Yet, despite all of this, there is something amiss with the Accord Coupe.

Cool it may be, but, don't mistake it for a sports car. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

In trying to make this car as cool as ice, Honda has given it a personality that's just as cold; it has all the right components, and is a better performing car in all aspects than the four-cylinder sedan I had several months back, but it doesn't really ignite any feelings within as sports cars are supposed to. It doesn't make my heart beat faster, or want to make me rip down a twisty road, something that sporty coupes are supposed to do. Surprisingly, the less powerful sedan did exactly that. Technically, the V6-powered coupe is brilliant. In practice, it leaves me cold. As Gestalt might've said, the sum just isn't greater than its individual parts.

Specifications (Accord Coupe EX-V6 6MT):

• Price Range (Accord Coupe EX-V6 6MT MSRP): $34,900
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $34,900
• Body Type: 2-door coupe
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 244-hp, 211 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L, 24-valve SOHC V6
• Transmission: 6-spd manual
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,770 / 1,810 / 1,418 / 2,670 mm (187.7 / 71.2 / 55.7 / 105.1 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,498 kg (3,303 lbs)
• Tires: 215/50R17
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 371 L (13.1 cu-ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.4 / 7.2 L/100 km
• Observed Fuel Economy: 11.2 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive; 60/100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: BMW 3-Series Coupe, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Tiburon, Infiniti G35 Coupe, Mazda RX8, Mercedes-Benz CLK, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Pontiac G6 Coupe, Toyota Camry Solara, Volkswagen GTI
• Website: www.honda.ca