Canadian Honda Accord Press Release

The completely redesigned 2008 Honda Accord makes its Canadian debut at dealerships nationwide with Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices ranging from $25,090 for the well-equipped Accord LX Sedan to $38,290 for the sporty Accord EX-L V6 Coupe featuring Honda's satellite-linked navigation system with bilingual voice activation. The new, stylish Accord sedans and coupes feature a wide range of innovative technologies designed for greater efficiency, enhanced safety and improved performance.

"Our new Accord adds popular features and enhancements while maintaining competitive pricing," said Jim Miller, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "Accord has been a perennial segment leader during its 30-yearhistory with Canadian buyers valuing its refined features, strong performance and overall design. The eighth-generation Accord provides Canadians a vehicle that is 'green, safe, fun,' with an emphasis on expressive styling, fun-to-drive performance and innovative packaging."

The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with two variations of a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder and two iterations of the 3.5-litre V6engine. The two L4 engines have 177 and 190 horsepower, respectively, with estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 9.4/6.4 L/100km (with manual transmission).

An available 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine produces 268 horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving advanced Variable Cylinder Management(VCM) technology and achieving low emissions. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power in and 4-and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 11.0/6.7 L/100 km. A 268-horsepower VTEC version of 3.5-litre V6 engine is featured in the Accord Coupe EX-L V6 with the 6-speedmanual transmission.

Another innovative technology for Accord is Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering. This new steering system uses variable mechanical ratio steering, inaddition to variable power assist, to provide precise on-center feel andgreater responsiveness at increased steering angles. Premium quality with a spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord's interior. The spacious interior is intended to provide "equal" seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Redesigned front bucket seatsare larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord's sporty side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility.

The Accord Sedan's exterior styling emphasizes both an athletic anddynamic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Even though the Accord is larger in all dimensions, its torsional rigidity has increased by 20 per cent as a result of advanced body construction.

The Accord Coupe styling radically departs from the sedan with a more aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and enhanced agility. The EX-L Coupe with V6 engine also features larger 18" aluminum alloy wheels, chrome door handles, front fog lights, dual exhaust finishers and rear lip spoiler.

The Accord Sedan rides on a longer wheelbase and is slightly longer than the 2007 model. The Accord Coupe wheelbase is also longer than the 2007 model. The longer wheelbases contribute to improved ride characteristics. The premium suspension design and wider track (along with wider tire sizes and standard ABS and VSA) are intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance in all situations.

Through a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide the highest level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all itscars and trucks, regardless of size or price. Every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System; side curtain airbags; and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's andfront passenger's airbags.

New for Accord is an Advanced Compatibility Engineering(ACE) body structure that enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. All Accords also feature active head restraints designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist and four-wheel-disc anti-lock brake system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for 2008 Canadian Accord Sedan & Coupe:

Accord Sedan LX- 177-hp 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission-$25,090, Automatic Transmission-$26,290

Accord Sedan EX- 190-hp 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission-$27,490, Automatic Transmission-$28,690

Accord Sedan EX-L- 190-hp 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission-$29,890, Automatic Transmission-$31,090

Accord Sedan EX-L Navi- 190-hp 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission-$32,690, Automatic Transmission-$33,890

Accord Sedan EX V6- 268-hp V6, Automatic Transmission-$31,690

Accord Sedan EX-L V6- 268-hp V6, Automatic Transmission-$34,990

Accord Sedan EX-L V6 Navi- 268-hp V6, Automatic Transmission-$37,790

Accord Coupe EX- 190-hp 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission-$27,990, Automatic Transmission-$29,190

Accord Coupe EX-L- 190-hp 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission-$30,390, Automatic Transmission-$31,590

Accord Coupe EX-L Navi- 190-hp 4-cylinder, Manual Transmission-$33,190, Automatic Transmission-$34,390

Accord Coupe EX-L V6- 268-hp V6, Manual Transmission-$35,490, Automatic Transmission-$35,490

Accord Coupe EX-L V6 Navi- 268-hp V6, Manual Transmission-$38,290, Automatic Transmission-$38,290