FOR some, a two-litre Japanese sedan is the ultimate expression of middle-class respectability. Combined with an adherence to 'the bigger, the better' rule of thumb, it should come as no surprise then that the new Honda Accord has created a stir in this segment.

To say the eighth-generation Accord has grown is an understatement. It is almost freakishly large. The model is the biggest in its class - with a wheelbase of 2,800mm - and longer, wider, taller and roomier than its two closest rivals, the best-selling Toyota Camry and the Nissan Cefiro. In fact, the Accord is so big that its overall length surpasses that of the most popular Continental competition - the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.

Whatever opinion you may have of its styling, you must admit that the car has presence. Its interior is less successful, though. The super spacious cabin has the same plasticky finish as most Japanese cars, although thankfully, it doesn't look as cheap. The design of the meters is simplistic at best and the expanse of buttons and knobs that passes for a centre console is equally uninspiring.

But what the Accord lacks in form, it more than makes up for in function. It is filled with features not found in the competition, like the reverse side mirror, power lumbar support and an excellent six-speaker sound system with USB interface that allows an iPod to be connected and controlled directly.

Most impressive, though, is the car's handling. The chassis and body are more rigid than before, and the engine and fuel tank were lowered to reduce the centre of gravity by 18mm. As a result, the floor is lower and it is no exaggeration that the car corners flat. At the same time, ride comfort has improved and a new suspension set-up soaks up bumps like a giant sponge.

The variable gear ratio steering is also impressive - it is responsive and avoids feeling nervous at high speed. Even the driving position for taller occupants is better, with a four-way adjustable steering wheel.

There are three engine sizes - 2.0, 2.4 and 3.5 litres - and all are mated to the smooth five-speed automatic transmission with shift-hold control that cuts unnecessary shifting on winding roads.

The entry-level two-litre should be especially helpful in a segment the Accord once dominated a decade ago. It performs adequately but does not have the 2.4's better mid-range torque. Honda says 80 per cent of the parts for the 2.4 engine are new because it was designed for 6 per cent more power and an 8 per cent improvement in fuel economy. The 2.4 model also has more equipment, like a pair of steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, rear electric sun-blind, fog lights and bigger wheels.

But mainly, the new Accord is significant for setting new benchmarks in performance and comfort. Previously, the model was designed solely as a sporty sedan with superior driving performance. To win over a wider group of customers, Honda had to inject a heavy dose of luxury into its DNA in the form of a bigger body, more comfortable cabin and more pronounced exterior styling. It looks like it has done a very good job.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Apr 12, 2008.