Honda Accord 2013 review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

This is Honda's top of the line Accord with a V6 engine and plenty of luxury extras.

How much?

Prices for the ‘large’ Accord start from $31,490 for the four rising through five models to the six cylinder L at $51,990.

What are competitors?

Mazda6, Toyota Aurion, Nissan Maxima are the obvious ones.

What's under the bonnet?

The 3.5-litre V6 delivers 206kW of power at 6200 revs and 339Nm of torque at 4900 revs and is paired with a 6-speed auto.

How does it go?

Has almost as much poke as a 3.6-litre Commodore but is a little slow to kick down.

Is it economical?

Fuel consumption for the V6 is rated at 9.2 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 217 grams per kilometre. We were getting a creditable 9.0 after about 500km.

Is it green?

Gets 3.5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius scores 5)

Is it safe?

It gets all the gear but in a shock result scored only 4 out 5 stars in Australian crash tests. Others have fallen short lately because of the more stringent the front off-set test here.

Is it comfortable?

Has a more premium feel than the previous model. Honda appears to have taken the car up market which doesn't bode well for the future of the all-wheel drive Legend. And who knows what they have planned for the better looking Euro?

What's it like to drive?

Easy peasy. Built for the executive in a hurry. But the technology still needs some polish, particularly the auto-high beam which turns itself on or off at odd times, much to the detriment of oncoming traffic. Comes with adaptive cruise, auto braking and lane keeper technology, all under the banner of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System).

Is it value for money?

Heavily kitted out. Like the camera which activates with the left hand blinker giving the driver a view of the left lane. Comes with leather, dual zone air, keyless start, auto lights and wipers, heated/power adjust front seats, a sunroof, power rear window shade, LED active cornering headlights, front and rear parking sensors along with a reversing camera as well as Bluetooth and a media interface with SUNA satnav and 18 inch alloys with a full size spare.

Would we buy one?

Not until they have worked the bugs out. At this price everything should work and work perfectly.