Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The New Subaru Forester

Subaru launches the third generation Forester

After much worldwide anticipation from Subaru followers and the general public, Motor Image Pilipinas Inc. has launched the third generation of its award-winning crossover sports utility vehicle, the all new 2008 Subaru Forester.

The completely redesigned new model boasts a bolder, sleeker look, with a more towering stance than previous models. Motor Image calls the new Forester the “epitome of form and function” with its vast improvements in design and comfort while maintaining its focus on safety, quality and capability. The new look is far removed from the old station wagon appeal of the first version. This time, Subaru wants everyone to take notice because now the Forester means business.

FIRST LOOK: 2008 Honda Accord 3.5-liter V6

A new car is really a sight to behold. All the more if it looks totally different from its previous iteration. For many people, a car is a car is a car. But for others, a car is more than just a car.

Recently I got a glimpse of a car that could be worthy of the term "more than just a car." But then, it'll have to take a lot before a particular car model can have full rights to a moniker like that.

But for all intents and purposes, the all-new 2008 Honda Accord 3.5-liter V6 is right up there with the best of the lot, well at least in overall looks and street appeal. For the brief moment I had full claims to it, the new Accord did a good job of impressing me and delighting my passengers.

To put it simply, Honda’s new Accord promises to be one of the most significant introductions of the 2008 model year. And like most Honda products, the automaker has decided to let the product do all the talking.

An aggressive new look is what makes the new Honda Accord stand out among its peers of vehicles that straddle the fine line between the luxury and sport-executive category. It is revolutionary to say the least; quite  a departure from the usually conservative and staid designs Honda has used for the Accord in the past.

First impressions are surely meant to last when you come across this 8th generation Accord, considered to be the second best-selling car in the United States and Honda’s best-selling model. In the Philippines, the Accord has had its share of loyal followers, and they are only too happy to witness the coming of this new model.

And by saying new model, Honda did mean “new."

The new Accord V6 carries with it the natural evolution of design from previous models. Though the exterior may exhibit some slight influences from the BMW 5- and 7-series, especially toward the rear section, this new luxury sedan from Honda is a bold revision of the old look.

Overall, the body looks solidly built, accentuated by the aggressively styled front grille and headlights that stick out with the slightest hint of menace. It looks fast on the road, and its 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine makes this the most powerful Accord ever, although we have yet to verify this since all the time we had with the car was a couple of hours one sunny Sunday afternoon.

The Accord also lays claim to Honda’s new Variable Cylinder Management or VCM643 system, designed to further enhance fuel economy by partial deactivation of some cylinders through freely controlled engine displacement.

The VCM643 system, as the name suggests, allows the engine to go through the 6-4-3 process, improving the overall fuel economy while maintaining the high power output of a V6 engine, as it smoothly shifts from 6 cylinders into 4 cylinders and further into 3 cylinders operation. This new mode allows the Accord V6 to cruise on four cylinders at highway speeds. Three-cylinder mode, meanwhile, is used for city cruising, while six-cylinder mode is activated when full power is needed.

We like the spacious cabin, with lots of legroom and headroom. They say its bigger than any of its predecessors, and that may be a valid point. Opening the sunroof adds to the feeling of more space.

Inside, the new Accord is high-end Honda all the way. The interior materials are high-grade, well-thought out and smells good. The center controls have a lot of buttons, and it does take awhile to figure it all out. These are switches for the aircon, temp, blower, stereo and on-deck CD player.  This stereo system is excellent for a stock model, and its easy to operate. You can store six CDs via the front-loading in-dash disc-player.

Ride quality is exceptionally softer than before, designed to appeal to more family-sedan buyers while still delivering the sporty driving feel the car is known for.

Its got four-wheel independent suspension that features a double-wishbone design in front and a new multilink setup in back. On the road, the Accord is firm without being punishing, and the sedan recovers quickly without any extra bobbing after hitting a bump or dip in the road. Even though there's noticeable body roll on twisty roads, it's by no means excessive and is counteracted by a sense of stability when driving the car aggressively.

This is aided by the Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system, which helps the Accord in terms of maneuverability and accurate steering despite its large body size. Acceleration in city driving is acceptable but you’d often wonder how it would perform on the wide open highways north. It doesn’t blow you away with its power but it does the job of shifting smoothly to get the most out of the transmission.

Based on its general specs and revolutionary design, the new Honda Accord slots itself conveniently in the narrow space between the “I’ve arrived” aesthetic of Toyota’s Camry and the sporty-luxe appeal of the Mazda 6.


The new Accord looks like it promises a lot of fun and excitement to both the executive-type who likes going out during weekends and the family man who wants to be in full control on the road, whether he’s headed to the board meeting or the mall. Maybe we can derive more input and info the next time we come across this fine piece of machinery from Honda.