Honda Accord 2013
In the search for a saloon car of excellence for 2013, the Honda Accord has some tough company. In the bid to win over the ‘large family car’ market, pretty much every manufacturer throws all their efforts into this class of vehicle, knowing that this is the market where price and economy come a close second to comfort and quality.
As we reach the midpoint of 2013, market forces are changing and it is becoming clear that what people are looking for in a good saloon car is the complete package. Value, quality, affordability, safety and of course, style, all play a part in today’s saloon marketplace, and that’s why we think the Accord could just be the surprise outsider in the race for best saloon of 2013.
The state of play in 2012
The family saloon market has been dominated for many years by cars such as the Ford Mondeo, the VW Passat and the Mazda 6. The year 2012 saw several permutations of some of these vehicles, with the newer B6 Passat’s competing shoulder-to-shoulder with tough competition from the BMW 5 Series, the new Mercedes C-Class and Audi’s ever-evolving range of family workhorses.
Despite this infiltration of the family market by some of the luxury brands, high purchase prices kept many of these saloons firmly at the executive end of the spectrum, leaving the playing field open for vehicles with better value for money offerings. In a review by Auto Express, the best family saloon cars of 2012 were as follows:
1. The Skoda Superb: With VW underpinning and a price tag to make you green with envy, the latest model of the Superb beat off competition to win the best saloon of 2012.
2. The Ford Mondeo: Smart looks, efficient engine and a spacious cabin have made this one a winner for many years.
3. Hyundai i40: A surprise outsider for 2012, the i40’s 5-year warranty certainly helped it secure a place in the top 5, but it’s a great car in its own right too.
4. Mazda 6: Great value, fun and head-turning good looks have put this in the top 5 for several years now.
5. VW Passat: A classy cabin, refined driving experience and good fuel efficiency make this a top choice for family buyers.
So that’s how 2012 played out, but what of 2013?
Why the Honda Accord will be this year’s surprise outsider
As the i40 came from outside the field to snatch a top spot in 2012, so the new Honda Accord looks set to break the ranks of the family saloon market in 2013. The Accord has been around for many years, and has tended to be a quieter, more reticent member of the motoring world. However, this latest iteration of the model has a few things to say, and might not be saying them as quietly as you might think.
1. The drive: Go for the 2.2 i-DTEC engine and you’ll enjoy every single one of those 148 horses as you zoom from 0-62 in 9.6 seconds.
2. The silence: Despite its power, the Accord delivers a very quiet and smooth ride, rivalling the Mondeo for miles per gallon.
3. The refinement: With sports suspension, excellent handling and lack of wind noise, the ride is as peaceful and smooth as you could wish for.
4. The space: The interior is remarkably bigger than the previous version, with plenty of room for five adults to sit in comfort.
5. The safety: The Accord has a five-star rating from Euro NCAP crash tests. It has electronic stability control, six airbags and the advanced driver assist system to help with braking, safe distances and staying in lanes on motorways.
6. The reliability: Honda’s reliability is the stuff of legend. The previous Accord was placed 25th in the most reliable cars on the planet.
7. The value: The Accord undercuts its luxury rivals from BMW and Audi by some margin. Although a little pricier than the Mondeos and Passats of the world, resale values are high, the quality is amazing and for the gadgets you get, great value for money.
Overall, the new Accord is a strong competitor for the best saloon car of 2013, and could be a surprise winner at the end of the year. But what do you think? You can give Honda your opinions and review their new Accord for yourself on their website, as well as find out more or book a test drive in one of these ground-breaking new vehicles today.
