2011 Honda Accord Coupe HFP: Limited distribution but guaranteed fun

I must admit that I’m not totally sold on the current generation Honda Accord. Although its engines and transmissions are remarkable, this latest version leaves me wanting. It’s bigger, longer and that little spark that made the Accord fun to drive is now all but gone. What’s more, while the coupe has a nice shape, the sedan’s lines leave something to be desired. That’s my opinion anyway, but as you know, there’s no accounting for taste.

However, though many have criticized the quality of the materials of the more economical versions, the Accord continues to offer quality assembly and better-than-average reliability.

Last week, I had the opportunity to drive a special version of the coupe, the HFP. This is the first time that Honda is offering an HFP (or Honda Factory Performance) version in Canada. After initially bucking the trend of modifying models with accessories that bear a unique label, Honda jumped on the bandwagon. For example, Toyota has its TRD accessories (for Toyota Racing Department) and, of course, Mazda has its Mazdaspeed models. Thus, using accessories offered and approved by the manufacturer, the car can be modified and personalized while improving its performance and handling.

Only 200 units!

This is a limited edition version, as just 200 units will be available in Canada. Among the most significant changes, note that the suspension has been lowered, the shock absorbers perform better, and the 19-inch exclusive alloy rims are fitted with Michelin MXM4 tires.

Of course, it has to show the world that it’s different, and to do so, special front and rear deflectors help identify this rather distinctive Accord. Seeing it for the first time, it’s the grey titanium alloy wheels that jump out at you. Not only is the 10-spoke design very nice, but this original colour adds a unique touch. Thanks to the lower suspension, the front deflector that seems to skim the asphalt and the mini spoiler on the trunk, the car has presence on the road.

It seems that a more could have been done with the passenger compartment, which doesn’t really have anything more than the regular version. Our vehicle was equipped with leather seats as well as a leather-covered knob for the stick shift. The rest is essentially the same as the less exclusive versions. They even resisted the temptation to use aluminum pedals but, while we’re on the subject, you should note that the very large footrest makes the car more pleasant to drive.

The pleasure of driving

Modified cars are often disappointing. So much is put into the presentation that performance, although improved, lets us down. Not so with this car. I had a lot of fun driving it. First of all, and this is nothing new, the 3.5-litre V6 is truly excellent. It loves high gear, it’s smooth and silent, and its power is well distributed. Furthermore, when it isn’t in use, an electronic system deactivates half of the cylinders in order to save gas. Our test car had a six-speed manual gearbox. As with most other Hondas, the shifting is precise and in sync with a virtually flawless clutch.

But nothing’s perfect in this world, so I must mention that the Accord’s ergonomics are still disappointing. The control buttons are well distributed overall, but hard to identify. You have to take your eyes off the road for several seconds if you want to adjust the radio or the air conditioning. On the other hand, the on-board navigation system is efficient and easy to use. As with all coupes, the back seats are average and are not made for bigger people.

A sporty Accord

Because the suspension and centre of gravity are lower, the car is more neutral in turns, which can also be explained by the camber angle of the front wheels (which was modified for different tires). The car is also more stable in curves and its steering is more precise. You’ll have fun taking on turn after turn and playing with the stick shift. I suspect that the sport tires will have a short life span and that they will be expensive to replace, but if you’re the type of person who loves a fun ride, then that’s the price you pay.

Strangely, the more the Accord progresses, the more it appeals to relatively limited segments of the market. Some will say that its purpose has changed, but I believe that it’s more a question of complimentary products diversifying the basic model, which still targets the general public. And it’s perfectly normal that, over time, more specialized versions are added to the line-up.

Overall, the Accord HFP Coupe is a very interesting car. It’s main flaw is the fact that it will be limited to only 200 units in Canada.