The summer heat makes driving quite tiresome, so it's best to head out early. Luckily, the Honda Accord GT 2008 model - the eighth generation - had slept over at my house, so I set off at 6 a.m. The new Accord has been designed to challenge the traditional premium manufacturers in the D-sector. Retaining consistency was the brief given to Honda's development team.
Unlike previous models which fitted the executive car look perfectly, the new Accord has retained its executive character but has lots of aggression thrown in, especially with its redefined front wings.
The GT model comes with a 1,997cc VTEC engine, a front dropping lip and rear diffuser, which gives a different look from the less sporty model. The sun had just risen, and the Accord seemed to glide on the road: the curves of the body work from front to back, giving a sensation of movement.
But the Accord seemed to want more than just the open road. The protocol had been seen to: I headed to the Armed Forces of Malta's Air Squadron's base.
The open space gave me the chance to enjoy the Accord away from rubble walls, pot holes and traffic. The car accelerated well, considering its weight, and engine noise was minimal. Second gear was very close to first ratio-wise, so there was no point in fierce acceleration. Braking was extremely exact but the steering a little soft for my liking.
I lowered the tyre pressure and things improved. Overall, the new Accord is wider, lower and sportier, with sleeker proportions and a sharp-edged design that gives the car a strong road presence. The driving position is well situated but attention has to be paid to the front wings as they droop rather drastically.
The Alouette's duty crew were admiring the flowing motion of the car as I turned into imaginary corners on the airport apron. The dashboard indicates preferred gear, and at merely 2,100 revs, the indicator was requesting sixth gear.
I obliged and so did the Accord. A stubby, sporty, gear stick with short 'throw' ensures gear changes are snappy, while the three-spoke steering wheel - similar to that sported by the Civic and CRV - is black with silver trim and hosts a complete suite of controls - audio buttons on the left, cruise control on the right and the phone buttons on the lower spoke. It is fully adjustable for reach and rake, with an extra 10 degrees tilt adjustment compared to the previous Accord.
An impressive main instrument panel with blue and red back-lighting and 'floating' needles on the rev counter and speedometer dials form the centrepiece of the dash and underline the more sporting feel of this latest Accord.
Rather than a lever on the door sill, the fuel filler cover is now linked to the driver's door lock switch. Once it is unlocked, you simply press on the flap and it springs open. The suspension geometry has been set up to raise the new Accord's roll centre axis (the point about which it rolls during cornering). The result, in simple terms, means passengers can enjoy a stable, flat ride, minimal body roll, linear cornering feel and more control.
I had no problem finding a volunteer to drive the Honda Accord GT to a shady patch away from the blistering sun, so I could be given a tour of the hangar: it was obvious the AFM pilots were car fanatics too.
At a glance
• Engine: 1997cc
• Max power: 156PS
• Consumption: 39.2 m/pg (combined)
• Gears: 6 + reverse
• Seating: 5
• Acceleration 0-60: 9.3sec
• Dimensions: 4,726mm long, 1,840mm wide, 1,470 high
• Price: from €32,400
Unlike previous models which fitted the executive car look perfectly, the new Accord has retained its executive character but has lots of aggression thrown in, especially with its redefined front wings.
The GT model comes with a 1,997cc VTEC engine, a front dropping lip and rear diffuser, which gives a different look from the less sporty model. The sun had just risen, and the Accord seemed to glide on the road: the curves of the body work from front to back, giving a sensation of movement.
But the Accord seemed to want more than just the open road. The protocol had been seen to: I headed to the Armed Forces of Malta's Air Squadron's base.
The open space gave me the chance to enjoy the Accord away from rubble walls, pot holes and traffic. The car accelerated well, considering its weight, and engine noise was minimal. Second gear was very close to first ratio-wise, so there was no point in fierce acceleration. Braking was extremely exact but the steering a little soft for my liking.
I lowered the tyre pressure and things improved. Overall, the new Accord is wider, lower and sportier, with sleeker proportions and a sharp-edged design that gives the car a strong road presence. The driving position is well situated but attention has to be paid to the front wings as they droop rather drastically.
The Alouette's duty crew were admiring the flowing motion of the car as I turned into imaginary corners on the airport apron. The dashboard indicates preferred gear, and at merely 2,100 revs, the indicator was requesting sixth gear.
I obliged and so did the Accord. A stubby, sporty, gear stick with short 'throw' ensures gear changes are snappy, while the three-spoke steering wheel - similar to that sported by the Civic and CRV - is black with silver trim and hosts a complete suite of controls - audio buttons on the left, cruise control on the right and the phone buttons on the lower spoke. It is fully adjustable for reach and rake, with an extra 10 degrees tilt adjustment compared to the previous Accord.
An impressive main instrument panel with blue and red back-lighting and 'floating' needles on the rev counter and speedometer dials form the centrepiece of the dash and underline the more sporting feel of this latest Accord.
Rather than a lever on the door sill, the fuel filler cover is now linked to the driver's door lock switch. Once it is unlocked, you simply press on the flap and it springs open. The suspension geometry has been set up to raise the new Accord's roll centre axis (the point about which it rolls during cornering). The result, in simple terms, means passengers can enjoy a stable, flat ride, minimal body roll, linear cornering feel and more control.
I had no problem finding a volunteer to drive the Honda Accord GT to a shady patch away from the blistering sun, so I could be given a tour of the hangar: it was obvious the AFM pilots were car fanatics too.
At a glance
• Engine: 1997cc
• Max power: 156PS
• Consumption: 39.2 m/pg (combined)
• Gears: 6 + reverse
• Seating: 5
• Acceleration 0-60: 9.3sec
• Dimensions: 4,726mm long, 1,840mm wide, 1,470 high
• Price: from €32,400