and no side protector, but relieved by use of a rising crease line and chrome pull door handles.

European influences include the deep sill which juts out to give a more solid stance to the car and a minimising of the tyre-to-wheelarch gap. 16 inch wheels are fitted as standard. The bluff rear end displays overtones of Alfa-Romeo, with narrow horizontal taillamps extending onto the trunklid and small reflectors mounted low down in the deep rear bumper. Shutlines are simple and strong, while detailing such as mirror-mounted indicator lamps add to its quality character.

Honda’s new-found interest in aerodynamics results in a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.26, placing it at the top of the D-segment in Europe. The aim of such wind-cheating properties is to deliver better refinement and improved fuel consumption.

While the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2680mm, width on the new Accord is increased to 1760mm to offer a more spacious, stress free cabin for front and rear passengers. The dashboard theme focuses around a central vee housing the dual zone climate control air conditioning or optional DVD satellite navigation system with touch screen operation. Projector-lit dials with ‘black face’ instrumentation emphasise the driver-focused interior philosophy.

The new Accord will be offered with either a choice 2.0 litre 153bhp (114 kW) or 2.4 litre 187bhp (140 kW). The latter version features a new 6-speed transmission. 2.4 litre models also have the added advantage of Honda’s VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) chassis system. Later next year the Accord will also be offered with Honda’s all-new 2.2 litre diesel engine.

Related stories:
First details 2003 Honda Accord (North America)

	New generation Honda Accord to debut at Paris Motor Show
	Click for larger images	September 18, 2002 - One of the longest-running model names in Europe, the Accord, makes its seventh-generation debut at the Paris Salon in September, with European sales commencing in early 2003. The previous model was unusual in being offered in three unique exterior body styles in the three main regions (USA, Japan and Europe), albeit sharing many components under the skin. This time Honda has rationalised the line-up, dropping the European 5-door hatchback derivative, and is aiming to re-position the Accord in Europe with more aspirational 4-door models such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, Saab and Volvo. To underline this new target, a sporty lifestyle estate derivative will also be offered from next year. "The difference in Japanese and European customer appreciation for certain design features has become much smaller," said Masahiro Watanabe, assistant chief designer at Honda's Automobile Design Center in Wako, Japan. "So versions for both markets are almost identical now." Production is also now shifted back from UK to Japan. Meanwhile, the US built Accord sedan has a longer and wider body to accommodate V6 engines and shares no exterior panels with the Europe and Japan versions. The interiors, however, share most parts including the basic dashboard and centre console. The US also continues to offer a coupe version. Emphasising its sports saloon credentials, the familiar Honda front face has become more aggressive with a stern expression and sharp outlines to the projector-type headlamps. The grille also becomes more chiselled, with an enlarged H-Mark emblem in the centre. The side view is characterised by a simple body section, with a high beltline and no side protector, but relieved by use of a rising crease line and chrome pull door handles. European influences include the deep sill which juts out to give a more solid stance to the car and a minimising of the tyre-to-wheelarch gap. 16 inch wheels are fitted as standard. The bluff rear end displays overtones of Alfa-Romeo, with narrow horizontal taillamps extending onto the trunklid and small reflectors mounted low down in the deep rear bumper. Shutlines are simple and strong, while detailing such as mirror-mounted indicator lamps add to its quality character. Honda’s new-found interest in aerodynamics results in a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.26, placing it at the top of the D-segment in Europe. The aim of such wind-cheating properties is to deliver better refinement and improved fuel consumption. While the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2680mm, width on the new Accord is increased to 1760mm to offer a more spacious, stress free cabin for front and rear passengers. The dashboard theme focuses around a central vee housing the dual zone climate control air conditioning or optional DVD satellite navigation system with touch screen operation. Projector-lit dials with ‘black face’ instrumentation emphasise the driver-focused interior philosophy. The new Accord will be offered with either a choice 2.0 litre 153bhp (114 kW) or 2.4 litre 187bhp (140 kW). The latter version features a new 6-speed transmission. 2.4 litre models also have the added advantage of Honda’s VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) chassis system. Later next year the Accord will also be offered with Honda’s all-new 2.2 litre diesel engine. Related stories: First details 2003 Honda Accord (North America)