That said I didn't feel it to be quite as quick as its Nissan Altima competitor, a notion I had verified later when comparing both vehicles torque ratings - 211 versus 246 lb-ft. This might also have something to do with the 6-speed manual transmission in the most recent Altima V6 I tested - Honda has no plans to offer its 6-speed in anything but its upcoming Accord coupe. Still the automatic Honda V6 shows a similar 0 to 100 km/h rating to the Altima, most likely due to its extra gear interval, plus it doesn't torque steer nearly as much, uses much less expensive regular unleaded fuel and provides the best fuel economy in its class at 11.2 / 7.8 L/100 km, and the cleanest emissions at a Tier 2 - Bin 5, LEV II LEV rating. The 4-cylinder receives the same emissions rating while improving on the 2002 models fuel economy from 10.2 / 7.1 L/100 km to 9.8 / 7.1 L/100 - the manual Accord dramatically improves this rating to 9.0 / 6.9 L/100. Both engines feed into a new 5-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels, replacing last year's 4-speed unit. Again, smooth is the key word, downshifting easily and upshifting without agitation. Unfortunately no manual shifting mode is offered.

The Sea-to-Sky highway brings out the best and worst in suspensions. That said I have taken previous Accords up and down its sinewy stretches many a time and have been amply rewarded with positive feedback from the steering complimented by an excellent balance between sporting and comfortable handling and ride dynamics. The new car elevates everything I can remember about the old car measurably. How Honda manages to improve the ride while enhancing performance is a conundrum enveloped in an enigma. Even during sharp 'slow to 30 km/h' sections the Accord easily doubles the posted speed showing only mild understeer and virtually no fuss from the base P195/65R15 tires - P205/60R16's are optional. Honda engineers chose independent double wishbones with coil springs up front and a 5-link independent system in the rear, with hydraulic nitrogen gas-filled shocks at all four corners. Also, combined with the aforementioned torque-sensitivity feature, a new steering damping system reduces kickback allowing smoother operation over rougher pavement.