Wheelspin galore
With 268 eager horses channelled through the front wheels, there isn't much the fat 18-inch tires can do but break loose when you drive off a little too enthusiastically. Even the traction control system seems half-asleep on the job during step-off, and lazily stumbles in after some embarrassing tire squealing. It especially happens when you're in a hurry and turn a street corner.

0-100 km/h sprints take only 6.6 seconds, which is pretty quick, and the quarter mile is cleared in 14.4 seconds at 161 km/h. Passing power is also impressive, as the car speeds up from 80 to 120 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. Our test car's fuel consumption average is 12.9 L/100 km, which could be better; the Accord V6 with the automatic benefits from a cylinder-deactivation system, but not with the 6-speed manual.

The Accord V6 with the automatic benefits from a cylinder-deactivation system, but not with the 6-speed manual.

The car's handling is in line with its straight-line performance, and doesn't mind throwing its weight around, except for the aforementioned torque steer antics. Curiously, the 6-speed transmission doesn't feel as precise as the one we tested in the previous-gen Accord, and 3rd gear is hard to engage, probably due to journalist abuse.

Competition
This Accord Coupe EX-L V6 6MT lists for $35,490, which is floating in Acura pricing territory. Add the navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity, and the price climbs another $2,800.

As for adversaries, here's the short list:
Hyundai Tiburon GTP, 172 hp, $28,695
Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2010), 310 hp (coming next year)
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P, 263 hp, $34,298
Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE, 270 hp, $31,398
Pontiac G6 Coupe GXP, 252 hp, $35,975
Toyota Solara SLE V6, 210 hp, $36,975

The Hyundai and the Toyota are outdated, and the Nissan is a good value in this group. The Pontiac may seem expensive, but year-long rebates will make it cheaper than the Honda.

Conclusion
The Accord Coupe is a likeable machine, as it performs and looks swell, and has no shortcomings compared to its rivals. There's room for four, and for someone who wants an Accord that's a little different, the coupe is a good proposition.

But the sedan is more practical and has a wider selection of trim levels, so the choice is tough. We prefer the V6 with the automatic transmission, but if you absolutely want a manual transmission with the bigger engine in your Accord, the Coupe is the only choice with the Accord.


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert