Author: Zahari Mladenov

The 2010 Honda Accord lineup receives new features on certain models with an expanded application of Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® to vehicles equipped with leather seating surfaces (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and new rear seat ventilation ducts on Accord Sedan EX and EX-L models for more-direct rear passenger airflow. Subtle modifications include graphically optimized climate control buttons and the addition of a trunk roof lining on Accord EX models.

“The Honda Accord offers something for a diverse range of people seeking anything from a comfortable family car to an aggressive coupe with looks and power,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The feature changes to the 2010 Honda Accord elevates its appeal and supports a legendary reputation as a class leader for quality and customer satisfaction.”

The Accord Sedan’s exterior expresses an upscale and powerful presence with a distinctive 6-sided grille, flared fenders and inset character lines sculpted into the sides of the body. Building on the sedan’s design character, the Accord Coupe’s unique muscular stance is highlighted by a longer hood, projector beam headlights and a sleek, lower-profile roofline.

Interior styling on all models seeks to provide attainable luxury with generous standard equipment, world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Activation and XM® Radio. The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and complement the Accord’s sporty side. The fold-down, lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis.

New for 2010, a more-contrasting “lighter” gray color theme for the climate control buttons on all models helps to better differentiate the system controls in relation to nearby dark gray audio system buttons. Models equipped with the available dual-zone automatic climate control enhance the manual fan control override button to include on/off functionality with corresponding changes to the button graphic. For additional simplicity, the dual-zone activation button name changes to “SYNC” from “DUAL.”

Available engine choices include a V-6 and a 4-cylinder engine. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine produces 271-horsepower and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. The VCM system contributes to an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/293 miles per gallon in the Accord Sedan V-6.

The performance-oriented Accord V-6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission exclusively has a 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine (without VCM, hence no “i” in VTEC) that offers an exclusive valvetrain, intake and exhaust system that broadens the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range.

A 190-horsepower 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Accord Sedan EX, EX-L and Accord Coupe LX-S, EX and EX-L. The 2.4-liter Accord Sedan LX and LX-P four-cylinder engine produces 177 hp and features a DOHC i-VTEC valvetrain system. When equipped with the available automatic transmission, both 4-cylinder engines achieve an EPA rating of 21/31miles per gallon city/highway.

Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (available with all 4-cylinder engines and standard on V-6-powered models) and an available 6-speed manual transmission on the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6.

For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, a sophisticated arrangement for any vehicle, inspire spirited handling performance while also supporting a comfortable ride. The 2008 Accord Sedan comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or 16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on the model.

Three audio systems are available – all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer.

A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, and includes a six-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on Accord EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. New for 2010, Accord EX-L models now include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly connecting compatible mobile phones.

The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels standard on the Accord V-6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission. Every model features four-wheel disc brakes.