The Accord's long front overhang points to a completely redesigned grille opening filled with a black plastic inset shaped like a set of spanning wings, the familiar chromed Honda logo at its center. Large triangular headlamp clusters wrap completely around each corner directing the eye up overtop the long sculpted hood toward the rakish windshield. The A-pillar forms seamlessly from the front fender, up over the roofline in a graceful arc and then down again as the C-pillar where it again flows without interruption into the tall rear fender. The car's rear taillights are large as well, wrapping around nearly half of the rear fender and gently pointing upward on the same angle as the C-pillar. Altogether it's an attractive, harmonious design worthy of the fine engineering underneath.

In the wake of Honda's obsession with continual progression absolutely everything about the old car has changed. Starting with the engines, horsepower has increased in the base 4-cylinder from a reasonable 150 to a more enthusiastic 160. Torque is also up from 152 lb-ft to 161, especially noticeable with the automatic transmission - standard is a 5-speed manual with multi-cone synchronizers on first through fourth gears, contributing to a better shift feel and smoother operation. The new engine incorporates i-VTEC technology plus a 100 cc increase in displacement and thus is much more flexible than last year's. What's more, weight has been reduced in base trim from 1,382 kg (3,047 lbs) to 1,370 kg (3,020 lbs). Honda pulled out all the stops with its V6 replacement, pumping up output dramatically from 200-hp to a sensational 240, while torque has improved from 195 lb-ft to 211. It's controlled via a 'drive-by-wire' electronic throttle control system improving pedal feel and quickening throttle response.

Out on the Sea-to-Sky highway, a curving and undulating roadway featuring some of Canada's most beautiful scenic vistas, the base Accord was a joy to drive. Passing power was immediate, an absolute must given the scarce and abbreviated lanes to do so. The 2.4-L engine is wonderfully smooth, revving with alacrity and sending power to the front wheels with nominal torque steer. The 3.0-L V6 didn't show much torque steer either, despite its substantial gain in power. This is partially due to the addition of a torque sensitive steering system that hydraulically boosts opposing pressure, balancing it out at close to zero - clever. Again, just likek the inline-4, the V6 revs effortlessly sending the Accord to immoral speeds instantaneously.