Honda Accord Sport GT (2007) CAR review

Does the Accord Sport GT live up to the name?

That depends on your expectations. Honda makes a VTEC-powered Type S for those who seek revvy thrills. The Sport GT is equipped with a refined, languid, torquey and long-legged diesel powertrain. Combine that easy thrust with the poise and balance afforded by the tuned suspension, and GT is definitely along the right lines. There isn’t a huge amount of steering feedback, and the suspension is still on the soft side, but it feels like a stable platform from which to work, it’s quite supple and smooth, and it can actually entertain on twisting roads. Unfortunately, that suppleness gives way to an omnipresent rumble through the seat on coarse motorway surfaces. While you’re cruising you might also notice flawed dashboard ergonomics (the screen-based air-con controls confuse the most), some plastic mouldings that feel solidly hewn yet cheaply finished, and speakers that aren’t up to the task of transmitting all the stereo can pump through them.

Verdict

The Accord is something of an unsung hero, and the Sport GT makes the most of its many virtues. The price, spec and carbon emissions make a lot of sense for fleet managers. It looks good. It’s an enjoyable drive. In terms of interior space it’s trounced by the Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo – and the big Ford pips it on driving fun too. But the Honda is more exclusive, it’s refined, distinctive and well-equipped too. If it cropped up on my user-chooser list, I’d be tempted.