IF SIZE is a measure of value, then you'd be hard pressed to find a better executive sedan out there than Honda's new Accord.

At nearly 5m long, the car is the length of the Honda Legend, a model that used to be one size bigger.

The expansion, which comes on the back of the Civic's dramatic upsize, puts the Accord ahead of many of its rivals. It is longer, wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase than Toyota's hot-selling Camry and Nissan's current Cefiro.

It is even longer and wider than the class-leading Mercedes-Benz E-class, although the German luxury liner has shorter overhangs and thus a longer wheelbase.

And from a starting price of $98,800 (for the entry-level 2-litre model), the Accord offers a lot of real estate for the buck. In fact, you are getting a range at HDB rates.

Being the largest Accord ever built is not its only selling point - although size is all-important for many customers in this segment. The new car boasts a decent level of refinement and a creditable array of features.

The 2.4-litre version, which seems to be the most balanced one (in terms of power to weight ratio at least), has nearly everything you would want in a big sedan.

For instance, paddle shifters which allow you to switch to manual mode on the fly. It is unlikely anyone would ever need to use this feature, as the car's five-speed autobox is seldom wanting on local roads.

As far as gear changes go, the Accord is a five-star job. Power delivery from its four-cylinder i-VTEC engine is pretty linear, although low-end pull is a little pale.

Running noise is whispery, and the engine is almost silent at idling. Vibration at the wheel is well contained, but detectable nonetheless.

The car's suspension is clearly comfort-biased, but is far from willowy. Honda seems to have transferred some of the Civic's dynamism over to the big sedan, making the car more connected to the road than ever before.

Its variable gear ratio steering system is exceptionally effortless on long hauls, yet quick to respond to sudden inputs. Hence, on the go, the giant is as nimble as a smaller car. Its wide tracks (among the widest in town) allow it a lot of leeway in the handling department.

Creature comforts abound, from electrically adjustable front seats (memory settings for driver) to steering-mounted cruise control and a dual-zone climate control system.

Everything is factory-fitted, including the soft leather upholstery.

If you were fussy about aesthetics, you might find fault with the Honda's design (or the lack of). Its styling reminds you immediately of the BMW 5-series. The long rear overhang, the way the head and tail lamps cut into the fenders, and the angle of the rear windscreen. It even has the unmistakable kink in the C-pillar which BMWs are known for.

If not for the deep relief edged across the length of its shoulders, the Accord's side profile would be shockingly Beemerish. And inside, the sweeping fascia and instrument binnacle have more than a shade of Bavarian treatment.

From a strictly design point of view, a rival like the Camry stands out more because it has a distinct Toyota identity yet comes across as progressive.

I'm not saying the Accord is ugly, not by a long shot. It just lacks a little character. But when you're this huge, it doesn't really matter, does it?

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 29, 2008.