2013 Honda Accord Sport 4-Door Test Drive

?2013 Honda Accord Sport 4-Door: Both Economical and Spirited.”

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The Accord has long been Honda?s best-selling mid-size car and the all-new 2013 version lineup represents the ninth generation. It is now not only more attractive, it?s also more sophisticated, more luxurious and it?s better equipped and performs better than any other model in the Accord?s 37-year history. The 2013 Honda Accord Sport 4-Door will be built in Ohio, and its launch celebrates 30 years running of continuous U.S. production.

The Accord will be offered as both a coupe and as a four-door sedan, with both based on a slightly shorter wheelbase and exterior length, yet are slightly more compact than the prior generation Accord, while still managing to provide an improvement in interior dimensions, including rear legroom and trunk volume. In essence, the all-new 2013 Honda serves up spaciousness along with a sportier appearance, more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. The Coupe?s wheelbase is 2-inches shorter than that of the sedan, while the overall length is 2.2-inches less.

The four-door sedan version of the Accord will come in the following models: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6 levels, and a new V6 Touring trim, while the 2-door Accord Coupe will be available in LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L V6 trim levels. Hybrid versions will be forthcoming.

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Two powertrains will be initially available, dubbed as Earth Dreams? engines. First is an all-new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with Honda?s first use of direct injection in North America. It produces 185 horsepower along with 181 pound feet of torque (the Sport model will deliver 189 horsepower and 182 pound feet of torque. Next is the 3.5-liter V-6 with revised VTEC + VCM functions that generates 278 horses and 252 pound feet of torque. The Accord lineup will see the first application of a new Earth Dreams? 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/two-motor plug-in hybrid system in early 2013 in the Accord PHEV Sedan.

Honda?s two-motor hybrid system will operate continuously through three modes ? all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive, maximizing fuel efficiency. The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid will also serve as the basis for a conventional hybrid version of the Accord Sedan, which will join the Accord lineup next summer. Four-cylinder models of the Accord will offer a continuously variable transmission that helps the Accord achieve outstanding fuel-efficiency, along with a new 6-speed manual transmission on select models. The Accord?s V-6 engine will offer a choice of either a new 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual in the V-6 Coupe. When the Accord Plug-in Hybrid arrives, it will feature a new electric coupled CVT.

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The new Accord comes with a host of standard features and equipment including: Bluetooth? HandsFreeLink? with audio streaming, USB/iPod? integration, rearview camera and an audio/information screen and an Eco Assist? driving system. EX-trim Accords will continue to offer a choice of fabric or leather seating upholstery.

Additional standard features include: dual-zone climate control, Pandora? internet radio integration and an SMS text messaging function. Available optional features include a hard disc drive-based Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System? with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic, and Adaptive Cruise Control. New visibility technologies include an expanded-view driver?s mirror and Honda?s new LaneWatch? feature ? along with other available features such as LED headlights, daytime running lights and brake lights.

Safety advancements include a thoroughly revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering? body structure and available Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems.

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The exterior of the 2013 Honda Accord Sport 4r-Door displays a more upscale and bolder appearance, with new styling cues for the front grille, front bumper and rear deck lid. Taillamps showcase a new design as well. Building on the design character of the sedan, the Accord Coupe exhibits a more muscular stance.

At first glance, all Accord sedans generally look alike, regardless of their power source, with an attractive exterior packaging that also happens to be quite comfortable inside as well.? My most recent test Honda Accord was the 4-door Sport with the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and CVT automatic transmission, which came with a base sticker of $24,190. The final total came to $24,980. after adding the destination and handling charges. It wore a Basque Red Pearl II metallic exterior with a complementing Charcoal Gray interior treatment with cloth seating.

SUMMARY: ?The 2013 Honda Accord Sport 4-Door with the 2.4-liter inline four cylinder engine and CVT automatic transmission, which allows the consumer to achieve impressive fuel economy while delivering a smooth and compliant ride quality. Handling attributes are positive and deliver a spirited ride quality, with the Sport?s engine delivering more power than the base 2.4-liter engine.

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A host of connectivity and infotainment features are available to satisfy tech savvy individuals. A new LaneWatch feature available on some models is a bit distracting at first – activating the right turn signal turns on a camera that provides an instant view of the vehicle?s right side to warn of obstacles or potential hazards.

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With all the model choices available, it’s entirely possible to select an Accord that?s sure to satisfy nearly everybody?s desires and requirements. Plusses for the new Accord include Honda?s continued, legendary dependability and the infinite inventory of standard equipment. This latest iteration Honda Accord sedan is attractive and generally pleasing to the eye, but the Coupe version stirs a more distinctive emotion in its design execution.

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[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2013 Honda Accord 4-Door Sport [/wptabtitle]
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Base Price: $24,190.
Price as Tested: $24,980
Engine Type and Size: 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve i-VTEC inline four –cylinder with Earth Dreams technology, Direct Injection and Drive-by-wire throttle.
Horsepower (bhp): 189 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 182 @ 3,900 rpm
Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable)
Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Front-Wheel Drive.
Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut with 17 mm stabilizer bar and front shock tower bar.
Rear – Independent Multi-link with 14 mm stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front), ABS, VSA, EBD and BA.Tires: Michelin Primacy MXM-4 All-Season P235/45-R18 mounted on 5-stylized “V”-spoke alloy wheels.Wheelbase:109.3 inchesLength Overall:191.4 inchesWidth:72.8 inchesHeight:57.7 inchesCurb Weight:3,342 lbs.Fuel Capacity:17.2 gallonsEPA Mileage Estimates:26-mpg city / 35-mpg highwayDrag Coefficient:Not listed.0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

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