2014 Honda Accord HFP Coupe Test Drive Review
If our lust factor wasn’t already high enough, with the added goodies, the 2014 Honda Accord HFP Coupe raises it to new levels.
Yes, we said Honda. Ditto Accord. We already raved about the Accord V6 Coupe we tested recently – as an overall package, the combination of style, performance and value makes you wonder why people are paying all that money for those expensive European coupes. And with Honda Factory Performance (HFP to you and me) Package, it’s probably the most desirable Honda for sale right now.
Let’s start with the looks. The Accord Coupe was all new for 2013, and like the all-new sedan, Honda hit the bulls-eye with styling that is handsome, crisp and looks expensive. While the Coupe’s lines are evolutionary from the previous model, the little details added up to a look that was just right. Does the HFP package mess with near styling perfection?
Nope. To start with, the body has been enhanced with a body kit that is beautifully made, and really accentuates the coupe’s long lines. But what really sells the package is the combination of stylish 19-inch alloys that really fill the wheel wells, and a sport suspension that drops the Coupe a tasteful half and inch or so, giving the Accord a tasteful, lean, low, and muscular look that catches the eye.
Our San Marino Red got numerous compliments – even though there are plenty of Accords out there. The added sizzle really resonates with lots of folks, even many who aren’t enthusiasts.
If you’re hanging around waiting for compliments, you’re missing out on the best part of the HFP – the drive. We know Honda engineers are a pretty sharp bunch, and were eager to see what the Factory Performance package brings to the party.
Well, if you’re looking for more power, there ain’t none, but frankly, the 278 horsepower is a true gem, with a wonderful exhaust note, a willingness to rev, and a turbine like smoothness. And the 6-speed manual transmission is light and direct. The clutch is nice and light too, meaning you can easily put up with daily stop-and-go traffic and still be able to savor the joy of snicking through the gears when the road is open.
Choose a twisty road. The HFP suspension is masterful. The ride, while slightly firmer, is never near harsh, is quiet, and makes the Coupe a comfy cruiser. But when you steer into the turns, the HFP responds beautifully, with virtually no body roll, and impressive grip – helped no doubt by those meaty 19-inch tires.
Grip is so good, we found ourselves sliding around on the leather seats when pushing the Coupe to its limits. Like the standard Accord, the steering is light but direct. This is a car that you guide around with fingertips, no need to manhandle to get the best out of it.
One point we will make is the Accord is front wheel drive, and for some enthusiasts, it’s rear wheel drive or nothing. And with this much power, you will occasionally find the steering tugging slightly at the wheel. You’ll also need to have a good driver’s bag of tricks to bring the tail around, if that’s your thing.
That said, you can go very, very quickly with the HFP just as it is. And if you turn your nose up at the Accord because it’s front wheel drive, you ought to test drive it first. You might find that nose brought down a few notches!
When you lower those nostrils you can see that interior changes are minimal, with some nice red floor mats ( a nice match to our car’s exterior) and some red instrumentation lighting. That’s okay, as the interior is already tops in our books – well designed, handsome and with high quality parts. It’s a Honda, after all.
And that also means you can be pretty confident of a well-built car that will tack on the years, give you little trouble and not try to eat you out of house and home. Something you might not be able to say with long-term ownership of some European brands.
The Accord V6 Coupe starts at $30,625. (Add another $2K for Navigation). The HFP Package adds another $4,620 before installation. We’d balance that by saying since the Accord is a high volume model, you probably could negotiate a pretty sweet deal on a new Accord, and that would go a long way to putting the most desirable Honda in your driveway at an affordable price.
And of course, the lust comes is included in the asking price.
Yes, we said Honda. Ditto Accord. We already raved about the Accord V6 Coupe we tested recently – as an overall package, the combination of style, performance and value makes you wonder why people are paying all that money for those expensive European coupes. And with Honda Factory Performance (HFP to you and me) Package, it’s probably the most desirable Honda for sale right now.
Let’s start with the looks. The Accord Coupe was all new for 2013, and like the all-new sedan, Honda hit the bulls-eye with styling that is handsome, crisp and looks expensive. While the Coupe’s lines are evolutionary from the previous model, the little details added up to a look that was just right. Does the HFP package mess with near styling perfection?
Nope. To start with, the body has been enhanced with a body kit that is beautifully made, and really accentuates the coupe’s long lines. But what really sells the package is the combination of stylish 19-inch alloys that really fill the wheel wells, and a sport suspension that drops the Coupe a tasteful half and inch or so, giving the Accord a tasteful, lean, low, and muscular look that catches the eye.
Our San Marino Red got numerous compliments – even though there are plenty of Accords out there. The added sizzle really resonates with lots of folks, even many who aren’t enthusiasts.
If you’re hanging around waiting for compliments, you’re missing out on the best part of the HFP – the drive. We know Honda engineers are a pretty sharp bunch, and were eager to see what the Factory Performance package brings to the party.
Well, if you’re looking for more power, there ain’t none, but frankly, the 278 horsepower is a true gem, with a wonderful exhaust note, a willingness to rev, and a turbine like smoothness. And the 6-speed manual transmission is light and direct. The clutch is nice and light too, meaning you can easily put up with daily stop-and-go traffic and still be able to savor the joy of snicking through the gears when the road is open.
Choose a twisty road. The HFP suspension is masterful. The ride, while slightly firmer, is never near harsh, is quiet, and makes the Coupe a comfy cruiser. But when you steer into the turns, the HFP responds beautifully, with virtually no body roll, and impressive grip – helped no doubt by those meaty 19-inch tires.
Grip is so good, we found ourselves sliding around on the leather seats when pushing the Coupe to its limits. Like the standard Accord, the steering is light but direct. This is a car that you guide around with fingertips, no need to manhandle to get the best out of it.
One point we will make is the Accord is front wheel drive, and for some enthusiasts, it’s rear wheel drive or nothing. And with this much power, you will occasionally find the steering tugging slightly at the wheel. You’ll also need to have a good driver’s bag of tricks to bring the tail around, if that’s your thing.
That said, you can go very, very quickly with the HFP just as it is. And if you turn your nose up at the Accord because it’s front wheel drive, you ought to test drive it first. You might find that nose brought down a few notches!
When you lower those nostrils you can see that interior changes are minimal, with some nice red floor mats ( a nice match to our car’s exterior) and some red instrumentation lighting. That’s okay, as the interior is already tops in our books – well designed, handsome and with high quality parts. It’s a Honda, after all.
And that also means you can be pretty confident of a well-built car that will tack on the years, give you little trouble and not try to eat you out of house and home. Something you might not be able to say with long-term ownership of some European brands.
The Accord V6 Coupe starts at $30,625. (Add another $2K for Navigation). The HFP Package adds another $4,620 before installation. We’d balance that by saying since the Accord is a high volume model, you probably could negotiate a pretty sweet deal on a new Accord, and that would go a long way to putting the most desirable Honda in your driveway at an affordable price.
And of course, the lust comes is included in the asking price.
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